Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to improve, rebuild, or refine the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to enhance appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help restore form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
There are many goals why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Some want to look more balanced. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want help after 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 reviews what to consider before booking a consultation.
The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.
Common cosmetic goals may include:
- Supporting better facial harmony
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Improving body contours
- Restoring lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Improving the way clothing fits
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
In Canada, most cosmetic procedures are paid for privately. Fees can vary based on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring form and function. It may be used after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common examples include:
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Reconstruction after burns
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Surgical scar revision
- Repair of wounds
- Surgery for facial trauma repair
- Surgery for congenital differences
Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
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 most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.
Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face
A facelift or rhytidectomy can improve loose tissue in the cosmetic plastic surgeon lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
A facelift may address:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Deeper folds around the mouth
- Sagging cheek tissue
- Poor definition between the face and neck
Today, facelift surgery often works on deeper support layers below the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned 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. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.
Patients may consider a neck lift for:
- Prominent neck bands
- Loose neck skin
- A soft or undefined jawline
- Fullness under the chin
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle 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 blepharoplasty may help with:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Excess eyelid skin
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Lower blepharoplasty may help with:
- Under-eye bags
- Puffiness
- Lower eyelid skin laxity
- Shadowing beneath the lower lids
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
Many patients choose eyelid surgery because small improvements around the eyes can make the whole face look more awake and rested.
Brow Lift Surgery for a Heavy Brow
Brow lift surgery, or a forehead lift, is used to raise a low or heavy brow. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Eyebrows that sit too low
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Forehead wrinkles
- Creases between the eyebrows
- A heavy expression that seems tired or stern
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.
Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing
A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Depending on the patient, rhinoplasty can be cosmetic, functional, or a combination.
Common rhinoplasty concerns include:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- A lowered nose tip
- A wide or boxy tip
- A crooked nose
- Overall nose size or projection
- Uneven nasal shape
- Breathing issues related to structure
When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This part of surgery is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Otoplasty for Prominent Ears
Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Ears that do not match well
- Large ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- 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.
Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
A lip lift may address:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Less visible upper teeth when smiling
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Mouth-area aging changes
A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Facial implants may 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.
Facial implants may involve:
- Implants for the chin
- Cheek implants
- Jawline implants
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 the patient’s own fat to restore volume. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Hollow cheeks
- Under-eye hollowing
- Age-related facial volume loss
- Soft tissue volume loss
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation in Canada
Breast size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Small natural breast size
- Volume loss after pregnancy
- Less breast fullness after weight change
- Breast asymmetry
- A desire for more breast fullness in clothing
Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. The main purpose is not to add volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.
A breast lift may help with:
- Breasts that sag
- Nipples that point downward
- Areola stretching
- Loose breast skin
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Extra breast tissue, fat, and skin can be removed with breast reduction to create smaller, lighter, more balanced breasts.
Breast reduction surgery can help improve:
- Neck discomfort
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Back discomfort
- Grooves from bra straps
- Rashes under the breasts
- Trouble exercising
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision
Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Breast implant revision may be needed for:
- A desire to change implant size
- An implant that has ruptured
- Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
- Implant position changes
- Breasts that look uneven
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- No longer wanting breast implants
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction may involve:
- Implant breast reconstruction
- Tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Breast fat grafting
- Surgery to refine breast symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some patients choose reconstruction. Other people prefer to remain flat. Both choices are valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Nipple puffiness
- Fullness under the areola
- Fullness in the chest
- Uneven shape across the male chest
- Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts
The cause of fullness, whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix, guides the best technique.
Body Plastic Surgery Procedures
Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring
Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Extra abdominal skin
- A hanging lower abdomen
- Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Surgical Liposuction
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 treat:
- Belly area
- Flank areas
- Hip contours
- The thighs
- The upper arms
- Back rolls
- Submental area and neck
- Chest
- Knee area
Firm, elastic skin is important. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.
Mommy Makeover Procedure
A mommy makeover combines procedures to address body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.
Mommy makeover options may include:
- Tummy tuck
- Mastopexy
- Breast augmentation surgery
- Reduction mammoplasty
- Fat reduction with liposuction
- Fat grafting for contouring
The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. It is for anyone with similar body changes. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Upper Arm Lift Procedure
An arm lift or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Upper arm skin that hangs
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Aging changes in the arms
- Trouble wearing sleeveless tops
- Irritation from loose arm skin
A scar along the inner or back arm is the key trade-off with brachioplasty. Because the scar is permanent, patients should carefully discuss whether the improved shape is worth it.
Thigh Lift Procedure
Loose thigh skin can be removed with a thigh lift. Thigh lift surgery is common after significant weight loss.
A thigh lift may address:
- Loose skin on the inner thighs
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Trouble with pants fit
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes
There are different thigh lift patterns. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.
Lower Body Lift
A body lift removes extra loose skin around the lower body. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Patients may consider a body lift after:
- A major weight change
- Bariatric surgery
- Pregnancy-related body changes
- Aging changes with loose skin
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Fat Grafting to the Body
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. It may be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Common treatment areas include:
- Breast volume
- Buttock volume
- Hip shape
- Facial soft tissue
- Contour irregularities 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.
Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments
Plastic surgeons may also treat scars, skin surface concerns, and soft tissue issues.
Scar Revision Surgery
A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Post-surgical scars
- Trauma scars
- Burn scars
- Scars that feel thick
- Scars that limit comfort
- Scars that limit movement
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps may be removed by plastic surgeons when a precise closure is needed. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.
Skin lesion removal may be done for:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- A lesion that is getting larger
- Bleeding or crusting
- Cosmetic reasons
- Diagnostic testing
- Relief from discomfort
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 wound 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:
- Simple direct closure
- Using a skin graft
- Local tissue flaps
- Advanced reconstructive techniques
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. These treatments usually have less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
BOTOX and other neuromodulators work by relaxing selected facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.
Common treatment areas include:
- Frown lines between the brows
- Lines across the forehead
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
- Small nose wrinkles
- Dimpling in the chin
- Selected neck bands
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Dermal 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 enhancement
- Midface fullness
- Chin projection
- Jawline
- Under-eye hollowing
- Deeper smile lines
- Mouth-corner lines
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
The outer layers of skin can be improved with a chemical peel using a controlled solution.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull skin
- Fine lines
- Photoaging
- Mild marks from acne
- Rough skin texture
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on peel type.
Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin
Skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and aging changes may be treated with laser and energy-based treatments.
Patients may consider options such as:
- Laser resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency-based treatments
- Non-surgical skin tightening
- Laser hair reduction
- Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels
These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more surface-level.
These treatments may help with:
- Surface texture
- Minor acne scarring
- A dull complexion
- An uneven skin surface
- Early fine lines
The right option depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.
For example:
- 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 helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which procedure best treats that cause?
- What trade-offs come with that option?
Those trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Plastic Surgery Fears and Questions
Most patients have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but nervousness is common too. 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. Many people want to look refreshed, not changed. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal 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 treatments may need little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Bruising and swelling
- Reduced activity
- Time off work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Care for scars
- Slow return to workouts
- Final results that take time to settle
Surgical healing is gradual. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“Will I Have Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
Scar appearance may be affected by:
- Your genetics
- Natural skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Where the incision is placed
- Pulling on the healing incision
- Smoking status
- UV exposure
- How the scar is cared for
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”
Every operation has possible risks. Plastic surgery risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia concerns, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Safety is influenced by:
- Your overall health
- Medication use
- Use of tobacco or nicotine
- Which surgery is performed
- The facility where surgery is done
- The anesthesia approach
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Follow-up after surgery
A careful consultation should review benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Important Plastic Surgery Information for Canadian Patients
Canadian plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Patients should ask:
- Are you certified as a plastic surgeon?
- Do you hold a medical licence in this province?
- Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- Who do I contact if I have a complication?
- What follow-up care is included?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. Pricing may depend on 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. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.
A very low price can be a warning sign if it means corners are being cut on safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Travelling abroad for lower-cost plastic surgery is something some Canadians consider. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.
Concerns with medical tourism may include:
- Reduced follow-up access
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Infection risk
- Different surgical standards
- Harder access to records
- Trouble getting complications treated after returning to Canada
- Language barriers
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
Preparing for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
Your consultation is the time to understand what can be done safely and realistically. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.
You can prepare for the visit by doing the following:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements.
- Tell the surgeon about your medical history.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
- Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually 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 suitable candidate if:
- Your overall health is good
- You know what concern you want to address
- Your weight has been stable before body surgery
- You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
- You understand what recovery involves
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- Your decision is for you, not someone else
- Your goals are realistic
You may need to delay surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.
Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. 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:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Nose surgery with chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Abdominoplasty with liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Understanding Your Plastic Surgery Options in Canada
Canadian plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Other procedures focus on repair 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 most popular one. It is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A good plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. 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.