Plastic surgery includes many surgical options that can refine, rebuild, or enhance the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to enhance how a person looks. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help rebuild form or function.
There are many concerns why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Some want to look more balanced. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want 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.
The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures
Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.
Common goals include:
- Creating a more balanced face
- Softening signs of aging
- Improving body shape
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes
Most cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
In reconstructive plastic surgery, the focus is on restoring form, function, or both. Reconstructive procedures may be recommended after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common types of reconstructive surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Cleft lip or palate repair
- Burn injury reconstruction
- Hand surgery
- Scar repair or revision
- Wound reconstruction
- Reconstruction after facial trauma
- Congenital reconstruction
Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Changes done only for cosmetic reasons are usually not covered.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.
Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.
A facelift may address:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Skin laxity in the lower face
- Prominent smile lines
- Descent of cheek tissue
- Poor definition between the face and neck
Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below the skin. This approach may help produce a smoother, longer-lasting result without making the face look pulled. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. The medical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may address:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Loose skin on the neck
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Fullness below the chin
- A “turkey neck” appearance
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Others may benefit from liposuction under the chin. The face and neck often change at the same time, so facelift and neck lift surgery may be combined.
Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, can improve tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra eyelid skin, fat, or tissue.
Upper eyelid surgery can address:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Excess eyelid skin
- An aged or fatigued look
- Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Under-eye bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- Under-eye shadowing
- A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep
Blepharoplasty is common because even subtle changes around the eyes can make the face look more rested.
Brow Lift Surgery for a Heavy Brow
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. This can help improve the upper eye area and ease a heavy forehead look.
Common brow lift concerns include:
- Low or drooping eyebrows
- A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
- Forehead creases
- Frown lines in the glabella area
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
Brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery are not the same procedure. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. 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. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.
Common rhinoplasty concerns include:
- A raised bridge bump
- Tip droop
- A wide nasal tip
- A nose that is not straight
- Nasal size or projection
- Uneven nasal shape
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. This part of surgery is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines how the nose looks, while functional nasal surgery focuses on breathing and airflow.
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is often used to correct ears that stick out.
Otoplasty may help with:
- Ears that stick out
- Ears that do not match well
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Earlobe shape concerns
This procedure is performed for both adults and children. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Procedure
Lip lift surgery shortens the area between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Uneven lip balance
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
A surgical lip lift and lip filler are different treatments. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.
Chin, Jawline, and Facial Implant Surgery
Implants can be used to improve facial 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.
Facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implants
- Implants for the cheeks
- Jawline implant surgery
In some cases, chin surgery is combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin both affect facial balance in profile view.
Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting uses a patient’s own fat to restore volume. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Fat grafting to the face can help improve:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Under-eye volume loss
- Facial volume loss from aging
- Soft tissue thinning
- 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.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts
In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape 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 filled with saline or silicone gel. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Small natural breast size
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Lost breast volume after weight changes
- Breasts that do not match well
- Desire for more fullness in clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
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.
Breast lift surgery can help improve:
- Lower breast position
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Others prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
Breast Reduction Procedure
To reduce breast size and weight, breast reduction removes extra tissue, fat, and skin.
Breast reduction surgery can help improve:
- Neck discomfort
- Pain in the shoulders
- Upper back pain
- Indentations from bra straps
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Exercise discomfort
- Clothing fit challenges
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.
Breast Implant Revision
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Wanting smaller or larger implants
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- An implant that has shifted
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Other patients choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Implant breast reconstruction
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple-areola reconstruction
- Breast fat grafting
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
Choosing reconstruction is deeply personal. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. 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.
Gynecomastia surgery may address:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Fullness under the areola
- Fullness in the chest
- A chest that looks uneven
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
The cause of fullness, whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix, guides the best technique.
Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. Body contouring is common after changes from pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, which are known as diastasis recti.
Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:
- Sagging abdominal skin
- A lower stomach apron
- Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction may treat:
- The abdomen
- Love handles or flanks
- Hip area
- Inner or outer thighs
- Upper arms
- The back
- Submental area and neck
- Chest
- The knees
Good skin tone matters. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
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.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- A breast lift procedure
- Breast augmentation surgery
- Breast reduction surgery
- Surgical fat removal
- Fat transfer for volume
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It may be suitable for anyone with similar body changes. Health, goals, recovery time, and future pregnancy plans all help guide the best approach.
Arm Lift Surgery, Also Called Brachioplasty
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may help with:
- Hanging skin under the arms
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Age-related changes in the arms
- Avoiding sleeveless clothing
- Skin rubbing or irritation
Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift Procedure
A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. It is often considered after major weight loss.
Common thigh Cosmetic North lift concerns include:
- Loose inner thigh skin
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Trouble with pants fit
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or weight loss
Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The best thigh lift pattern depends on skin amount and the location of the looseness.
Body Lift
Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. It may improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be considered after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Weight-loss surgery
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Aging-related lower-body skin looseness
This is a more involved surgery with a longer recovery. Patients should have a stable weight and good overall health.
Body Contouring With Fat Transfer
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- The breasts
- Buttock shape
- Hip contour
- Facial contour
- Contour changes after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but not all transferred fat survives. Fat grafting results can evolve, so repeat treatment may be needed for some patients.
Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Patients may consider scar revision for:
- Scars from surgery
- Injury-related scars
- Scars from burns
- Scars that feel thick
- Tight or pulling scars
- Scars that affect range of motion
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when careful closure matters. A medical assessment may be needed for some lesions to rule out skin cancer.
Common reasons for removal include:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- A lesion that is getting larger
- Bleeding
- Appearance concerns
- Pathology or diagnosis
- Comfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal
After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. Reconstruction is especially common on visible or delicate areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:
- Simple direct closure
- Skin grafts
- A local flap
- More complex reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Injectable and Skin Treatments
Not every patient needs surgery. For some patients, non-surgical treatments help soften early aging signs, facial lines, volume loss, and skin concerns. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.
Common areas include:
- Glabellar frown lines
- Lines across the forehead
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Nose bunny lines
- Chin texture from muscle movement
- Selected neck bands
Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore or add volume. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lip volume
- Cheek volume
- Chin shape
- Lower-face contour
- Under-eye volume loss
- Deeper smile lines
- Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin
Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Common chemical peel concerns include:
- Uneven tone
- Dull skin
- Small fine lines
- Photoaging
- Acne-related marks
- Surface texture issues
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common examples include:
- Skin laser resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Non-surgical skin tightening
- Laser-based hair reduction
- Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels
Skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated should guide the choice of treatment. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where pigment changes can be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.
Patients may consider these treatments for:
- Surface texture
- Mild scars
- A dull complexion
- Uneven surface
- Fine lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
The best place to start is the concern itself, not the name of a procedure. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Heavy upper lids can 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.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- A baggy under-eye look may be related to fat, hollowing, loose skin, or skin colour changes.
A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What anatomy is causing the issue?
- Which option is the best match for that cause?
- What must be accepted with that option?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Most patients have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the result will look natural.
“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”
Many patients ask this question. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Long Is the Recovery?”
Recovery time depends on the 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.
Patients should usually expect:
- Bruising and swelling
- Activity limits
- Time away from work
- Follow-up visits
- Care for scars
- A gradual return to exercise
- Results that take time to settle
Recovery does not happen instantly. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.
“Will I Have Scars?”
A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.
Scar quality depends on:
- Genetic healing patterns
- Your skin tone
- Which procedure is done
- Where the incision is placed
- Tension along the incision
- Whether you smoke
- How much sun the scar gets
- Scar aftercare
Most scars fade with time, but they do not fully disappear.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
Every surgery has risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
A safe procedure depends on factors such as:
- The patient’s health
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
- The planned procedure
- Where the procedure takes place
- The anesthesia plan
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Your post-operative care
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations
In Canada, 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.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What are the risks for my specific case?
- Who do I contact if I have a complication?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about making an informed choice.
What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada
Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.
In major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, fees may be higher because of overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different fees, but cost should not be the only factor.
If a very low price means less attention to safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare, it can be a warning sign.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians think about 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:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Travel during early recovery
- Infection risk
- Different facility or safety standards
- Less access to surgical records
- Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
- Language or translation issues
- 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
Your consultation is the time to understand what can be done safely and realistically. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare:
- Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Share your medical history.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help show your goals.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- Ask what result is realistic for your body or face.
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?
A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- Your overall health is good
- You can explain a clear concern
- Your weight has been stable before body surgery
- You can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
- You understand what recovery involves
- You understand the risks and can accept them
- The choice is based on your own goals
- Your goals are realistic
You may need to postpone surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Certain procedures can be safely combined. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- Mommy makeover surgery combinations
- Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Reconstructive options may repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical cosmetic options can help soften wrinkles, restore volume, improve texture, and address early aging changes.
The best procedure is not always the procedure people ask about first. It is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A responsible approach should be built around 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.