Plastic surgery is a broad field with procedures that can improve, restore, or change areas of the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to improve 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 want to look more rested. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time all help guide the right procedure.
Below, you will find a clear overview of the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, from facial surgery and breast surgery to body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on appearance. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.
Common cosmetic goals may include:
- Creating better facial balance
- Improving visible signs of aging
- Improving body contours
- Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Supporting a better fit in clothing
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
In Canada, most cosmetic procedures are paid for privately. The total fee can depend on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up visits, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures
Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. It may be used after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common types of reconstructive surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
- Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Burn scar reconstruction
- Hand surgery
- Surgical scar revision
- Wound repair
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Correction of congenital concerns
Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Face
Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. The goal is often not to look “different.” Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.
Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift, also called 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.
Patients often consider facelift surgery for:
- Jowls near the jawline
- Lower-face loose skin
- Deep smile lines
- Lowered cheek tissue
- Less clear separation between the face and neck
A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. This may create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled appearance. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Visible neck bands
- Loose skin on the neck
- A soft or undefined jawline
- Fullness below the chin
- A “turkey neck” look
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.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Tired-looking eyes may be improved with eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, by adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Patients may choose upper eyelid surgery for:
- Heaviness in the upper eyelids
- Loose upper eyelid skin
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Visual field concerns in some medical situations
Common lower eyelid concerns include:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffy lower eyelids
- Lower eyelid skin laxity
- Shadowing under the eyes
- A tired look that does 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.
Forehead Lift and Brow Lift Surgery
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may address:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Forehead creases
- Frown lines between the brows
- An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern
A brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. Extra eyelid skin is treated with eyelid surgery, while eyebrow position is treated with a brow lift. 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. The procedure can address cosmetic goals, functional concerns, or both.
Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:
- A nasal bridge bump
- A lowered nose tip
- A boxy nasal tip
- A nose that is not straight
- The size or projection of the nose
- Nose asymmetry
- Airflow issues caused by nasal structure
When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. Appearance is the focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty, while airflow is the focus of functional nasal surgery.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Otoplasty may address:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Uneven ears
- Prominent ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Stretched or uneven earlobes
Otoplasty is common in adults and children. For younger patients, ear growth, maturity, and family goals help guide timing.
Surgical Lip Lift
A lip lift reduces 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.
A lip lift may help with:
- A longer upper lip
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Uneven lip balance
- 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.
Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery
Implants can be used to improve facial balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery can improve facial profile balance when the chin looks small compared with the nose or cosmetic plastic surgery in canada other features.
Facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Cheek implants
- Jawline implant surgery
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to restore volume. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.
Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:
- Cheek hollowing
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Facial volume loss from aging
- Thin facial soft tissue
- Imbalance in facial volume
Depending on the goal, fat grafting may be used alone or as part of a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedure.
Common Breast Surgery Options
In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- A naturally small breast shape
- Volume loss after pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Desire for more fullness in clothing
Some patients feel nervous about results that may look too large or unnatural. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. It does not mainly add volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.
Patients may consider a breast lift for:
- Lower breast position
- Nipples that sit low or point down
- Areola stretching
- Loose breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
Breast Reduction Procedure
To reduce breast size and weight, breast reduction removes extra tissue, fat, and skin.
Breast reduction may help with:
- Pain in the neck
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Back strain
- Grooves from bra straps
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Exercise discomfort
- Difficulty fitting bras or clothes
Some breast reduction procedures in Canada may be considered medically necessary. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Replacement or Removal
Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Changing breast implant size
- Implant rupture
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Breasts that look uneven
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- Desire to remove implants
A breast lift may be done when implants are removed. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction may use:
- Implant breast reconstruction
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple-areola reconstruction
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both paths are valid and personal.
Male Chest Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Puffy nipples
- Gland tissue under the areola
- Extra chest volume
- Uneven shape across the male chest
- Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts
The cause of fullness, whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix, guides the best technique.
Types of Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is often considered after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Abdominal skin laxity
- A lower stomach apron
- Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
- Separated core muscles
- Abdominal changes 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.
Liposuction Surgery
A cannula, which is a thin tube, is used in liposuction to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction can treat:
- The abdomen
- Flank areas
- Hips
- The thighs
- The upper arms
- Back rolls
- The chin and neck
- The chest
- Inner knee area
Good skin tone is important. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is a customized plan for body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.
A mommy makeover can include:
- A tummy tuck procedure
- Surgical breast lifting
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Surgical breast size reduction
- Fat reduction with liposuction
- Body fat grafting
The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. 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 or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
- Aging changes in the arms
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Chafing from upper arm skin
The trade-off is 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 Surgery
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:
- Inner thigh skin laxity
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Trouble with pants fit
- A heavy feeling from extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed 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.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- Major weight loss
- Weight-loss surgery
- Pregnancy-related body changes
- Major loose skin from aging
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Fat Grafting for Body Contouring
Fat can be moved from one body area to another with fat grafting. The goal may be natural volume, smoother contour, or both.
Patients may consider fat grafting for:
- Breasts
- Buttock shape
- Hip shape
- Face
- Surface irregularities after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. Results may change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Treatment and Revision
The look or feel of a scar may be improved with scar revision. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Patients may consider scar revision for:
- Surgery-related scars
- Scarring after an injury
- Burn-related scars
- Thick scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Scars that affect range of motion
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion 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.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Ongoing irritation
- Growth or change
- Bleeding
- A cosmetic concern
- Pathology or diagnosis
- Relief from discomfort
If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer
After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:
- Simple direct closure
- A skin graft
- Local flaps
- More complex reconstruction
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Not every patient requires surgery. For some patients, non-surgical treatments help soften early aging signs, facial lines, volume loss, and skin concerns. These treatments usually have less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments
Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. These treatments are often used to soften expression lines.
Common treatment areas include:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Lines across the forehead
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Lines on the sides of the nose
- A dimpled chin appearance
- Mild neck bands in certain cases
Results are temporary and usually require repeat treatments. Most patients want a softer, rested look rather than a frozen face.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Dermal fillers can restore or add volume. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Dermal filler treatment may involve:
- Lip shape
- Cheek contour
- Chin projection
- Jawline
- Under-eye volume loss
- Lines from the nose to the mouth
- Marionette lines
The result from filler depends on the product, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Common chemical peel concerns include:
- Skin tone irregularity
- A dull complexion
- Mild lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Light acne marks
- Uneven texture
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments
Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- RF skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Laser hair removal or reduction
- Laser treatment for small visible vessels
These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.
Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
These resurfacing treatments can improve:
- Texture
- Mild scars
- Tired-looking skin
- An uneven skin surface
- Small fine lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure
The best place to start is the concern itself, not the name of a procedure. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
Examples include:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- A soft jawline can come from loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full abdomen can be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.
A good treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which procedure treats that cause best?
- What trade-offs come with that option?
Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Most patients feel a mix of emotions before plastic surgery. Patients may feel excited, but they may also feel nervous. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural-looking results.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
This is one of the most common patient concerns. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Good plastic surgery should respect the patient’s natural features, body frame, age, and style.
A healthy goal is often improved balance instead of perfection.
“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Limits on activity
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Care for scars
- Gradual return to exercise
- Gradual settling before final results are seen
Recovery does not happen instantly. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- How your body naturally scars
- Your skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Where the incision is placed
- Pulling on the healing incision
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Sun exposure
- Following aftercare instructions
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”
Every surgery has risk. Risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Safety is influenced by:
- Your overall health
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The procedure selected
- Where the procedure takes place
- The planned anesthesia
- The training and experience of the surgeon
- Your post-operative care
A careful consultation should review benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should understand the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, look for proper training and credentials. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Are you certified as a plastic surgeon?
- Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- How are complications handled?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about being informed.
Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. Pricing depends on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Smaller cities may have different pricing, but cost should not be the only 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
Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Limited follow-up care
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Infection risk
- Different medical standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Trouble getting complications treated after returning to Canada
- Language or translation issues
- Revision surgery costs
When surgery is done closer to home, follow-up may be easier if concerns or complications occur.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
Before the visit, preparation can help:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
- Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
A good consultation should clearly discuss your options. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
Good candidate signs include:
- You have good general health
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
- You understand the recovery process
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- Your goals 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.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Some procedures can be combined safely. Some procedures are safer when staged. A combined plan may save recovery time, but it also needs careful planning because surgery time and healing demands may increase.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Summary of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
Canadian plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Others help repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes may also be improved with non-surgical treatments.
The right procedure is not always the most popular option. The right option should match your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A thoughtful plan should focus on 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.