Plastic surgery includes many procedures that can reshape, rebuild, or improve the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to refine appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help rebuild form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many reasons. For some people, the goal is to look more balanced. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Other patients need help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. A safe plan should be based on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and 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 Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
The main focus of cosmetic plastic surgery is appearance. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.
Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:
- Refining facial balance
- Improving visible signs of aging
- Refining body shape
- Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with 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. Pricing may change based on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, facility costs, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore 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 a skin tumour is removed
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Burn reconstruction
- Hand reconstruction
- Scar repair or revision
- Surgical wound repair
- Repair after facial trauma
- Congenital difference repair
Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. For many patients, the goal is not to look like another person. The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. It can help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Common facelift concerns include:
- Jawline jowls
- Skin laxity in the lower face
- Deep smile lines
- Lowered cheek tissue
- Poor definition between the face and neck
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. This approach may help produce a smoother, longer-lasting result without making the face look pulled. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned 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. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may address:
- Neck bands
- Extra neck skin
- Reduced jawline sharpness
- Submental fullness
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. For patients with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction under the chin may help. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery may help with:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Redundant upper eyelid skin
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Visual field concerns in some medical situations
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Bags under the eyes
- Puffiness
- Lower eyelid skin laxity
- Under-eye shadowing
- A fatigued look that remains after 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.
Brow Lift Surgery for a Heavy Brow
A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Brow descent
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Frown lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern look
Brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery are not the same procedure. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.
Rhinoplasty, Also Called Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty is nose surgery that can change nasal shape, size, or structure. The procedure can address cosmetic goals, functional concerns, or both.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A bump on the bridge
- A nasal tip that droops
- A boxy nasal tip
- Nasal crookedness
- Nose size or projection
- Nose asymmetry
- Structural breathing concerns
Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery
The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Asymmetry between the ears
- Ear folds that look large
- Ears that stand out from the head
- Earlobe shape concerns
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Procedure
A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
Common lip lift concerns include:
- A longer upper lip
- Less visible upper teeth when smiling
- Limited visible upper lip
- Poor lip balance
- Mouth-area aging changes
A lip lift is different from lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. A lip lift improves the upper lip by changing its position and visible shape.
Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery
Facial implants may improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. When the chin appears small in relation to the nose or other features, chin surgery may help.
Facial implants may involve:
- Implants for the chin
- Surgical cheek implants
- Jawline augmentation implants
For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.
Fat Grafting to the Face
Facial fat grafting uses a patient’s own fat to restore volume. Fat is usually taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Cheek hollowing
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Age-related facial volume loss
- Thinning soft tissue
- Uneven facial fullness
Depending on the goal, fat grafting may be used alone or as part of a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedure.
Breast Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation in Canada
Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Breast augmentation may address:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Lost breast volume following pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Uneven breast size or shape
- Desire for more fullness in 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)
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.
A breast lift may help with:
- Sagging breasts
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
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 for Comfort and Shape
To reduce breast size and weight, breast reduction removes extra tissue, fat, and skin.
Breast reduction may help with:
- Chronic neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Pain in the back
- Bra strap marks
- Under-breast skin irritation
- Problems staying active
- Trouble finding clothing that fits
Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.
Breast Implant Replacement or Removal
Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- A change in preferred implant size
- Breast implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Breasts that look uneven
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Some patients elective cosmetic surgery benefit from implant removal together with a breast lift. Others choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction may involve:
- Implant-supported breast reconstruction
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Rebuilding the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
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 is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Common gynecomastia concerns include:
- A puffy nipple appearance
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- Fullness in the chest
- Male chest asymmetry
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
A surgeon chooses the technique based on whether the chest fullness is due to fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or more than one factor.
Body Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring surgery improves body shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, which are known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Loose abdominal skin
- An overhang in the lower belly
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Separated core muscles
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction for Body Contouring
Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Common liposuction areas include:
- Abdomen
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Hips
- Thigh contours
- Upper arm contours
- The back
- Submental area and neck
- Chest area
- Inner knee area
Firm, elastic skin is important. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.
A mommy makeover can include:
- A tummy tuck procedure
- Surgical breast lifting
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction
- Fat grafting for contouring
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.
Arm Lift Surgery, Also Called Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may address:
- Upper arm skin that hangs
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Age-related changes in the arms
- Difficulty wearing sleeveless tops
- Irritation from loose arm skin
A scar along the inner or back arm is the key trade-off with brachioplasty. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. Many patients choose it after major weight loss.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Pants that do not fit well
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.
Body Contouring Lift
Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Common reasons for body lift surgery include:
- Large weight loss
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Aging with major skin laxity
Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Body Fat Grafting
With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.
Common treatment areas include:
- Breast contour
- The buttocks
- Hip shape
- The face
- Uneven contours after surgery or injury
Although fat grafting uses your own fat, not all transferred fat will survive. Results may change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Plastic Surgery for Skin and Scars
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Improvement Treatment
Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may address:
- Post-surgical scars
- Injury-related scars
- Burn injury scars
- Thick scars
- Tight scars
- Scars that affect range of motion
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.
Removal may be done for:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- Growth or change
- Bleeding or crusting
- Cosmetic concern
- Diagnostic testing
- Improved comfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
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.
Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:
- A direct closure
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Local tissue flaps
- More advanced reconstruction
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options
Not every patient needs surgery. Early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality concerns may be improved with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. They are often used for expression lines.
Patients may consider neuromodulators for:
- Frown lines between the brows
- Forehead wrinkles
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Lines on the sides of the nose
- Chin texture from muscle movement
- Selected neck bands
Results are temporary and usually need repeat treatments. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can restore or add volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- The lips
- Midface fullness
- Chin contour
- Jawline
- Hollowing under the eyes
- 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
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Uneven tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Fine lines
- Sun damage
- Mild post-acne marks
- Texture concerns
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.
Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin
Laser and energy-based treatments can improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common treatment options may include:
- Resurfacing laser treatment
- IPL skin treatment
- RF skin treatments
- Treatments for mild skin laxity
- 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. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones because pigment changes can be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Outer skin layers can be removed with dermabrasion, a deeper resurfacing procedure. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.
Common concerns include:
- Uneven texture
- Mild scarring
- Tired-looking skin
- Rough or uneven skin
- Early fine lines
The right option depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option
A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.
Common examples include:
- Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
- An undefined jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck muscle bands, fat, or the position of the chin.
- A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
- A flat breast shape may be treated with a breast lift, breast augmentation, fat grafting, or a combined plan.
- Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
The best plan usually starts with three questions:
- What is causing the concern?
- 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
It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but nervousness is common too. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will I Look Natural After Surgery?”
This is one of the most common patient concerns. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is often to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“What Is the Recovery Like?”
Recovery depends on the procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Bruising and swelling
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- Time off work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Scar care
- Slow return to workouts
- Final results that take time to settle
Recovery does not happen instantly. Many procedures look better over weeks and months.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Genetics
- Your skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Incision placement
- Wound tension
- Whether you smoke
- How much sun the scar gets
- Post-surgery aftercare
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- Your medical condition
- Your medications
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The type of procedure
- Where the procedure takes place
- How anesthesia is managed
- Surgeon training and experience
- Your post-operative care
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.
How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Are you formally certified in the specialty of 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 manages anesthesia during the procedure?
- What risks apply to my specific case?
- What happens if I have a complication?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
This is not about being difficult. It is about making an informed choice.
What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada
The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Pricing depends on 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 fees, but cost should not be the only factor.
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. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Limited follow-up care
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Risk of infection
- Different surgical standards
- Less access to surgical records
- Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
- Language or translation issues
- Revision surgery costs
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A plastic surgery consultation helps clarify what is possible, safe, and realistic for your case. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help show your goals.
- Ask questions about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.
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 Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
The best candidates for plastic surgery are often 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 can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
- You know what to expect during recovery
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- You are choosing the procedure for yourself
- 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.
Planning More Than One Plastic Surgery Procedure
It may be safe to combine some procedures. Others should be staged. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.
Common combinations include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Abdominoplasty with liposuction
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Combining body lift with arm or thigh surgery
- 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 About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments may also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. It is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
The strongest treatment plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Whether you are considering eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is learning what each option can and cannot do.