Across Canada, plastic surgery includes several major types of procedures that can refine, rebuild, or enhance the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to enhance appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Canadians may look into plastic surgery for many needs. Many patients simply want to look more refreshed. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Some people seek care after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The best procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and available recovery time.
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. The guide also explains important points to review 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 deals with appearance-related goals. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.
Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:
- Refining facial balance
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Improving body shape
- Restoring lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Improving the way clothing fits
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
Most cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. 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.
Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
- Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
- Reconstruction after burns
- Hand reconstruction
- Scar treatment and revision
- Wound reconstruction
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Congenital reconstruction
Some reconstructive procedures may be covered by a provincial health plan when they are medically necessary. Changes done only for cosmetic reasons are usually not covered.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The best results often look natural and balanced.
Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery
A facelift or rhytidectomy can improve loose tissue in the lower face and jawline. Patients may choose facelift surgery for jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds near the mouth.
A facelift may address:
- Jawline jowls
- Lower-face loose skin
- Deep smile lines
- Descent of cheek tissue
- Loss of definition between the face and neck
A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. A facelift can be part of a larger facial rejuvenation plan that includes a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
Patients may consider a neck lift for:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Extra neck skin
- A jawline that looks less defined
- A heavy area under the chin
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. 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 known as blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery can address:
- A weighted upper eyelid look
- Excess eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
- Visual field concerns in some medical situations
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Under-eye bags
- Lower eyelid puffiness
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- A fatigued look that remains after 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, Also Called Forehead Lift
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.
Patients may consider a brow lift for:
- Brow descent
- A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
- Forehead lines
- Creases between the eyebrows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.
Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing
A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:
- A nasal bridge bump
- A nasal tip that droops
- A wide nasal tip
- A nose that is not straight
- How far the nose projects
- Nasal asymmetry
- Airflow issues caused by nasal structure
Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This part of surgery is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Otoplasty for Prominent Ears
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.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Ears that stick out
- Ear asymmetry
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears with too much projection
- 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
Lip lift surgery shortens the area between the upper lip and the base of the nose. The distance is called the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
Common lip lift concerns include:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Less visible upper teeth when smiling
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Uneven lip balance
- Changes around the mouth from aging
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.
Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery
Facial implant surgery can refine the chin, cheeks, or jawline for better balance. A chin implant may be considered when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Cheek augmentation implants
- Surgical jawline implants
Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.
Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting uses a patient’s own fat to restore volume. Fat is usually taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Fat grafting to the face can help improve:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Under-eye volume loss
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Soft tissue volume loss
- Facial volume imbalance
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts
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
Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.
Breast augmentation surgery can help improve:
- Small natural breast size
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Weight-related breast volume loss
- Uneven breast size or shape
- A desire for more breast fullness in clothing
Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.
Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. It does not mainly add volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.
Breast lift surgery can help improve:
- Breast sagging
- Nipples that sit low or point down
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Loose breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
A breast lift may be combined with implants when more upper breast fullness is desired. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction may address:
- Pain in the neck
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Indentations from bra straps
- Skin irritation under the breasts
- Difficulty exercising
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.
Revision Breast Implant Surgery
Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common breast implant revision concerns include:
- A change in preferred implant size
- Implant rupture
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- An implant that has shifted
- Uneven breast appearance
- Natural aging changes after breast implants
- Desire to remove implants
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
Types of breast reconstruction may include:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Rebuilding the nipple and areola
- Breast fat grafting
- Revision surgery to improve symmetry
The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. Some patients choose reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both options are valid.
Male Chest Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.
Gynecomastia surgery may address:
- Nipple puffiness
- Gland tissue under the areola
- Extra chest volume
- A chest that looks uneven
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape
Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. Body contouring is common after changes from pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, 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 address:
- Extra abdominal skin
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Common liposuction areas include:
- Abdomen
- Side waist areas, often called love handles
- Hip area
- Inner or outer thighs
- Upper arm area
- Back rolls
- The chin and neck
- Chest fullness
- The knees
Skin tone is an important factor. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.
A customized mommy makeover may involve:
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck
- Mastopexy
- Breast augmentation surgery
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction surgery
- Fat grafting
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It may be suitable for anyone with similar body changes. The best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift Surgery, Also Called Brachioplasty
Loose upper arm skin can be removed with an arm lift, also called brachioplasty.
Common arm lift concerns include:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Arm skin changes over time
- Difficulty wearing sleeveless tops
- Irritation from loose arm skin
The main 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
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. It is often considered after major weight loss.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Inner thigh skin laxity
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Difficulty fitting pants
- Extra skin that feels heavy
- Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes
There are different thigh lift patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it 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
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Pregnancy-related skin looseness
- Aging changes with loose skin
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. Before a body lift, patients should be healthy overall and close to a stable weight.
Fat Grafting for Body Contouring
Fat can be moved from one body area to another with fat grafting. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast shape
- Buttocks
- Hip shape
- Facial volume
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but not all transferred fat survives. Results can change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Skin and Scar Plastic Surgery Procedures
Skin surface concerns, scars, and soft tissue problems may also be treated with plastic surgery.
Surgical Scar Revision
A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision surgery can help improve:
- Post-surgical scars
- Scarring after an injury
- Scarring after burns
- Bulky scars
- Tight or pulling scars
- Scars that limit movement
A scar revision plan may use surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a mix of options.
Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be done for:
- Irritation
- A growing lesion
- Recurrent bleeding
- A cosmetic concern
- Pathology or diagnosis
- Comfort in daily life
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. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- A direct closure
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Reconstruction with local flaps
- Complex reconstruction
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options
Not every patient requires surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
Neuromodulator Injections
BOTOX and other neuromodulators relax selected facial muscles. They are often used for expression lines.
Common areas include:
- Frown lines
- Lines across the forehead
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
- Small nose wrinkles
- Dimpling in the chin
- Neck bands for some patients
Results are temporary and usually need repeat treatments. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- The lips
- Midface fullness
- Chin
- Jawline definition
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Smile line folds
- Marionette lines
The result from filler depends on the product, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Too much filler can look unnatural, which makes conservative planning important.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Patients may consider chemical peels for:
- Patchy skin tone
- A dull complexion
- Fine lines
- Photoaging
- Light acne marks
- Skin texture concerns
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on peel type.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based treatments can improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common options may include:
- Laser resurfacing
- IPL, or intense pulsed light
- Radiofrequency energy treatments
- Skin tightening treatments
- Laser-based hair reduction
- Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels
These treatments should be matched to the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments
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:
- Uneven texture
- Mild scarring
- A dull complexion
- Surface irregularity
- Fine lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
Choosing the right procedure begins with the concern, not the procedure name. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit 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.
The best plan usually starts with three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What are the trade-offs of that option?
Those trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Most patients have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the result will look natural.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
This concern comes up often. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Good plastic surgery should respect the patient’s natural features, body frame, age, and style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
Downtime varies by procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Post-surgery swelling and bruising
- Limits on activity
- Time off work
- Follow-up visits
- Post-surgery scar care
- Careful return to exercise
- Gradual settling before final results are seen
Healing is not instant. Many procedures look better over weeks and months.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
Any surgical non-surgical cosmetic surgery cut leaves some type of scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
The final scar can depend on:
- How your body naturally scars
- Your skin tone
- The type of procedure
- The incision location
- Tension on the wound
- Smoking status
- Sun protection during healing
- Aftercare
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Patients should understand possible risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia issues, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
A safe procedure depends on factors such as:
- The patient’s health
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Use of tobacco or nicotine
- The planned procedure
- The facility where surgery is done
- The anesthesia plan
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Your aftercare and follow-up
A good consultation should explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and what is realistic.
Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. It is important to understand the difference between marketing language and recognized medical training.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
- Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- What are my personal risks with this procedure?
- What happens if a complication occurs?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about being difficult. It is about understanding your options.
What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada
Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. 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. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.
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
Travelling abroad for lower-cost plastic surgery is something some Canadians consider. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.
Concerns with medical tourism may include:
- Limited post-surgery follow-up
- Travel soon after surgery
- Higher concern about infection
- Different medical standards
- Difficulty accessing medical records
- Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
- Language or translation issues
- Revision surgery costs
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
A plastic surgery consultation helps clarify what is possible, safe, and realistic for your case. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
- Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- Do not hide smoking, vaping, cannabis, or nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- Ask what result is realistic for your body or face.
A helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.
You may be ready for plastic surgery if:
- Your overall health is good
- You can explain a clear concern
- Your weight has been stable before body surgery
- You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
- You understand the recovery process
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- Your decision is for you, not someone else
- You have realistic goals
You may need to postpone surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
It may be safe to combine some procedures. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Profile balancing with rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
Your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level all affect the safest plan.
A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures
Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Some procedures restore tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Injectable and skin treatments may help with wrinkles, volume loss, texture concerns, and early signs of aging.
The best procedure is not always the most popular one. It is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
Every plastic surgery plan should put safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care first. 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.