Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many different procedures that can change, repair, or improve the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to refine appearance. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help repair form or function.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many individual goals. Some want to look more rested. Body changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging may lead some people to consider surgery. 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.
Understanding Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
The main focus of cosmetic plastic surgery is appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.
Common goals include:
- Supporting better facial harmony
- Improving visible signs of aging
- Creating a more balanced body shape
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Making clothing feel or fit better
- Improving confidence in a natural-looking way
Most cosmetic procedures in Canada are paid for privately. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring normal form and function. Patients may need reconstructive surgery after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common examples include:
- Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
- Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Burn scar reconstruction
- Hand repair surgery
- Scar improvement surgery
- Wound repair
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Surgery for congenital differences
Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. The goal is often not to look “different.” Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.
Facelift Surgery (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.
Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Lower-face loose skin
- Deeper smile lines
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- A blurred face and neck transition
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 may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may help with:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Neck skin laxity
- Soft jawline definition
- Under-chin fullness
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. Others may benefit from liposuction under the chin. 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.
Upper eyelid surgery can address:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids
- An aged or fatigued look
- Skin that sits on the eyelashes
- Vision concerns in select medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Under-eye bags
- Puffy lower eyelids
- Extra lower eyelid skin
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- A tired look that does not improve with rest
Blepharoplasty is common because even subtle changes around the eyes can make the face look more rested.
Forehead Lift and Brow Lift Surgery
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.
Brow lift surgery can improve:
- Brow descent
- Upper eyelid heaviness caused by a low brow
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Creases between the eyebrows
- A tired, sad, or stern look
A brow lift is different from 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.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Common rhinoplasty concerns include:
- A nasal bridge bump
- A lowered nose tip
- A wide or boxy tip
- Nasal crookedness
- Nose size or projection
- Asymmetry in the nose
- Airflow issues caused by nasal structure
When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This part of surgery is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines how the nose looks, while functional nasal surgery focuses on breathing and airflow.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is commonly used to correct ears that stick out.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Ears that stick out
- Ear asymmetry
- Prominent ear cartilage folds
- Ears positioned far from the head
- Earlobe appearance concerns
Otoplasty is common in adults and children. When otoplasty is considered for a child, timing is based on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
The space between the upper lip and the nose can be shortened with a lip lift. Clinically, this measurement is often called the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- A long space between the nose and upper lip
- Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
- A thin-looking upper lip
- Lip imbalance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
A lip lift is different from lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes 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. Chin surgery may be used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Implants for the cheeks
- Surgical jawline implants
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Fat Grafting to the Face
With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. Fat is usually taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Common facial fat grafting concerns include:
- Loss of cheek fullness
- Under-eye hollowing
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Thinning soft tissue
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting may be used alone or combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Types of Breast Plastic Surgery
Breast surgery is one of 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 Enlargement Surgery
Breast augmentation increases breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be filled with saline or silicone gel. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Breast augmentation surgery can help improve:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Lost breast volume after weight changes
- Breasts that do not match well
- Desire for more fullness in clothing
Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. A careful 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. It does not primarily add volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.
A breast lift may address:
- Breasts that sag
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Areola stretching
- Breast skin laxity
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
A lift and implants may be combined to improve position and add upper breast fullness. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction surgery makes the breasts smaller and lighter by removing extra breast tissue, fat, and skin.
Common breast reduction concerns include:
- Neck strain
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Upper back pain
- Bra strap grooves
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Trouble exercising
- Trouble finding clothing that fits
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.
Common breast implant revision concerns include:
- A desire to change implant size
- Rupture of an implant
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Aging changes after breast augmentation
- Choosing to remove implants
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction may use:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Reconstruction using tissue flaps
- Nipple and areola restoration
- Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry
This can be a deeply personal choice. Some patients want reconstruction. Others choose to remain flat. Both options are valid.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:
- A puffy nipple appearance
- Gland tissue under the areola
- Chest tissue fullness
- Male chest asymmetry
- Self-consciousness at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
The cause of fullness, whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix, guides the best technique.
Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring surgery improves body shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
Extra abdominal skin and a weakened abdominal wall may be improved with a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Abdominal skin laxity
- A hanging lower abdomen
- Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss
Tummy tuck surgery is not a general 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. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction may be used on areas such as:
- Stomach area
- Love handles or flanks
- The hips
- Inner or outer thighs
- The upper arms
- Back contour areas
- The chin and neck
- Chest
- Knee area
Skin tone is an important factor. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. A mommy makeover commonly includes surgery for the breasts and abdomen.
A mommy makeover may include:
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck
- A breast lift procedure
- Breast augmentation
- Surgical breast size reduction
- Surgical fat removal
- Fat transfer
The term can be misleading, since a mommy makeover is not only for mothers. It is for anyone with similar body changes. The best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may help with:
- Loose hanging skin on the upper arms
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Upper arm changes from aging
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing or irritation
A scar along the inner or back arm is the key trade-off with brachioplasty. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.
Thigh Lift Surgery
A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
A thigh lift may address:
- Loose inner thigh skin
- Thigh skin rubbing
- Poor clothing fit around the thighs
- Heaviness from extra skin
- Loose thigh skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss
Several surgical patterns are available for thigh lift surgery. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.
Lower Body Lift
A body lift removes loose skin around the lower body. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Common reasons for body lift surgery include:
- Substantial weight loss
- Bariatric weight-loss surgery
- Pregnancy-related body changes
- Age-related skin laxity
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. Patients should have a stable weight and good overall health.
Body Fat Grafting
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.
Common areas for fat grafting include:
- Breast contour
- Buttock volume
- Hips
- The face
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Because transferred fat can change over time, more than one session may be needed.
Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments
Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Surgical Scar Revision
Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.
Scar revision surgery can help improve:
- Scars from surgery
- Trauma scars
- Burn injury scars
- Scars that feel thick
- Scars that limit comfort
- Scars that pull during movement
Scar treatment can include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or several methods together.
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. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Ongoing irritation
- Noticeable growth
- A lesion that bleeds
- A cosmetic concern
- Pathology or diagnosis
- Physical comfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be checked by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction
After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. Reconstruction is especially common on visible or delicate areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:
- Closing the area directly
- A skin graft
- A local flap
- Advanced reconstructive techniques
The aim is to remove the cancer safely and preserve function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. Compared with surgery, non-surgical treatments often have less downtime but need maintenance.
Neuromodulator Injections
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.
Common treatment areas include:
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Small nose wrinkles
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Neck bands in some cases
Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Hyaluronic Acid 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.
Fillers may treat:
- Lip shape
- Midface fullness
- Chin shape
- Jawline
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Deeper smile lines
- Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin
Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Skin Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Patchy skin tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Fine lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Mild acne marks
- Texture concerns
Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. The type of peel affects recovery time.
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.
Patients may consider options such as:
- Laser resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- Radiofrequency energy treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Laser hair removal or reduction
- Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels
These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. Careful selection matters plastic surgery nearby for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
These resurfacing treatments can improve:
- Rough texture
- Mild scars
- Dullness
- 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
The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.
Common examples include:
- Heavy upper lids may 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.
- A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
- A flat breast shape may be treated with a breast lift, breast augmentation, fat grafting, or a combined plan.
- A baggy under-eye look may be related to fat, hollowing, loose skin, or skin colour changes.
A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:
- What is causing the concern?
- Which procedure best treats that cause?
- What must be accepted 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
It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Patients may feel excited, but they may also feel nervous. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
Many patients ask this question. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is often to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Long Is the Recovery?”
Recovery depends on the procedure. Non-surgical options often involve minimal downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, require more planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Post-surgery swelling and bruising
- Reduced activity
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Scar healing support
- A staged return to physical activity
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Recovery does not happen instantly. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“Will I Have Scars?”
Any procedure with an incision creates a scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.
Scar appearance may be affected by:
- Genetics
- Skin colour and tone
- The type of procedure
- Incision placement
- Wound tension
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Sun exposure
- Post-surgery aftercare
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.
Safety is influenced by:
- Your medical condition
- Your current medications
- Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
- The planned procedure
- The facility where surgery is done
- The anesthesia plan
- The training and experience of the surgeon
- Your post-operative care
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
Canadian plastic surgery is regulated through 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
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.
Helpful questions include:
- Are you formally certified in the specialty of 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?
- Which risks are most relevant to me?
- Who do I contact if I have a complication?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- Can I see results from similar cases?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about understanding your options.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.
In major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, fees may be higher due to overhead and demand. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.
A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.
Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians think about travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Reduced follow-up access
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Possible infection
- Different medical standards
- Harder access to records
- Difficulty finding care for complications at home
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
Your consultation is the time to understand what can be done safely and realistically. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.
Before the visit, preparation can help:
- List your main concerns before the visit.
- Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- 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 good consultation should clearly discuss your options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
Plastic surgery candidates should usually be healthy, informed, and realistic. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.
You may be a good candidate if:
- Your overall health is good
- You have a clear concern
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand the recovery process
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- The choice is based on your own goals
- You understand what is 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
Some procedures may be combined safely. Other surgeries may need to be done in stages. 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:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Blepharoplasty with brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift with breast augmentation
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
- A customized mommy makeover
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Many cosmetic procedures focus on the face, breasts, or body. Some procedures restore tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical cosmetic options can help soften wrinkles, restore volume, improve texture, and address early aging changes.
The most popular procedure is not always the best fit. It is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
The strongest treatment plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. If you are considering eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, start by learning what each option can and cannot do.