Plastic surgery includes many surgical options that can refine, restore, or enhance the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to enhance appearance. When plastic surgery helps repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.
People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many different concerns. Some want to look more rested. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The best procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and available 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. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.
Common reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:
- Creating better facial balance
- Reducing age-related changes
- Refining body shape
- Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
Across Canada, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually paid for by the patient. The total fee can depend on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up visits, and location.
What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Burn reconstruction
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar improvement surgery
- Surgical wound repair
- Facial injury reconstruction
- Congenital difference repair
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.
A facelift may address:
- Jawline jowls
- Loose lower facial skin
- Prominent smile lines
- Descent of cheek tissue
- Less clear separation between the face and neck
A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. This approach may help produce a smoother, longer-lasting result without making the face look pulled. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery
Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.
A neck lift may address:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Loose skin on the neck
- A soft or undefined jawline
- A heavy area under the chin
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. For patients with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction under the chin may help. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty helps refresh the eyes by removing or repositioning extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery may help with:
- Heavy upper lids
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Skin resting on the eyelashes
- Vision concerns in some medical cases
Lower blepharoplasty may help with:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffiness
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- A tired look that does not improve with rest
Because small changes around the eyes can refresh the whole face, eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures.
Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift
A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Brow descent
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Vertical lines between the brows
- A heavy expression that seems tired or stern
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. Some patients need only a brow lift or eyelid surgery, while others benefit from both procedures.
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.
Nose surgery can address concerns such as:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- Tip droop
- A boxy nasal tip
- A crooked nasal shape
- How far the nose projects
- An uneven-looking nose
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. Appearance is the focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty, while airflow is the focus of functional nasal surgery.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Otoplasty may help with:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Ears that do not match well
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears that stand out from the head
- Stretched or uneven earlobes
This procedure is common for adults and children. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. The distance is called the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
Common lip lift concerns include:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Limited upper tooth show when smiling
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Poor balance between the upper and lower lips
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Filler adds volume. Lip lift surgery adjusts the position and shape of the upper lip.
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.
Facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Implants for the cheeks
- Jawline augmentation implants
Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.
Fat Grafting to the Face
A patient’s own fat can be used in facial fat grafting 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
- Facial volume loss from aging
- Thinning soft tissue
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting may be used alone or combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Volume loss after weight change
- Breasts that do not match well
- A fuller look in clothing
A common concern is whether breast augmentation will look too large or unnatural. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
Breasts that have dropped can be raised and reshaped with a breast lift, also called mastopexy. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Instead, the goal is to improve breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Dropped breasts
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Stretched areolas
- Stretched breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients combine 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
Extra breast tissue, fat, and skin can be removed with breast reduction to create smaller, lighter, more balanced breasts.
Common breast reduction concerns include:
- Pain in the neck
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Upper back pain
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Skin irritation under the breasts
- Exercise discomfort
- 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 Revision Procedure
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Changing breast implant size
- Breast implant rupture
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- Implant position changes
- Breasts that look uneven
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- No longer wanting breast implants
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 Procedure
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction can use implants, natural tissue, or both.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple-areola reconstruction
- Fat grafting
- Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some patients choose reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Both choices are valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. It may involve liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Common gynecomastia concerns include:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Fullness under the areola
- A fuller male chest
- A chest that looks uneven
- Feeling self-conscious at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
The best technique depends on whether the fullness is caused by fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these.
Common Body Contouring Options
Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is common after 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 abdominal skin
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Separated core muscles
- Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for best cosmetic plastic surgery contouring, not for major weight loss. A tummy tuck is most suitable for patients at a stable weight who want a flatter, better-shaped abdomen.
Liposuction for Body Contouring
Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is meant for body contouring, not overall weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- The abdomen
- Love handles or flanks
- Outer hip area
- Thighs
- Upper arm contours
- Back rolls
- Chin-neck contour
- Chest area
- Knees
Good skin tone matters. If the skin is loose, liposuction by itself may not be enough. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.
Customized Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.
Common mommy makeover procedures include:
- Tummy tuck
- A breast lift procedure
- Surgical breast enhancement
- A breast reduction procedure
- Fat reduction with liposuction
- Body fat grafting
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
Arm lift surgery can help improve:
- Hanging skin under the arms
- Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
- Upper arm changes from aging
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Skin rubbing or irritation
The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.
Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. Thigh lift surgery is common after significant weight loss.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Chafing from loose thigh skin
- Difficulty fitting pants
- Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
- Loose thigh skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss
Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.
Body Lift After Weight Loss
A body lift improves lower-body contour by removing excess skin. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- A major weight change
- Bariatric surgery
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Age-related 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
With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. It may be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Patients may consider fat grafting for:
- Breast contour
- Buttocks
- The hips
- Facial volume
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but not all transferred fat survives. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments
Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Revision Surgery
The look or feel of a scar may be improved with scar revision. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.
Scar revision may address:
- Surgery-related scars
- Injury scars
- Scarring after burns
- Bulky scars
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that pull during movement
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal
Plastic surgery may be chosen for benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when the closure should be as careful as possible. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Skin lesion removal may be done for:
- Irritation
- Noticeable growth
- Bleeding from the lesion
- Cosmetic reasons
- Medical diagnosis
- Relief from discomfort
Changing moles or suspicious skin lesions should be reviewed by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer 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:
- Direct surgical closure
- Skin grafts
- Reconstruction with local flaps
- Advanced reconstructive techniques
Skin cancer reconstruction aims to support safe cancer removal while protecting function and appearance.
Injectable and Skin Treatments
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. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
BOTOX and other neuromodulators relax selected facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:
- Glabellar frown lines
- Forehead wrinkles
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
- Bunny lines on the nose
- Dimpling in the chin
- Neck bands in some cases
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Facial Fillers
Dermal fillers may improve facial volume and contour. Dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that supports and shapes soft tissue.
Common filler areas include:
- Lip volume
- Cheek volume
- Chin contour
- The jawline
- Tear trough hollowing
- Smile line folds
- Marionette lines
Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Medical Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull skin
- Mild lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Mild marks from acne
- Uneven texture
The strength of a peel may be light, medium, or deeper depending on the goal. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments
Skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and aging changes may be treated with laser and energy-based treatments.
Common treatment options may include:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Laser hair removal or reduction
- Vascular lasers for visible redness
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
A deeper resurfacing option called dermabrasion removes outer layers of skin. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.
These treatments may help with:
- Texture
- Surface-level scars
- A dull complexion
- Uneven surface
- Small fine lines
The best treatment depends on the patient’s skin quality, goals, available downtime, and comfort with risk.
Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals
Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- Abdominal fullness may come from fat, loose skin, separated muscles, or internal weight.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is behind the concern?
- Which option is the best match for that cause?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.
“Will the Result Still Look Like Me?”
This is one of the most common patient concerns. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.
“What Is the Recovery Like?”
The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Follow-up visits
- Scar healing support
- A staged return to physical activity
- Results that take time to settle
Healing is not instant. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.
Scar appearance may be affected by:
- How your body naturally scars
- Pigment response in the skin
- Which procedure is done
- Placement of the incision
- Wound tension
- Nicotine exposure
- UV exposure
- How the scar is cared for
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”
No surgery is completely risk-free. Patients should understand possible risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia issues, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- The patient’s health
- Medications you take
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The type of procedure
- The facility where surgery is done
- How anesthesia is managed
- The training and experience of the surgeon
- Your aftercare and follow-up
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should understand the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Plastic Surgeon Credentials in Canada
If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.
Patients should ask:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- Where would my surgery be done?
- Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
- What are the risks for my specific case?
- What happens if I have a complication?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about making an informed choice.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada
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.
Medical Tourism Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians think about travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.
Medical tourism concerns may include:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Travel soon after surgery
- Infection risk
- Medical standards that may differ
- Harder access to records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Language barriers
- Revision surgery costs
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. It should not feel rushed or pressured.
Before the visit, preparation can help:
- List your main concerns before the visit.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
- If photos make your goals clearer, bring them to the consultation.
- Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your body or face.
Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery altogether.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
- You have good general health
- You have a specific concern
- Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
- You can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
- You are prepared for the recovery process
- You understand the risks and can accept them
- Your decision is for you, not someone else
- Your expectations are realistic
Surgery may need to wait if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by another person.
Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Others should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it may also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Facelift with neck lift
- Blepharoplasty with brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
- A customized mommy makeover
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
Your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level all affect the safest plan.
Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures 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. Injectable and skin treatments may help with wrinkles, volume loss, texture concerns, and early signs of aging.
A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
The strongest treatment plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. For procedures such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is education about benefits and limits.