Plastic surgery is a broad field with treatments that can refine, rebuild, or adjust areas of the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to refine appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help restore form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
There are many goals why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Many patients simply want to look more refreshed. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Choosing the right procedure depends on anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery needs.
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.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
The main focus of cosmetic plastic surgery is appearance. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.
Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:
- Improving facial balance
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Improving body contours
- Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
- Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence
In Canada, most cosmetic procedures are paid for privately. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring normal form and function. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Common examples include:
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after skin cancer excision
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Reconstruction after burns
- Hand surgery
- Surgical scar revision
- Wound repair
- Facial injury reconstruction
- Congenital difference repair
Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. Most patients do not want 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. Patients may choose facelift surgery for jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds near the mouth.
Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:
- Jawline jowls
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Deep smile lines
- Descent of cheek tissue
- Less clear separation between the face and neck
Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery for Jawline and Neck Definition
A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Extra neck skin
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Fullness under the chin
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. 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.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Common upper eyelid concerns include:
- Heaviness in the upper eyelids
- Extra eyelid skin
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Common lower eyelid concerns include:
- Under-eye bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small changes around the eyes can make the whole face look more rested.
Forehead Lift and Brow Lift Surgery
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Eyebrows that sit too low
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Forehead lines
- Lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Depending on the patient, rhinoplasty can be cosmetic, functional, or a combination.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A nasal bridge bump
- Tip droop
- A broad or boxy tip
- Nasal crookedness
- How far the nose projects
- Nasal asymmetry
- Structural breathing concerns
Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is commonly used to correct ears that stick out.
Otoplasty may help with:
- Ears that stick out
- Ears that do not match well
- Large ear cartilage folds
- Ears with too much projection
- Earlobe shape concerns
This procedure is common for adults and children. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Surgical Lip Lift
A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.
A lip lift may address:
- A long upper lip
- Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
- A thin-looking upper lip
- Poor lip balance
- Changes around the mouth from aging
Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Facial implants may improve 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.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Surgical chin implants
- Cheek implants
- Jawline implant surgery
Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.
Facial Fat Grafting
A patient’s own fat can be used in facial fat grafting to restore volume. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.
Common facial fat grafting concerns include:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Under-eye volume loss
- Volume loss after aging
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Facial volume imbalance
Facial fat grafting can be performed by itself or with procedures such as facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial surgery.
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 Implants and Fat Transfer Augmentation
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Naturally small breasts
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Breast volume loss after weight change
- Breasts that do not match well
- More fullness in bras or clothing
Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.
Breast Lift Surgery, Also Called Mastopexy
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. It does not mainly add volume. Instead, the goal is to improve breast position and shape.
Patients may consider a breast lift for:
- Lower breast position
- Nipple descent
- Stretched areolas
- Loose breast skin
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. For a natural result without added implant volume, some patients choose a breast lift alone.
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Common breast reduction concerns include:
- Pain in the neck
- Shoulder discomfort
- Back strain
- Bra strap grooves
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Trouble exercising
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Revision Breast Implant Surgery
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Common breast implant revision concerns include:
- A desire to change implant size
- Rupture of an implant
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- An implant that has shifted
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
The breast reconstruction process may involve:
- Implant-supported breast reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
- Nipple-areola reconstruction
- Fat transfer to the breast
- Revision surgery for symmetry
This can be a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Others choose to stay flat. Both decisions deserve respect.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:
- Puffy nipples
- Extra tissue beneath the areola
- Fullness in the chest
- A chest that looks uneven
- Feeling self-conscious at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.
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.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
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.
Common tummy tuck concerns include:
- Sagging abdominal skin
- A lower belly overhang
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Separated abdominal muscles
- Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. It is usually best aesthetic plastic surgery for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction can treat:
- Stomach area
- Love handles or flanks
- Outer hip area
- Inner or outer thighs
- Arm fullness
- Back rolls
- Under the chin and neck
- Chest
- Fat around the knees
Skin tone is an important factor. 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 Surgery
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often includes both breast and abdominal procedures.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- A breast lift procedure
- A breast augmentation procedure
- Reduction mammoplasty
- Liposuction
- Fat grafting
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It is for anyone with similar body changes. A safe plan depends on the patient’s health, goals, recovery time, and plans for future pregnancy.
Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may address:
- Loose skin along the upper arms
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Aging changes in the arms
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Chafing from upper arm skin
A scar along the inner or back arm is the key trade-off with brachioplasty. The scar may be worthwhile for patients who want better arm shape, but it should be reviewed carefully.
Thigh Contouring Surgery
A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Inner thigh skin laxity
- Skin rubbing
- Poor fit in pants
- A heavy feeling from extra skin
- Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes
There are several thigh lift patterns. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Body Lift After Weight Loss
A body lift removes extra loose skin around the lower body. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Pregnancy-related skin looseness
- 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 for Body Contouring
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 shape
- Buttock contour
- Hip volume
- The face
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
Fat grafting is natural in the sense that it uses your own tissue, but not all of the fat remains long term. Because transferred fat can change over time, more than one session may be needed.
Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures
Plastic surgery also includes treatments for the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Treatment and Revision
Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Scars from surgery
- Injury-related scars
- Scarring after burns
- 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
Benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps may be removed by plastic surgeons when a precise closure is needed. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be considered for:
- Skin irritation
- Growth
- A lesion that bleeds
- Cosmetic concern
- A need for diagnosis
- Physical comfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion 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. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:
- Direct closure
- A skin graft
- A local flap
- Complex reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments may help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
BOTOX and Other Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.
BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:
- Frown lines
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Expression lines on the nose
- Chin dimpling
- Selected neck bands
Results are temporary and usually require repeat treatments. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.
Dermal Filler Treatments
Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.
Common filler areas include:
- Lip shape
- Midface fullness
- Chin projection
- The jawline
- Under-eye hollowing
- Deeper smile lines
- Marionette folds
The result from filler depends on the product, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Medical Chemical Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Skin tone irregularity
- Tired-looking skin
- Mild lines
- Visible sun damage
- Light acne marks
- Rough skin texture
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. The type of peel affects recovery time.
Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments
Laser and energy-based treatments can improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Resurfacing laser treatment
- IPL, or intense pulsed light
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Hair reduction with laser
- Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels
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.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.
Common concerns include:
- Rough texture
- Mild scarring
- Dull-looking skin
- Uneven surface
- Fine surface lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
For instance:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- An undefined jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck muscle bands, fat, or the position of the chin.
- Abdominal fullness may come from fat, loose skin, separated muscles, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may be improved with a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye concerns may come from fat pads, hollows, loose skin, or pigmentation.
A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:
- What anatomy is causing the issue?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
These trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
What Patients Often Worry About Before Surgery
Most patients have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
Many patients ask this question. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”
Downtime varies by procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, require more planning.
In general, recovery planning may include:
- Bruising and swelling
- Temporary activity restrictions
- Planned time away from work
- Follow-up visits
- Care for scars
- Slow return to workouts
- Final results that take time to settle
The body needs time to heal. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“Will There Be Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.
The final scar can depend on:
- How your body naturally scars
- Pigment response in the skin
- Surgical procedure type
- Incision placement
- Wound tension
- Whether you smoke
- Sun protection during healing
- How the scar is cared for
Scars tend to soften and fade, but they usually remain to some degree.
“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”
No surgery is completely risk-free. Plastic surgery risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia concerns, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:
- Your health
- Medications you take
- Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
- The planned procedure
- The facility where surgery is done
- The planned anesthesia
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your post-operative care
A good consultation should explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and what is realistic.
Important Plastic Surgery Information for Canadian Patients
Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can 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?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- What are the risks for my specific case?
- What happens if I have a complication?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
This is not about challenging the surgeon. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. Pricing may depend on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
In major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, fees may be higher because of overhead and demand. 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.
Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada
Travelling abroad for lower-cost plastic surgery is something some Canadians consider. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.
Possible concerns with surgery abroad include:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Higher concern about infection
- Different medical standards
- Less access to surgical records
- Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
Preparing for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
You can prepare for the visit by doing the following:
- Make notes about your main concerns.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
- Photos may help explain your goals.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- 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.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- You are medically well enough for surgery
- You know what concern you want to address
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- The choice is based on your own goals
- Your expectations are realistic
A safer plan may involve waiting if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing unstable health, or feeling pressured.
Planning More Than One Plastic Surgery Procedure
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Other procedures should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Examples of combined procedures include:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Blepharoplasty with brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Abdominoplasty with liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
- Facial surgery combined with fat grafting
The safest plan depends on health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures
Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair 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 most popular one. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
The strongest treatment 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.