Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to enhance, repair, or refine the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to improve appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help repair form or function after concerns professional plastic surgery such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many personal goals. For some people, the goal is to look more balanced. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Choosing the right procedure depends on anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery needs.
This guide covers the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling 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 is focused on appearance. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.
Common goals include:
- Refining facial balance
- Softening signs of aging
- Refining body shape
- Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
- Changing the shape of 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 surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. Pricing may change based on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, facility costs, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada
Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring form and function. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Cleft lip or palate repair
- Burn scar reconstruction
- Hand surgery
- Scar repair or 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. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
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.” The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.
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.
A facelift may help with:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deep smile lines
- Descent of cheek tissue
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. 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 Procedure (Platysmaplasty)
A neck lift can improve loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. The medical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Extra neck skin
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Submental fullness
- A “turkey neck” look
In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. The face and neck often change at the same time, so facelift and neck lift surgery may be combined.
Eyelid Surgery for Tired-Looking Eyes
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery may help with:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Excess eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Common lower eyelid concerns include:
- Under-eye puffiness or bags
- Puffiness
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- Tired-looking eyes that do 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.
Brow Lift Procedure
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may address:
- Brow descent
- A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines in the glabella area
- A tired, sad, or stern look
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. Some patients need only a brow lift or eyelid surgery, while others benefit from both procedures.
Nose Surgery Procedure (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Nose surgery can address concerns such as:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- A downward-pointing nasal tip
- A broad or boxy tip
- Nasal crookedness
- How far the nose projects
- Uneven nasal shape
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. Appearance is the focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty, while airflow is the focus of functional nasal surgery.
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Uneven ears
- Large cartilage folds in the ears
- Ears that stand out from the head
- Earlobe shape concerns
Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
- A less visible upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Mouth-area aging changes
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants
Facial implants can improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery can improve facial profile balance when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other features.
Types of facial implant surgery may include:
- Surgical chin implants
- Surgical cheek implants
- Jawline implants
For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to restore volume. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.
Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:
- Cheek hollowing
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Volume changes caused by aging
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Facial volume imbalance
Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Types of Breast Plastic Surgery
In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Some patients want more volume, less size, a breast lift, better symmetry, or breast restoration after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. The right implant option is based on body type, breast tissue, goals, and professional surgical guidance.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Small natural breast size
- Lost breast volume following pregnancy
- Less breast fullness after weight change
- Breasts that do not match well
- A fuller look in clothing
Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. The main purpose is not to add volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.
Patients may consider a breast lift for:
- Dropped breasts
- Nipples that point downward
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Loose breast skin
- 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.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape
Breast reduction surgery makes the breasts smaller and lighter by removing extra breast tissue, fat, and skin.
Breast reduction may help with:
- Neck discomfort
- Shoulder strain
- Back discomfort
- Grooves from bra straps
- Under-breast skin irritation
- 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 Revision
Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Patients may consider revision for:
- A change in preferred implant size
- A ruptured implant
- Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- Choosing to remove implants
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
Breast reconstruction may involve:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
- Nipple and areola restoration
- Fat transfer to the breast
- Revision surgery to improve symmetry
Choosing reconstruction is deeply personal. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both choices 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:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Gland tissue under the areola
- Chest fullness
- Uneven shape across the male chest
- Concern about the chest in fitted shirts, at the gym, or at the beach
The right technique depends on whether the fullness comes from fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a combination.
Types of Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring surgery improves shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Body contouring is common after changes from pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Extra abdominal skin and a weakened abdominal wall may be improved with a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. The procedure may also repair diastasis recti, which means separated abdominal muscles.
Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:
- Loose abdominal skin
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck should not be viewed as weight-loss surgery. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.
Surgical Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Common liposuction areas include:
- Stomach area
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Hip contours
- Inner or outer thighs
- Upper arm contours
- Back rolls
- Chin-neck contour
- The chest
- Inner knee area
Skin tone is an important factor. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
A mommy makeover combines procedures to address body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.
Mommy makeover options may include:
- Abdominoplasty
- Breast lift surgery
- A breast augmentation procedure
- Breast reduction surgery
- Liposuction
- Body fat grafting
Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.
Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin
Loose upper arm skin can be removed with an arm lift, also called brachioplasty.
An arm lift may help with:
- Loose hanging skin on the upper arms
- Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Avoiding sleeveless clothing
- Chafing from upper arm skin
The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
Common thigh lift concerns include:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Poor fit in pants
- Extra skin that feels heavy
- Changes after bariatric surgery or weight loss
Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.
Body Contouring Lift
Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- Significant weight loss
- Bariatric weight-loss surgery
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- 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
With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Patients may consider fat grafting for:
- Breasts
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Facial soft tissue
- Contour irregularities after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but not all transferred fat survives. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures
Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Surgical Scar Revision
A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision surgery can help improve:
- Surgical scars
- Injury scars
- Burn injury scars
- Raised or thick scars
- Tight scars
- Scars that limit movement
Scar treatment can include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or several methods together.
Skin Lesion Removal Procedures
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Irritated skin
- Growth or change
- Bleeding from the lesion
- Cosmetic concern
- Diagnostic testing
- Comfort
Changing moles or suspicious skin lesions should be reviewed by a qualified medical professional.
Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal
Skin cancer reconstruction can help close the treated area and restore appearance after cancer removal. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:
- A direct closure
- Skin grafts
- Reconstruction with local flaps
- More advanced reconstruction
The priority is safe cancer removal, with function and appearance preserved as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually 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 areas include:
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
- Bunny lines on the nose
- A dimpled chin appearance
- Neck bands in some cases
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers may improve facial volume and contour. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that shapes and supports soft tissue.
Dermal filler treatment may involve:
- Lip enhancement
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Jawline
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Deeper smile lines
- Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin
Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.
Medical Chemical Peels
A chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.
Common chemical peel concerns include:
- Patchy skin tone
- Skin dullness
- Fine lines
- Skin changes from sun exposure
- Mild acne marks
- Surface texture issues
Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.
Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin
These treatments may improve concerns such as uneven tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and visible aging.
Patients may consider options such as:
- Skin laser resurfacing
- IPL skin treatment
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Hair reduction with laser
- Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels
Skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated should guide the choice of treatment. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where pigment changes can be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.
These resurfacing treatments can improve:
- Texture
- Minor acne scarring
- A dull complexion
- 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. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
For example:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full abdomen may be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may need a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye concerns may come from fat pads, hollows, loose skin, or pigmentation.
A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is creating the concern?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What trade-offs come with that option?
Trade-offs can include scars, recovery time, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will I Look Natural After Surgery?”
This is one of the most common patient concerns. Many people want to look refreshed, not changed. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
For many patients, the goal is better balance, not a perfect or unrealistic look.
“How Long Is the Recovery?”
The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.
Most patients should prepare for:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Temporary activity restrictions
- Time off work
- Follow-up visits
- Scar healing support
- A staged return to physical activity
- Final results that develop over time
Recovery does not happen instantly. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.
“How Noticeable Will Scars Be?”
Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Family scar tendencies
- Natural skin tone
- Which procedure is done
- Placement of the incision
- Pulling on the healing incision
- Smoking and vaping status
- Sun exposure
- Following aftercare instructions
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
Every surgery has risk. Plastic surgery risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia concerns, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- Your overall health
- Medications you take
- Nicotine or smoking use
- Which surgery is performed
- The surgery facility
- The anesthesia plan
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Care after the procedure
A careful consultation should include 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. It is important to understand the difference between marketing language and recognized medical training.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Important consultation questions include:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise in this province?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- What risks apply to my specific case?
- Who do I contact if I have a complication?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about challenging the surgeon. It is about making an informed choice.
Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada
The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Pricing may depend on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
In major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, fees may be higher due to overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different pricing, but cost should not be the only factor.
Low pricing can be concerning when it reflects shortcuts in safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Medical Tourism Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians think about travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.
Medical tourism concerns may include:
- Limited post-surgery follow-up
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Possible infection
- Different facility or safety standards
- Challenges getting procedure records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Language barriers
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A plastic surgery consultation helps clarify what is possible, safe, and realistic for your case. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.
You can prepare for the visit by doing the following:
- Write down your main concerns.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
- Bring photos if they help show your goals.
- Ask questions about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what can realistically be achieved for your face or body.
A good consultation should include a clear discussion of options. In some cases, the best recommendation is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Good Candidates for Plastic Surgery
Good candidates for plastic surgery are typically 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:
- You are generally healthy
- You know what concern you want to address
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand what recovery involves
- You understand the risks and can accept them
- Your decision is for you, not someone else
- Your expectations are realistic
Surgery may need to wait if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by another person.
Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Other surgeries may need to be done in stages. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it may also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
- Nose surgery with chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
- Combined mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Fat grafting with facial surgery
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Summary of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Others help repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments can also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
The most popular procedure is not always the best fit. The best choice 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. Before choosing eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, it helps to understand what each option can and cannot do.