Across Canada, plastic surgery includes several major types of procedures that can change, repair, or support the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to improve appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Canadians may look into plastic surgery for many goals. Some want to look more refreshed. 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 best procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and available recovery time.
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. It also explains what to think about before booking a consultation.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.
Common goals include:
- Creating a more balanced face
- Softening signs of aging
- Improving body shape
- Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
- Enhancing areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping patients feel better in clothing
- 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 Surgery
The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore normal form and function. Reconstructive procedures may be recommended after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common examples include:
- Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after a skin tumour is removed
- Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
- Surgical treatment for burn-related changes
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar revision
- Repair of wounds
- Reconstruction after facial trauma
- Surgery for congenital differences
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Face
Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. The goal is often not to look “different.” cosmetic plastic surgery procedures The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.
Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy
Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. It may help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Common facelift concerns include:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Skin laxity in the lower face
- Deep smile lines
- Descent of cheek tissue
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
Today, facelift surgery often works on deeper support layers below the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. The clinical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Sagging neck skin
- An undefined jawline
- Fullness under the chin
- A “turkey neck” appearance
Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle tightening. Other patients may benefit from liposuction under the chin. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.
Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, can improve tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra eyelid skin, fat, or tissue.
Upper blepharoplasty may help with:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids
- Eyes that look tired or aged
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Under-eye swelling or fullness
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- Under-eye shadowing
- 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 forehead lift, commonly called a brow lift, helps lift a low or heavy brow. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may address:
- Low or drooping eyebrows
- Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
- Forehead creases
- Lines between the brows
- A heavy expression that seems tired or stern
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.
Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing
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 along the bridge of the nose
- Tip droop
- A wide or boxy tip
- A crooked nose
- The size or projection of the nose
- Uneven nasal shape
- Airflow issues caused by nasal structure
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)
Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Otoplasty may address:
- Protruding ears
- Ears that do not match well
- Large ear cartilage folds
- Ears that project away from the head
- Earlobe concerns
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.
Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance
A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. This surgery may reveal more of the upper lip without using filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Less visible upper teeth when smiling
- A thin-looking upper lip
- Lip imbalance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Filler adds volume. Lip lift surgery adjusts 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.
Facial implant options may include:
- Surgical chin 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.
Facial Fat Transfer
With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.
Fat grafting to the face can help improve:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Volume changes caused by aging
- Soft tissue thinning
- Imbalance in facial volume
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of plastic surgery in Canada. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.
Breast Enlargement Surgery
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation surgery can help improve:
- Breasts that are naturally small
- Volume loss after pregnancy
- Lost breast volume after weight changes
- Uneven breast size or shape
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
A common concern is whether breast augmentation will look too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A lift changes position and shape rather than mainly adding volume. Instead, the goal is to improve breast position and shape.
Patients may consider a breast lift for:
- Breasts that sag
- Nipples that point downward
- Stretched areolas
- Stretched breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction may help with:
- Neck discomfort
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Back strain
- Bra strap grooves
- Rashes under the breasts
- Problems staying active
- Problems with clothing fit
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Whether coverage applies depends on the province, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- A desire to change implant size
- An implant that has ruptured
- Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
- Breast implant movement
- Breasts that look uneven
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. It may involve implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction may use:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting
- Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Other people prefer to remain flat. Both choices are valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Puffy nipples
- Fullness under the areola
- A fuller male chest
- Male chest asymmetry
- 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.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape
Body contouring surgery improves shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty
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.
Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:
- Abdominal skin laxity
- An overhang in the lower belly
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction for Body Contouring
A cannula, which is a thin tube, is used in liposuction to remove localized fat. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- Abdominal area
- Flank areas
- The hips
- Thigh areas
- Upper arms
- The back
- Under the chin and neck
- Chest
- Knees
Firm, elastic skin is important. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. A mommy makeover commonly includes surgery for the breasts and abdomen.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck
- Breast lift surgery
- Surgical breast enhancement
- A breast reduction procedure
- Body contouring with liposuction
- Fat grafting for contouring
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may address:
- Loose hanging skin on the upper arms
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Irritation from loose arm skin
The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. The scar may be worthwhile for patients who want better arm shape, but it should be reviewed carefully.
Thigh Lift Procedure
A thigh lift removes extra loose skin from the thighs. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
Patients may consider a thigh lift for:
- Loose inner thigh skin
- Skin rubbing
- Pants that do not fit well
- A heavy feeling from extra skin
- Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery
Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. 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. It may improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be considered after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Bariatric surgery
- Pregnancy-related skin looseness
- Major loose skin from aging
This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.
Fat Grafting for Body Contouring
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.
Patients may consider fat grafting for:
- Breast shape
- The buttocks
- Hip contour
- Face
- Uneven contours after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. Because transferred fat can change over time, more than one session may be needed.
Plastic Surgery for Skin and Scars
Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Scarring after surgery
- Injury scars
- Burn injury scars
- Thickened scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Scars that restrict motion
Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.
Removal may be done for:
- Irritated skin
- Growth or change
- Bleeding from the lesion
- Appearance concerns
- Diagnosis
- Comfort
A qualified medical professional should assess any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedures
Skin cancer reconstruction can help close the treated area and restore appearance after cancer removal. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction may involve:
- A direct closure
- Using a skin graft
- Local tissue flaps
- More advanced reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic 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 have less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.
BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Forehead expression lines
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Expression lines on the nose
- A dimpled chin appearance
- Selected neck bands
Results are temporary and usually require repeat treatments. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- Lip volume
- Cheek contour
- Chin projection
- The jawline
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Smile line folds
- Mouth-corner lines
Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Patchy skin tone
- A dull complexion
- Fine surface lines
- Skin changes from sun exposure
- Mild post-acne marks
- Texture concerns
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.
Energy-Based Aesthetic 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:
- Resurfacing laser treatment
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- RF skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Laser hair reduction
- Vascular lasers for visible redness
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:
- Uneven texture
- Surface-level scars
- Tired-looking skin
- Rough or uneven skin
- Small fine lines
The right option depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure
Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
- Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may need a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What anatomy is causing the issue?
- Which procedure best treats that cause?
- What are the trade-offs of that option?
Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Plastic Surgery Fears and Questions
Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.
“Will the Result Still Look Like Me?”
This concern comes up often. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.
“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- Time off work
- Appointments after surgery
- Scar care
- A staged return to physical activity
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Healing is not instant. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.
“Will I Have Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. The goal is to place scars as carefully as possible and help them heal well.
Scar appearance may be affected by:
- Genetics
- Skin tone
- The kind of surgery performed
- Where the incision is placed
- Tension along the incision
- Smoking status
- How much sun the scar gets
- How the scar is cared for
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
All surgery has risk. Patients should understand possible risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia issues, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- The patient’s health
- Your medications
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- Which surgery is performed
- The accredited surgical setting
- The type of anesthesia
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your post-operative care
During consultation, patients should learn about 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.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.
Patients may want to ask:
- What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
- Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
- Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What risks apply to my specific case?
- What is the plan if there is a complication?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?
This is not about being demanding. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. Many factors affect pricing, including procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Smaller cities may have different pricing, 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.
Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery
Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Long travel after surgery
- Possible infection
- Medical standards that may differ
- Less access to surgical records
- Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
- Language barriers
- Revision surgery costs
Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- List your main concerns before the visit.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements.
- Prepare to discuss your medical history.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
- Photos may help explain your goals.
- Discuss recovery, scarring, risks, and other options.
- Ask what can realistically be achieved for your face or body.
A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- You are medically well enough for surgery
- You have a clear concern
- Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
- You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- You want the procedure for yourself
- You have reasonable expectations
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.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Certain procedures can be safely combined. Others should be staged. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.
Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:
- Facelift with neck lift
- Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Profile balancing with rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- A customized mommy makeover
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
Your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level all affect the safest plan.
Understanding Your Plastic Surgery Options in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Others repair 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.
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.
A thoughtful plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. For procedures such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is education about benefits and limits.