Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many different procedures that can reshape, repair, or improve the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to enhance how a person looks. Others are reconstructive, which means they help restore form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many different concerns. Some want to look more rested. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The right procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.
Use this guide to understand 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.
The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on appearance. These procedures are usually elective, which means they are planned by choice and are not medically required.
Common goals include:
- Refining facial balance
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Refining body shape
- Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence
Across Canada, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually paid for by the patient. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore normal form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Burn reconstruction
- Hand reconstruction
- Surgical scar revision
- Wound reconstruction
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Repair of congenital differences
When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The best results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy
Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Common facelift concerns include:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deeper smile lines
- Lowered cheek tissue
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Prominent neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- A soft or undefined jawline
- Fullness under the chin
- A “turkey neck” look
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
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
- Skin resting on the eyelashes
- Vision concerns in select medical cases
Lower blepharoplasty may help with:
- Under-eye bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Extra lower eyelid skin
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep
Blepharoplasty is common because even subtle changes around the eyes can make the 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. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Brow descent
- Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
- Lines across the forehead
- Vertical lines between the brows
- An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.
Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing
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 bump on the bridge
- A drooping nasal tip
- A broad or boxy tip
- A nose that is not straight
- Nose size or projection
- Uneven nasal shape
- Breathing problems related to nasal structure
For patients with breathing concerns, rhinoplasty may include work on the septum, which separates the nostrils. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. Appearance is the focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty, while airflow is the focus of functional nasal surgery.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery
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:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Ear asymmetry
- Ear folds that look large
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Stretched or uneven earlobes
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. When otoplasty is considered for a child, timing is based on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
Lip lift surgery shortens the area between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.
A lip lift may help with:
- A lengthened upper lip area
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- Limited visible upper lip
- Poor lip balance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
A surgical lip lift and lip filler are different treatments. 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.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Facial implant surgery can refine the chin, cheeks, or jawline for better balance. Chin surgery is often used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Facial implant options may include:
- Surgical chin implants
- Cheek augmentation implants
- Jawline implant surgery
In some cases, chin surgery may be combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin affect facial balance in profile view.
Facial Fat Grafting
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.
Facial fat grafting may address:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Soft tissue thinning
- Reduced facial harmony
Fat grafting may be used alone or combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Implants and Fat Transfer Augmentation
Breast size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be filled with saline or silicone gel. Implant choice depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Weight-related breast volume loss
- Breasts that do not match well
- A fuller look in clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. The main purpose is not to add volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.
Patients may consider a breast lift for:
- Breasts that sag
- Nipple descent
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Extra breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
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 Surgery
Breast reduction surgery makes the breasts smaller and lighter by removing extra breast tissue, fat, and skin.
Breast reduction may address:
- Chronic neck pain
- Shoulder strain
- Pain in the back
- Grooves from bra straps
- Rashes under the breasts
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- 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.
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 reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Changing breast implant size
- A ruptured implant
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- Implant shifting
- Breast asymmetry
- Natural aging changes after breast implants
- Desire to remove implants
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. Other patients choose new 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 options may include:
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Flap-based reconstruction
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Revision surgery for symmetry
This can be a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Both paths are valid and personal.
Male Chest Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.
Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Gland tissue under the areola
- Chest tissue fullness
- Uneven shape across the male chest
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
A surgeon chooses the technique based on whether the chest fullness is due to fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or more than one factor.
Types of Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
Common tummy tuck concerns include:
- Abdominal skin laxity
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. A tummy tuck is most suitable for patients at a stable weight who want a flatter, better-shaped abdomen.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- The abdomen
- Flank areas
- Hip area
- Thigh contours
- Upper arms
- Back
- Submental area and neck
- The chest
- Inner knee area
Good skin tone matters. 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
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.
Mommy makeover options may include:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Surgical breast lifting
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Breast reduction
- Surgical fat removal
- 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. A safe plan depends on the patient’s health, goals, recovery time, and plans for future pregnancy.
Arm Lift Surgery, Also Called Brachioplasty
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may help with:
- Hanging skin under the arms
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Upper arm changes from aging
- Difficulty wearing sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing and irritation
The main trade-off is 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 Contouring Surgery
A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. Many patients choose it after major weight loss.
Patients may consider a thigh lift for:
- Sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Thigh skin rubbing
- Difficulty fitting pants
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes
Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Lower Body Lift
Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- Significant weight loss
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Pregnancy-related body changes
- Aging with major skin laxity
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 Contouring With Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Patients may consider fat grafting for:
- Breast shape
- The buttocks
- Hip contour
- The face
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
Although fat grafting uses your own fat, not all transferred fat will survive. Results may change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Improvement Treatment
A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may aesthetic plastic surgery be improved with scar revision. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Post-surgical scars
- Injury scars
- Burn scars
- Scars that feel thick
- Scars that feel tight
- Scars that limit movement
Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal
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.
Removal may be considered for:
- Irritated skin
- Growth
- Bleeding from the lesion
- Cosmetic reasons
- Diagnosis
- Improved comfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be checked by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the wound and restore appearance. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:
- Direct surgical closure
- Using a skin graft
- A local flap
- Complex reconstruction
Skin cancer reconstruction aims to support safe cancer removal while protecting function and appearance.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Not every patient needs surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments may help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Compared with surgery, non-surgical treatments often have less downtime but need maintenance.
Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. They are often used for expression lines.
Common areas include:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
- Nose bunny lines
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Mild neck bands in certain cases
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. Most patients want a softer, rested look rather than a frozen face.
Facial Fillers
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.
Common filler areas include:
- The lips
- Cheek contour
- Chin contour
- Jawline
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- 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. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Medical Chemical Peels
A chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.
Chemical peels may address:
- Patchy skin tone
- Dull skin
- Fine surface lines
- Sun damage
- Mild marks from acne
- Uneven texture
Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. The type of peel affects recovery time.
Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments
Laser and energy-based treatments may improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common treatment options may include:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Skin tightening treatments
- Laser treatment for unwanted hair
- Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels
The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones because pigment changes can be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
A deeper resurfacing option called dermabrasion removes outer layers of skin. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more surface-level.
Common concerns include:
- Rough texture
- Light scarring
- A dull complexion
- Rough or uneven skin
- Early fine lines
The best treatment depends on the patient’s skin quality, goals, available downtime, and comfort with risk.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Upper lid heaviness may be related to eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
- Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
- A full abdomen can be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- A flat breast appearance may require a lift, implants, fat grafting, or combined treatment.
- Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What trade-offs come with that option?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. Excitement is common, but nervousness is common too. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
Many patients ask this question. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. 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.
“What Is the Recovery Like?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Non-surgical options often involve minimal downtime. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- Planned time away from work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Scar healing support
- Slow return to workouts
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Healing is not instant. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
The final scar can depend on:
- Genetics
- Natural skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Incision placement
- Wound tension
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Sun protection during healing
- Post-surgery aftercare
Scars tend to soften and fade, but they usually remain to some degree.
“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:
- Your health
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Nicotine or smoking use
- Which surgery is performed
- The facility where surgery is done
- The planned anesthesia
- The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
- Care after the procedure
A good consultation should explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and what is realistic.
Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations
Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Understanding medical credentials is important because marketing terms can be confusing.
How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
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 the specialty of plastic surgery.
Patients may want to ask:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- What facility will be used for the procedure?
- Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- Who do I contact if I have a complication?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Can I see results from similar cases?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about being informed.
Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada
Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. 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 because of overhead and demand. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.
Low pricing can be concerning when it reflects shortcuts in safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.
Medical tourism concerns may include:
- Limited follow-up care
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Possible infection
- Different medical standards
- Challenges getting procedure records
- Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
- Possible language barriers
- Revision surgery costs
Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.
Before a consultation, consider preparing in these ways:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- 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.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- Talk about realistic results based on your body or face.
Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
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.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You have good general health
- You know what concern you want to address
- Your weight is stable for body surgery
- You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
- You know what to expect during recovery
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- Your decision is for you, not someone else
- You have realistic goals
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.
Planning More Than One Plastic Surgery Procedure
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Others should be staged. A combined plan may save recovery time, but it also needs careful planning because surgery time and healing demands may increase.
Examples of combined procedures include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift with breast augmentation
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
- Facial surgery with fat grafting
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures
Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Reconstructive options may 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 best procedure is not always the procedure people ask about first. 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. 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.