Plastic surgery is a broad field with surgical options that can improve, rebuild, or adjust areas of the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to improve appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help restore form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many different concerns. For some people, the goal is to look more rested. Body changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging may lead some people to consider surgery. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time all help guide the right procedure.
This page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also covers key questions to consider before a plastic surgery consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.
Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:
- Creating better facial balance
- Reducing signs of aging
- Creating a more balanced body shape
- Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements
Most cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
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.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Reconstruction after burns
- Hand reconstruction
- Scar revision
- Surgical wound repair
- Reconstruction after facial trauma
- Congenital difference repair
Some reconstructive procedures may be covered by a provincial health plan when they are medically necessary. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. The goal is often not to look “different.” The best facial surgery 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. It best cosmetic surgery may help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Loose lower facial skin
- Deep smile lines
- Drooping cheek tissue
- A blurred face and neck transition
Many modern facelift techniques focus on deeper support layers under the skin. This approach may help produce a smoother, longer-lasting result without making the face look pulled. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:
- Vertical neck bands
- Loose neck skin
- Soft jawline definition
- Under-chin fullness
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle tightening. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. Because the face and neck often age together, a facelift and neck lift may be planned together.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty helps refresh the eyes by removing or repositioning extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Patients may choose upper eyelid surgery for:
- A weighted upper eyelid look
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids
- Eyes that look tired or aged
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Vision concerns in some medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Under-eye bags
- Puffy lower eyelids
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Shadowing beneath the lower lids
- A tired look that does 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 Surgery for a Heavy Brow
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
Patients may consider a brow lift for:
- Low or drooping eyebrows
- Heavy upper lids from brow descent
- Forehead creases
- Lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
Although they can affect a similar area, a brow lift is not the same as 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.
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.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- Tip droop
- Tip width or boxiness
- A crooked nose
- Nose size or projection
- Nose asymmetry
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is commonly used to correct ears that stick out.
Otoplasty may address:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Ear asymmetry
- Ear folds that look large
- Ears with too much projection
- Earlobe concerns
Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
A lip lift may address:
- A lengthened upper lip area
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- An upper lip that looks thin
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Aging changes around the mouth
A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.
Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery
Facial implants can improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery is often used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Surgical chin implants
- Cheek augmentation implants
- Jawline augmentation implants
For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.
Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting
With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.
Fat grafting to the face can help improve:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Volume changes caused by aging
- Thin facial soft tissue
- Uneven facial fullness
Fat grafting may be used alone or combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Types of Breast Plastic Surgery
Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Some patients want more volume, less size, a breast lift, better symmetry, or breast restoration after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. Implant choice depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Breasts that are naturally small
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Less breast fullness after weight change
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breasts that have dropped can be raised and reshaped with a breast lift, also called mastopexy. It does not primarily add volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Lower breast position
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Stretched areolas
- Stretched breast skin
- Post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight-loss breast changes
Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape
To reduce breast size and weight, breast reduction removes extra tissue, fat, and skin.
Breast reduction may address:
- Neck strain
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Back discomfort
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- Problems with clothing fit
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
Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- A desire to change implant size
- A ruptured implant
- Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
- Breast implant movement
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- Desire to remove implants
A breast lift may be done when implants are removed. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction may use:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Reconstruction using tissue flaps
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Revision surgery for symmetry
The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. Some patients want reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Both decisions deserve respect.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. The procedure may use liposuction, gland removal, or both methods.
Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Fullness under the areola
- Extra chest volume
- Male chest asymmetry
- Concern about the chest in fitted shirts, at the gym, or at the beach
The best technique depends on whether the fullness is caused by fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these.
Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. Pregnancy, aging, and major weight loss are common reasons people consider body contouring.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.
Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:
- Extra abdominal skin
- A hanging lower abdomen
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Diastasis recti
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction for Body Contouring
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method, it is a contouring procedure.
Liposuction may be used on areas such as:
- The abdomen
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Hips
- The thighs
- Arm fullness
- Back rolls
- Under the chin and neck
- The chest
- Inner knee area
Firm, elastic skin is important. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.
Mommy Makeover Procedure
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Breast lift surgery
- Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
- A breast reduction procedure
- Liposuction
- Fat grafting for contouring
The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
Common arm lift concerns include:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Aging changes in the arms
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Irritation from loose arm skin
A scar along the inner or back arm is the key trade-off with brachioplasty. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.
Thigh Lift Procedure
A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. Many patients choose it after major weight loss.
A thigh lift may address:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Chafing from loose thigh skin
- Poor clothing fit around the thighs
- Heaviness from extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or weight loss
There are different thigh lift patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.
Lower Body Lift
Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- A major weight change
- Weight-loss surgery
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Major loose skin from aging
A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. Patients should have a stable weight and good overall health.
Fat Grafting for Body Contouring
Fat can be moved from one body area to another with fat grafting. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast shape
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Facial volume
- Surface irregularities after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. Results may change over time, and 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 Improvement Treatment
Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may help with:
- Scarring after surgery
- Injury-related scars
- Scars from burns
- Thick scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Movement-limiting scars
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 careful closure matters. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be considered for:
- Ongoing irritation
- Growth or change
- A lesion that bleeds
- Cosmetic reasons
- Diagnostic testing
- Physical 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 area and restore appearance. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- A direct closure
- Reconstruction with a skin graft
- Local flaps
- More advanced reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments
BOTOX and other neuromodulators work by relaxing selected facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.
Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Lines across the forehead
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Small nose wrinkles
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Mild neck bands in certain cases
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Dermal Filler Treatments
Dermal fillers can restore or add volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that shapes and supports soft tissue.
Common filler areas include:
- Lip shape
- Cheek volume
- Chin shape
- The jawline
- Under-eye hollowing
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
Filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.
Skin Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Common chemical peel concerns include:
- Uneven skin tone
- Skin dullness
- Early fine lines
- Skin changes from sun exposure
- Light acne marks
- Rough skin texture
Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. The type of peel affects recovery time.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based treatments may improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common options may include:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Laser-based hair reduction
- Vascular lasers for visible redness
These treatments should be matched to the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.
Skin Resurfacing With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper skin resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
These resurfacing treatments can improve:
- Surface texture
- Minor acne scarring
- Dullness
- An uneven skin surface
- Fine lines
Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.
Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals
The best place to start is the concern itself, not the name of a procedure. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
- Fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight may cause abdominal fullness.
- Flat-looking breasts may be improved with a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What is creating the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
What Patients Often Worry About Before Surgery
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural-looking results.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
This concern comes up often. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“What Is the Recovery Like?”
Recovery depends on the procedure. Non-surgical options often involve minimal downtime. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.
Patients should usually expect:
- Swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Scar care
- A gradual return to exercise
- Final results that develop over time
Healing is not instant. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. The goal is to place scars as carefully as possible and help them heal well.
Scar healing depends on:
- Genetics
- Skin colour and tone
- Which procedure is done
- The incision location
- Wound tension
- Smoking status
- Sun exposure
- Following aftercare instructions
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”
No surgery is completely risk-free. Patients should understand possible risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia issues, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
A safe procedure depends on factors such as:
- Your medical condition
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The procedure being done
- The facility where surgery is done
- The anesthesia approach
- Surgeon training and experience
- Follow-up after surgery
A careful consultation should include benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery
Canadian plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should understand the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.
Patients may want to ask:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise in this province?
- Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- Who will provide the anesthesia?
- What are the risks for my specific case?
- How are complications handled?
- What follow-up care is included?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada
Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. The final cost may include procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Smaller markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.
A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.
Concerns with medical tourism may include:
- Reduced follow-up access
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Higher concern about infection
- Medical standards that may differ
- Challenges getting procedure records
- Difficulty finding care for complications at home
- Communication barriers
- Cost of revision surgery
Staying closer to home for surgery can help with follow-up, especially if swelling, healing problems, or complications need attention.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.
Before a consultation, consider preparing in these ways:
- Write down your main concerns.
- Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
- Share your medical history.
- Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
- Reference photos can be helpful if they explain your goals.
- Ask 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. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for plastic surgery are often healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You are in good general health
- 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 understand healing takes time
- You understand the risks and can accept them
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- Your expectations are realistic
It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.
Procedure Combinations in Plastic Surgery
Some procedures may be combined safely. Other surgeries may need to be done in stages. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Mastopexy with augmentation
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Facial surgery combined with fat grafting
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Many cosmetic procedures focus on the face, breasts, or body. Others help 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.
A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A good plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. 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.