Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many different procedures that can change, repair, or enhance the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to enhance appearance. When plastic surgery helps rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.
In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many reasons. Many patients simply want to look more refreshed. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want 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.
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 vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures
Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on appearance. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.
Common goals include:
- Refining facial balance
- Improving visible signs of aging
- Refining body shape
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Improving confidence in a natural-looking way
Across Canada, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually paid for by the patient. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada
Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Common examples include:
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
- Cleft lip or palate repair
- Burn reconstruction
- Hand reconstruction
- Surgical scar revision
- Complex wound repair
- Surgery for facial trauma repair
- Congenital difference repair
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.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Face
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. In many cases, the goal is not a dramatic change. Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.
Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. It can help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Lower-face loose skin
- Prominent smile lines
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- Poor definition between the face and neck
A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery for Jawline and Neck Definition
A neck lift can improve loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. The clinical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Sagging neck skin
- Soft jawline definition
- Fullness below the chin
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. Because the face and neck often age together, a facelift and neck lift may be planned together.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Tired-looking eyes may be improved with eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, by adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty may help with:
- Heaviness in the upper eyelids
- Redundant upper eyelid skin
- An aged or fatigued look
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Patients may choose lower eyelid surgery for:
- Under-eye bags
- Lower eyelid puffiness
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Hollow shadows under the eyes
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
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 Surgery for a Heavy Brow
A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Drooping eyebrows
- Heavy upper lids from brow descent
- Forehead wrinkles
- Vertical lines between the brows
- A facial expression that appears tired, sad, or serious
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. Extra eyelid skin is treated with eyelid surgery, while eyebrow position is treated with a brow lift. Many patients need either one procedure or the other, while some benefit from both.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.
Common rhinoplasty concerns include:
- A bump on the bridge
- A nasal tip that droops
- Tip width or boxiness
- A nose that looks crooked
- The size or projection of the nose
- Nasal asymmetry
- Breathing problems related to nasal structure
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
Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Ears that stick out
- Uneven ears
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Concerns with the earlobes
Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. That space is often described as the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
A lip lift may address:
- A long upper lip
- Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
- A thin-looking upper lip
- Poor balance between the upper and lower lips
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.
Chin, Jawline, and Facial Implant Surgery
Facial implants can improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery may be used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Facial implants may involve:
- Chin augmentation implants
- Cheek augmentation implants
- Surgical jawline implants
In some cases, chin surgery may be combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin affect facial balance in profile view.
Fat Grafting to the Face
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. Areas such as the abdomen or thighs are often used as the fat source before the fat is processed and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Hollow cheeks
- Tear trough hollowing
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Soft tissue thinning
- Reduced facial harmony
Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Common Breast Surgery Options
Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation in Canada
Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. 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:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Breast volume loss after weight change
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Desire for more fullness in clothing
Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A lift changes position and shape rather than mainly adding volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.
A breast lift may help with:
- Lower breast position
- Nipples that sit low or point down
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Loose breast skin
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Others prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction surgery can help improve:
- Neck strain
- Shoulder pain
- Back strain
- Bra strap marks
- Under-breast skin irritation
- Exercise discomfort
- Problems with clothing fit
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Whether coverage applies depends on the province, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- A desire to change implant size
- Rupture of an implant
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- Implant position changes
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- Breast implant removal
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Other patients choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction may use:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Breast fat grafting
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
This is a deeply personal choice. Some patients choose reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both choices are valid.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Common gynecomastia concerns include:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Fullness under the areola
- Fullness in the chest
- An uneven male chest shape
- 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 focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. 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. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
Common tummy tuck concerns include:
- Extra abdominal skin
- An overhang in the lower belly
- Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight-loss procedure. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.
Surgical Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction can treat:
- The abdomen
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Outer hip area
- Thigh areas
- Upper arm area
- Back rolls
- Chin and neck
- Chest fullness
- Fat around the knees
Skin tone is an important factor. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
Body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change may be treated with a custom mommy makeover plan. A mommy makeover commonly includes surgery for the breasts and abdomen.
A customized mommy makeover may involve:
- Tummy tuck
- A breast lift procedure
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction surgery
- Fat transfer
The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. 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 (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
An arm lift may address:
- Loose hanging skin on the upper arms
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Skin rubbing or irritation
Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, better shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift Surgery
A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. Thigh lift surgery is common after significant weight loss.
Patients may consider a thigh lift for:
- Sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Chafing from loose thigh skin
- Poor fit in pants
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery
There are several thigh lift patterns. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Lower Body Lift
A body lift removes extra loose skin around the lower body. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Patients may consider a body lift after:
- Significant weight loss
- Bariatric weight-loss surgery
- Pregnancy-related skin looseness
- Aging-related lower-body skin looseness
A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.
Body Fat Grafting
Fat grafting moves fat from one area of the body to another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Body fat grafting can involve:
- The breasts
- Buttock shape
- Hip contour
- Facial volume
- Contour changes after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Results may change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Treatment and Revision
Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Surgery-related scars
- Scarring after an injury
- Scars from burns
- Scars that feel thick
- Scars that limit comfort
- Movement-limiting scars
Scar treatment can include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or several methods together.
Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when careful closure matters. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Patients may seek removal for:
- Irritation
- A lesion that is getting larger
- A lesion that bleeds
- A cosmetic concern
- Medical diagnosis
- Relief from discomfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer
Reconstruction may be needed after skin cancer removal to close the area and restore appearance. This is common in areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- A direct closure
- A skin graft
- Reconstruction with local flaps
- Advanced reconstructive techniques
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Injectable and Skin Treatments
Surgery is not needed for every patient. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX and Other Neuromodulators
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.
Common areas include:
- Frown lines
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Expression lines on the nose
- Dimpling in the chin
- Neck muscle bands in some situations
Results are temporary and usually need repeat treatments. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Fillers may treat:
- Lip volume
- Midface fullness
- Chin contour
- The jawline
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Smile lines
- Marionette lines
Product choice, technique, anatomy, and goals all affect filler results. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.
Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone
A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull skin
- Small fine lines
- Photoaging
- Mild marks from acne
- Surface texture issues
Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. The type of peel affects recovery time.
Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin
Laser and energy-based treatments can improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common treatment options may include:
- Skin laser resurfacing
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- RF skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Hair reduction with laser
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where pigment changes can be a risk.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more surface-level.
Common concerns include:
- Rough texture
- Mild scars
- A dull complexion
- An uneven skin surface
- Early fine lines
Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.
Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals
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.
For example:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
- Fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight may cause abdominal fullness.
- A flat breast shape may be treated with a breast lift, breast augmentation, fat grafting, or a combined plan.
- Under-eye concerns may come from fat pads, hollows, loose skin, or pigmentation.
A good treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is causing the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
Trade-offs can include scars, recovery time, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
It is common to have mixed feelings 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 whether the result will look natural.
“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”
This is a very common worry. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Plastic surgery that looks natural should fit the patient’s facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
A healthy goal is often improved balance instead of perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Post-surgery swelling and bruising
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- A break from work
- Follow-up visits
- Scar healing support
- A staged return to physical activity
- Final results that develop over time
The body needs time to heal. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.
Scar appearance may be affected by:
- Genetics
- Skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Incision placement
- Tension on the wound
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Sun protection during healing
- Aftercare
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
Every operation has possible risks. Risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Safety is influenced by:
- The patient’s health
- Your medications
- Nicotine or smoking use
- The procedure selected
- Where the procedure takes place
- The type of anesthesia
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your aftercare and follow-up
A good consultation should explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and what is realistic.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in plastic surgery.
Important consultation questions include:
- Are you formally certified in the specialty of plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise in this province?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- Where will the procedure take place?
- Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- How are complications handled?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- Can I see results from similar cases?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about understanding your options.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada
Plastic surgery pricing in Canada varies widely. Pricing depends on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Fees may be higher in major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal due to overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different fees, 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.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Although this may sound appealing, extra modern plastic surgery risks should be considered.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Limited post-surgery follow-up
- Travel soon after surgery
- Risk of infection
- Medical standards that may differ
- Harder access to records
- Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
- Possible language barriers
- Unexpected revision costs
Staying closer to home for surgery can help with follow-up, especially if swelling, healing problems, or complications need attention.
Getting Ready for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. It should not feel rushed or pressured.
You can prepare for the visit by doing the following:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Tell the surgeon about your medical history.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help show your goals.
- Discuss recovery, scarring, risks, and other options.
- Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.
A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for plastic surgery are often healthy, informed, and realistic. Realistic patients understand that surgery can help appearance, but it cannot make life perfect or solve every issue.
Good candidate signs include:
- Your overall health is good
- You have a clear concern
- You are at a stable weight for body contouring
- You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You are comfortable with the risks and limits
- The choice is based on your own goals
- Your expectations are realistic
It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.
Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Others should be staged. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Common combinations include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Mastopexy with augmentation
- Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
- Mommy makeover surgery combinations
- Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures
Canadian plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. 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.
A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. The best choice is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A responsible approach should be built around safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Whether the procedure is eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is understanding what each option can and cannot do.