Across Canada, plastic surgery includes a wide range of procedures that can refine, rebuild, or enhance the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to improve how a person looks. Others are reconstructive, which means they help restore form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many individual goals. Some people are looking for a more rested look. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to 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. It also explains what to think about 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 Procedures
Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.
Common reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:
- Improving facial balance
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Improving body shape
- Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Improving the way clothing fits
- Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence
Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. The total fee can depend on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up visits, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada
The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore normal form and function. It may be used after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after a skin tumour is removed
- Cleft lip or palate repair
- Reconstruction after burns
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar improvement surgery
- Wound repair
- Surgery for facial trauma repair
- Congenital reconstruction
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. The goal is often not to look “different.” The best results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. It may help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deeper folds around the mouth
- Sagging cheek tissue
- Poor definition between the face and neck
A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. A facelift can be part of a larger facial rejuvenation plan that includes a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. The clinical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may address:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Extra neck skin
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Fullness under the chin
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. The face and neck often change at the same time, so facelift and neck lift surgery may be combined.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Common upper eyelid concerns include:
- A weighted upper eyelid look
- Redundant upper eyelid skin
- Eyes that look tired or aged
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Vision concerns in select medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Under-eye bags
- Puffiness
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- Shadowing beneath the lower lids
- A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small eye-area changes can make the face look more rested.
Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift
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 address:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- Upper eyelid heaviness caused by a low brow
- Forehead creases
- Vertical lines between the brows
- A heavy expression that seems tired or stern
Brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery are not the same procedure. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. 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. The procedure can address cosmetic goals, functional concerns, or both.
Common rhinoplasty concerns include:
- A dorsal hump on the nose
- Tip droop
- A broad or boxy tip
- A nose that is not straight
- Overall nose size or projection
- Uneven nasal shape
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery
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.
Otoplasty may help with:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Ear asymmetry
- Ear folds that look large
- Ears positioned far from the head
- Concerns with the earlobes
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance
A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. The distance is called the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
A lip lift may address:
- A longer upper lip
- Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
- A thin-looking upper lip
- Lip imbalance
- Changes around the mouth from aging
A lip lift is different from lip filler. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. 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
Implants can be used to improve facial 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 implants
- Cheek implant surgery
- Implants for the jawline
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Fat Transfer for Facial Volume
Facial fat grafting uses a patient’s own fat to restore volume. 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 address:
- Loss of cheek fullness
- Under-eye volume loss
- Volume changes caused by aging
- Thinning soft tissue
- Uneven facial fullness
Fat grafting may be used alone or combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Breast plastic surgery can address volume, size, position, symmetry, and reconstruction after cancer surgery.
Breast Implants and Fat Transfer Augmentation
Breast augmentation increases breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Implants used for breast augmentation may be saline or silicone gel. Implant choice depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may address:
- Small natural breast size
- Volume loss after pregnancy
- Weight-related breast volume loss
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- A fuller look in clothing
Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.
Breast Lift Surgery, Also Called Mastopexy
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. It does not primarily add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Dropped breasts
- Nipples that sit low or point down
- Areolas that have stretched
- Extra breast skin
- Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
A breast lift may be combined with implants when more upper breast fullness is desired. 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.
Common breast reduction concerns include:
- Neck strain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Bra strap marks
- Under-breast skin irritation
- Exercise discomfort
- Trouble finding clothing that fits
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Health plan coverage is based on provincial rules, patient symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- A change in preferred implant size
- Breast implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- Implant shifting
- Breast asymmetry
- Aging changes after breast augmentation
- Choosing to remove implants
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. Others choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Implant breast reconstruction
- Tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
Choosing reconstruction is deeply personal. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Either choice can be valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Gland tissue under the areola
- Fullness in the chest
- Uneven male chest shape
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
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 shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Abdominal skin laxity
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
- Diastasis recti
- Abdominal changes after 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 Surgery
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin advanced cosmetic plastic surgery tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Liposuction may be used on areas such as:
- Abdomen
- Flanks, also called love handles
- Hip area
- Inner or outer thighs
- Upper arms
- The back
- Chin and neck
- Chest
- The knees
Good skin elasticity helps improve results. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.
Common mommy makeover procedures include:
- Tummy tuck
- Mastopexy
- Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
- Reduction mammoplasty
- Surgical fat removal
- Fat transfer
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. It is for anyone with similar body changes. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Hanging skin under the arms
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Arm skin changes over time
- Trouble wearing sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing and irritation
Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. Thigh lift surgery is common after significant weight loss.
Common thigh lift concerns include:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Poor fit in pants
- Heaviness from extra skin
- Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery
There are several thigh lift patterns. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.
Body Lift Surgery
Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. A body lift can address the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Patients may consider a body lift after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Surgery for weight loss
- Pregnancy-related skin looseness
- Major loose skin from aging
This is a more involved surgery with a longer recovery. Before a body lift, patients should be healthy overall and close to a stable weight.
Body Contouring With Fat Transfer
With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.
Common treatment areas include:
- The breasts
- The buttocks
- Hip contour
- Face
- Contour irregularities after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but not all transferred fat survives. Results can change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
Plastic surgeons may also treat scars, skin surface concerns, and soft tissue issues.
Scar Treatment and Revision
The look or feel of a scar 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 may address:
- Surgical scars
- Scars from injury
- Burn injury scars
- Scars that feel thick
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that limit movement
Scar treatment can include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or several methods together.
Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Plastic surgery may be chosen for benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when the closure should be as careful as possible. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be considered for:
- Irritation
- Noticeable growth
- A lesion that bleeds
- Cosmetic concern
- A need for diagnosis
- Improved comfort
If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedures
After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:
- A direct closure
- Reconstruction with a skin graft
- A local flap
- Complex reconstruction
The priority is safe cancer removal, with function and appearance preserved as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can 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.
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.
Patients may consider neuromodulators for:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Lines on the sides of the nose
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Mild neck bands in certain cases
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lip enhancement
- Cheek contour
- Chin contour
- Jawline
- Under-eye hollowing
- Smile line folds
- Marionette folds
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.
Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Patients may consider chemical peels for:
- Uneven colour
- Tired-looking skin
- Fine lines
- Photoaging
- Mild marks from acne
- Skin texture concerns
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Patients may consider options such as:
- Laser resurfacing for texture
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Laser treatment for unwanted hair
- Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels
These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.
Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more surface-level.
Patients may consider these treatments for:
- Texture
- Surface-level scars
- Skin dullness
- Rough or uneven skin
- Early fine lines
Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.
How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure
The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
For instance:
- Heavy upper lids can 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.
- Abdominal fullness may come from fat, loose skin, separated muscles, or internal weight.
- A flat breast appearance may require a lift, implants, fat grafting, or combined treatment.
- A baggy under-eye look may be related to fat, hollowing, loose skin, or skin colour changes.
A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What are the trade-offs of 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. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the result will look natural.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
This is a very common worry. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Good plastic surgery should respect the patient’s natural features, body frame, age, and style.
The goal is often to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Non-surgical options often involve minimal downtime. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Post-surgery swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- A break from work
- Appointments after surgery
- Scar management
- A staged return to physical activity
- A result that improves as swelling settles
The body needs time to heal. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.
The final scar can depend on:
- Genetic healing patterns
- Your skin tone
- The kind of surgery performed
- Incision placement
- Tension on the wound
- Smoking status
- Sun protection during healing
- Scar aftercare
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”
Every operation has possible risks. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
A safe procedure depends on factors such as:
- The patient’s health
- Medication use
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The procedure selected
- Where the procedure takes place
- The planned anesthesia
- Surgeon training and experience
- Follow-up after surgery
A careful consultation should include benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
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 Qualified Plastic Surgeon
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.
Patients may want to ask:
- Are you formally certified in the specialty of plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- Where will the procedure take place?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- What are the risks for my specific case?
- How are complications handled?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- May I see before-and-after examples for similar procedures?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada
Plastic surgery pricing in Canada varies widely. Pricing may depend 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. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.
A bargain price is not always a good deal if it comes with weaker safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Medical Tourism Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada
Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.
Medical tourism concerns may include:
- Less access to follow-up care
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Infection-related complications
- Different health care standards
- Difficulty accessing medical records
- Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
- Communication barriers
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
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.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Prepare to discuss your medical history.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Photos may help explain your goals.
- Ask questions about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
A helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. In some cases, the best recommendation is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid 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 suitable candidate if:
- You are generally healthy
- You know what concern you want to address
- Your weight is stable for body surgery
- You can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
- You know what to expect during recovery
- You understand the risks and can accept them
- You want the procedure for yourself
- You have reasonable expectations
It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
It may be safe to combine some procedures. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. 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:
- A facelift with a neck lift
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Tummy tuck with liposuction
- Mommy makeover surgery combinations
- Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Understanding Your Plastic Surgery Options in Canada
In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Others repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes may also be improved with non-surgical treatments.
The right procedure is not always the most popular option. The right option should match 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.