Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to enhance, repair, or change the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to enhance appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help restore form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many different goals. Some patients want a more rested appearance. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Some people seek care after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The right procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.
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. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Cosmetic and 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. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.
Common cosmetic goals may include:
- Improving facial balance
- Softening signs of aging
- Refining body shape
- Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
- Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements
Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Pricing may change based on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, facility costs, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Surgery
In reconstructive plastic surgery, the focus is on restoring form, function, or both. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Common reconstructive procedures include:
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after skin cancer excision
- Cleft lip or palate repair
- Burn injury reconstruction
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar repair or revision
- Surgical wound repair
- Facial injury reconstruction
- Congenital difference repair
Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. The goal is often not to look “different.” The best results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.
Patients often consider facelift surgery for:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Lower-face loose skin
- Prominent smile lines
- Drooping cheek tissue
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Procedure (Platysmaplasty)
Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.
A neck lift may help with:
- Prominent neck bands
- Sagging neck skin
- Soft jawline definition
- A heavy area under the chin
- A “turkey neck” appearance
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. Since aging often affects both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift may be done in one plan.
Eyelid Surgery for Tired-Looking Eyes
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:
- Heavy upper lids
- Excess eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Lower eyelid puffiness
- Extra skin below the eyes
- Shadowing under the eyes
- Tired-looking eyes that do not improve with rest
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small eye-area changes can make the face look more rested.
Brow Lift Procedure
Brow lift surgery, or a forehead lift, is used to raise a low or heavy brow. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Low or drooping eyebrows
- Upper eyelid heaviness caused by a low brow
- Lines across the forehead
- Lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
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. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.
Nose Surgery Procedure (Rhinoplasty)
The shape, size, or structure of the nose can be changed with rhinoplasty, often called a nose job. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A raised bridge bump
- A drooping nasal tip
- A wide nasal tip
- A nose that looks crooked
- Nasal size or projection
- Nose asymmetry
- Breathing problems related to nasal structure
If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. That procedure is known as septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. Otoplasty is often chosen for ears that stick out.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Ears that do not match well
- Prominent ear cartilage folds
- Ears with too much projection
- Earlobe shape concerns
Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Procedure
A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
- A less visible upper lip
- Lip imbalance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
A lip lift is different from lip filler. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift improves the upper lip by changing its position and visible shape.
Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery
Facial implant surgery can refine the chin, cheeks, or jawline for better balance. When the chin appears small in relation to the nose or other features, chin surgery may help.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Implants for the cheeks
- Implants for the jawline
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Fat Transfer for Facial Volume
Facial fat grafting uses a patient’s own fat to restore volume. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:
- Hollow cheeks
- Under-eye volume loss
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Thinning soft tissue
- Facial imbalance
Facial fat grafting can be performed by itself or with procedures such as facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial surgery.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts
Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Implants and Fat Transfer Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may address:
- Small natural breast size
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Breast volume loss after weight change
- Breast asymmetry
- More fullness in bras or clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. The main purpose is not to add volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.
A breast lift may address:
- Sagging breasts
- Nipple descent
- Stretched areolas
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction surgery can help improve:
- Neck discomfort
- Shoulder discomfort
- Back strain
- Bra strap grooves
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- Problems with clothing fit
Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.
Revision Breast Implant Surgery
Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.
Patients may consider revision for:
- A change in preferred implant size
- Breast implant rupture
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- Implant shifting
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Natural aging changes after breast implants
- Desire to remove implants
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. Breast reconstruction can use implants, natural tissue, or both.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Implant-supported breast reconstruction
- Flap-based reconstruction
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
This can be a deeply personal choice. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Others choose to stay flat. Either choice can be valid.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Common gynecomastia concerns include:
- Puffy nipples
- Extra tissue beneath the areola
- A fuller male chest
- Male chest asymmetry
- Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts
The right technique depends on whether the fullness comes from fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a combination.
Common Body Contouring Options
Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Body contouring is common after changes from pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
Common tummy tuck concerns include:
- Loose skin on the abdomen
- A lower stomach apron
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method, it is a contouring procedure.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- Abdomen
- Side waist areas, often called love handles
- Hip contours
- Thigh areas
- Arm fullness
- The back
- Chin-neck contour
- Male or female chest area
- Knees
Good skin tone matters. If the skin is loose, liposuction by itself may not be enough. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may visit here be needed in that situation.
Mommy Makeover Procedure
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often includes both breast and abdominal procedures.
Mommy makeover options may include:
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck
- A breast lift procedure
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Breast reduction
- Body contouring with liposuction
- Fat grafting
The term can be misleading, since a mommy makeover is not only for mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.
Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may help with:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Arm skin changes over time
- Difficulty wearing sleeveless tops
- Skin friction in the upper arms
The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. The scar may be worthwhile for patients who want better arm shape, but it should be reviewed carefully.
Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. Many patients choose it after major weight loss.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Loose inner thigh skin
- Thigh skin rubbing
- Difficulty fitting pants
- Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
There are different thigh lift patterns. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.
Lower Body Lift
Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- Significant weight loss
- Bariatric weight-loss surgery
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Aging with major skin laxity
Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.
Body Contouring With Fat Transfer
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- The breasts
- The buttocks
- Hip contour
- Facial soft tissue
- Surface irregularities after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Results may change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Treatment and Revision
A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may address:
- Surgical scars
- Injury scars
- Burn scars
- Thick scars
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that affect range of motion
A scar revision plan may use surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a mix of options.
Skin Lesion Removal Procedures
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.
Removal may be considered for:
- Irritation
- Growth or change
- Bleeding or crusting
- A cosmetic concern
- Pathology or diagnosis
- Improved comfort
If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed 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. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:
- A direct closure
- Using a skin graft
- Reconstruction with local flaps
- More complex reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options
Surgery is not needed for every patient. Early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality concerns may be improved with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
Neuromodulator Injections
BOTOX and other neuromodulators work by relaxing selected facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:
- Glabellar frown lines
- Forehead wrinkles
- Crow’s feet
- Expression lines on the nose
- Dimpling in the chin
- Mild neck bands in certain cases
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Facial Fillers
Dermal fillers restore or add volume. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- Lips
- Cheek volume
- Chin contour
- The jawline
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
Filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.
Medical Chemical Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Uneven colour
- Tired-looking skin
- Early fine lines
- Visible sun damage
- Acne-related marks
- Skin texture concerns
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.
Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments
Laser and energy-based treatments can improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common examples include:
- Laser resurfacing for texture
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- Radiofrequency-based treatments
- Skin tightening treatments
- Laser hair removal or reduction
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where pigment changes can be a risk.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.
These treatments may help with:
- Uneven texture
- Light scarring
- Dullness
- Uneven skin feel
- Small fine lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure
A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
For example:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
- A full abdomen can be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may be improved with a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What is causing the concern?
- Which procedure best treats that cause?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
These trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
What Patients Often Worry About Before Surgery
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. Patients may feel excited, but they may also feel nervous. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the result will look natural.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
This is one of the most common patient concerns. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
A healthy goal is often improved balance instead of perfection.
“How Long Does Plastic Surgery Recovery Take?”
Healing time is different for every procedure. Non-surgical options often involve minimal downtime. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.
Most patients should prepare for:
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary activity restrictions
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Appointments after surgery
- Post-surgery scar care
- Careful return to exercise
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Healing takes time. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.
“Will There Be Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. The goal is to place scars as carefully as possible and help them heal well.
Scar healing depends on:
- Family scar tendencies
- Pigment response in the skin
- The kind of surgery performed
- Scar location
- Wound tension
- Whether you smoke
- Sun exposure
- Post-surgery aftercare
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”
Every surgery has risk. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.
Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:
- General health
- Medications you take
- Nicotine or smoking use
- The procedure selected
- Where the procedure takes place
- The planned anesthesia
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your post-operative care
Benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations should all be discussed during a consultation.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Proper training and credentials matter when researching plastic surgery in Canada. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Important consultation questions include:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- What is the plan if there is a complication?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
This is not about being demanding. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. The final cost may include 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.
If a very low price means less attention to safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare, it can be a warning sign.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Higher concern about infection
- Medical standards that may differ
- Less access to surgical records
- Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Additional costs if revision surgery is needed
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation
During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. It should not feel rushed or pressured.
Before a consultation, consider preparing in these ways:
- Make notes about your main concerns.
- Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- 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.
- Talk about realistic results based on your body or face.
A helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. A good candidate understands that surgery may improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or fix every life problem.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- You are medically well enough for surgery
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
- You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
- You understand healing takes time
- You are comfortable with the risks and limits
- You are choosing the procedure for yourself
- You have realistic goals
A safer plan may involve waiting if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing unstable health, or feeling pressured.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
It may be safe to combine some procedures. Some procedures are safer when staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Examples of combined procedures include:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Profile balancing with rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Mastopexy with augmentation
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
- A customized mommy makeover
- Combining body lift with arm or thigh surgery
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
A safe combined plan should consider health, surgery length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk.
Understanding Your Plastic Surgery Options in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Others repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments can also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
The most popular procedure is not always the best fit. The right option should match your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A good plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Whether the procedure is eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is understanding what each option can and cannot do.