Plastic surgery is a broad field with surgical options that can improve, restore, or adjust areas of the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to refine appearance. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help repair form or function.
In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many personal reasons. Some patients want a more refreshed appearance. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time all help guide the right procedure.
This page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also explains what to think about before booking a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.
Common goals include:
- Refining facial balance
- Reducing signs of aging
- Changing body proportions
- Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
- Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Supporting a better fit in clothing
- Improving confidence in a natural-looking way
Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore normal form and function. Reconstructive procedures may be recommended after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common types of reconstructive surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Reconstruction after burns
- Hand surgery
- Scar improvement surgery
- Repair of wounds
- Repair after facial trauma
- Repair of congenital differences
When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. In many cases, the goal is not a dramatic change. Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.
Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. It may help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
A facelift may help with:
- Jawline jowls
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deep smile lines
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- Less clear separation between the face and neck
Many modern facelift techniques focus on deeper support layers under the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Extra neck skin
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Fullness below the chin
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. Since aging often affects both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift may be done in one plan.
Eyelid Surgery, Also Called Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery can address:
- Heaviness in the upper eyelids
- Excess eyelid skin
- An aged or fatigued look
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Bags under the eyes
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Shadowing under the eyes
- A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small changes around the eyes can make the whole face look more rested.
Brow Lift Procedure
A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
Patients may consider a brow lift for:
- Drooping eyebrows
- Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
- Forehead creases
- Frown lines between the brows
- An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern
Although they can affect a similar area, a brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.
Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty
A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Depending on the patient, rhinoplasty can be cosmetic, functional, or a combination.
Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:
- A raised bridge bump
- A lowered nose tip
- A broad or boxy tip
- A nose that looks crooked
- The size or projection of the nose
- Asymmetry in the nose
- Breathing problems related to nasal structure
When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery
The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Otoplasty may address:
- Ears that stick out
- Ear asymmetry
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears that project away from the head
- Stretched or uneven earlobes
This procedure is common for adults and children. For younger patients, ear growth, maturity, and family goals help guide timing.
Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance
A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. That space is often described as the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
A lip lift may help with:
- A long upper lip
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- A less visible upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Age-related changes around the mouth
A lip lift is different from lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Facial implants may improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery can improve facial profile balance when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other features.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Implants for the chin
- Surgical cheek implants
- Jawline implant surgery
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.
Facial fat grafting may address:
- Cheek hollowing
- Under-eye volume loss
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Thinning soft tissue
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined local plastic surgery with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
Breast surgery is one of the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. Breast implants may be filled with saline or silicone gel. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Small natural breast size
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Uneven breast size or shape
- Desire for more fullness in clothing
Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.
Breast Lift Surgery, Also Called Mastopexy
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. The main purpose is not to add volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.
A breast lift may help with:
- Sagging breasts
- Nipples that point downward
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction may help with:
- Pain in the neck
- Shoulder pain
- Pain in the back
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Health plan coverage is based on provincial rules, patient symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Replacement or Removal
Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common reasons include:
- Changing breast implant size
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- Implant position changes
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Some patients benefit from implant removal together with a breast lift. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may involve implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Reconstruction using tissue flaps
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Revision surgery for symmetry
Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Some patients choose reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Both paths are valid and personal.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. It may involve liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Extra tissue under the areola
- A fuller male chest
- An uneven male chest shape
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
The best technique depends on whether the fullness is caused by fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these.
Body Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. It is often considered after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, which are known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Loose skin on the abdomen
- A lower stomach apron
- Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction
Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Common liposuction areas include:
- Belly area
- Love handles or flanks
- Outer hip area
- Thighs
- Arm fullness
- Back contour areas
- Submental area and neck
- Male or female chest area
- Fat around the knees
Good skin tone matters. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a customized plan for body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Surgical breast lifting
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Fat reduction with liposuction
- Fat grafting for contouring
The term can be misleading, since a mommy makeover is not only for mothers. The procedure can apply to anyone with similar body concerns. A safe plan depends on the patient’s health, goals, recovery time, and plans for future pregnancy.
Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin
An arm lift or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
Common arm lift concerns include:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Aging changes in the arms
- Trouble wearing sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing or irritation
Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift Procedure
Loose thigh skin can be removed with a thigh lift. It is often considered after major weight loss.
Patients may consider a thigh lift for:
- Sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Skin rubbing
- Difficulty fitting pants
- Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
- Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery
Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Lower Body Lift
Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. A body lift can address the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Patients may consider a body lift after:
- Significant weight loss
- Surgery for weight loss
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Aging with major skin laxity
A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Body Fat Grafting
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.
Body fat grafting can involve:
- Breast volume
- Buttock volume
- Hip volume
- Facial contour
- Contour changes after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin and Scar Plastic Surgery Procedures
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may address:
- Surgery-related scars
- Scars from injury
- Burn scars
- Thick scars
- Restrictive scars
- Movement-limiting scars
Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Skin Lesion Removal Procedures
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Skin lesion removal may be done for:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- A lesion that is getting larger
- Bleeding
- Appearance concerns
- Diagnosis
- Physical comfort
Changing moles or suspicious skin lesions should be reviewed by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction
Reconstruction may be needed after skin cancer removal to close the area and restore appearance. Reconstruction is especially common on visible or delicate areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:
- Direct closure
- Using a skin graft
- A local flap
- Complex reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. These treatments usually have less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments
BOTOX and other neuromodulators relax selected facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
Patients may consider neuromodulators for:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Small nose wrinkles
- Dimpling in the chin
- Neck muscle bands in some situations
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Facial Fillers
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that supports and shapes soft tissue.
Dermal filler treatment may involve:
- Lip enhancement
- Cheek contour
- The chin
- Jawline contour
- Under-eye volume loss
- Nasolabial folds
- Lines below the corners of the mouth
Product choice, technique, anatomy, and goals all affect filler results. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peels may address:
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Small fine lines
- Sun damage
- Mild post-acne marks
- Surface texture issues
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based treatments may improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common options may include:
- Laser resurfacing for texture
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- Radiofrequency-based treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Laser hair reduction
- Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels
Skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated should guide the choice of treatment. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper skin resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:
- Skin texture
- Mild scars
- Tired-looking skin
- An uneven skin surface
- Mild lines
Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.
Examples include:
- Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- Fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight may cause abdominal fullness.
- A flat breast appearance may require a lift, implants, fat grafting, or combined treatment.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What anatomy is causing the issue?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Most patients have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.
“Will the Result Still Look Like Me?”
Many patients ask this question. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Plastic surgery that looks natural should fit the patient’s facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is often to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
Healing time is different for every procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, require more planning.
In general, recovery planning may include:
- Post-surgery swelling and bruising
- Reduced activity
- Time away from work
- Post-operative follow-up visits
- Post-surgery scar care
- Slow return to workouts
- Final results that take time to settle
Healing takes time. Many procedures look better over weeks and months.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any procedure with an incision creates a scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Your genetics
- Your skin tone
- Which procedure is done
- Where the incision is placed
- Pulling on the healing incision
- Smoking and vaping status
- How much sun the scar gets
- How the scar is cared for
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
Every operation has possible risks. Risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- Your overall health
- Medications you take
- Nicotine or smoking use
- The type of procedure
- The surgical facility
- The anesthesia approach
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your follow-up care
Benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations should all be discussed during a consultation.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.
Helpful questions include:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- What facility will be used for the procedure?
- Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- What happens if I have a complication?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.
Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada
The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Many factors affect pricing, including procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.
A very low price can be a warning sign if it means corners are being cut on safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada
Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.
Possible concerns with surgery abroad include:
- Less access to follow-up care
- Travel during early recovery
- Infection risk
- Different health care standards
- Difficulty accessing medical records
- Difficulty finding care for complications at home
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Cost of revision surgery
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
- Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
- Share your medical history.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
- Photos may help explain your goals.
- Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.
Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. Realistic patients understand that surgery can help appearance, but it cannot make life perfect or solve every issue.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- You are in good general health
- You have a clear concern
- You are at a stable weight for body contouring
- You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
- You are prepared for the recovery process
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- You want the procedure for yourself
- Your expectations are realistic
You may need to delay surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.
Procedure Combinations in Plastic Surgery
Certain procedures can be safely combined. Some procedures are safer when staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it may also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Abdominoplasty with liposuction
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Fat grafting with facial surgery
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments may also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A responsible approach should be built around safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Whether you are considering eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is learning what each option can and cannot do.