Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many different procedures that can refine, repair, or enhance the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to improve appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help rebuild form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
There are many concerns why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Some patients want a more refreshed appearance. 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. 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. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is often divided into two main categories, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. These procedures are usually elective, which means they are planned by choice and are not medically required.
Common cosmetic goals may include:
- Refining facial balance
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Improving body shape
- Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
- Enhancing areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping patients feel better in clothing
- Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes
Most cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures
Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. Patients may need reconstructive surgery after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common examples include:
- Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Reconstruction after burns
- Hand repair surgery
- Scar repair or revision
- Wound reconstruction
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Congenital difference repair
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Plastic surgery for the face can help improve balance, reduce visible aging, and create a more refreshed appearance. The goal is often not to look “different.” The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.
Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.
Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Deeper smile lines
- Descent of cheek tissue
- Less clear separation between the face and neck
Many modern facelift techniques focus on deeper support layers under the skin. This may create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled appearance. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Procedure (Platysmaplasty)
Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. The medical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Loose skin on the neck
- An undefined jawline
- Submental fullness
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.
Eyelid Surgery for Tired-Looking Eyes
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty helps refresh the eyes by removing or repositioning extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Common upper eyelid concerns include:
- Heaviness in the upper eyelids
- Redundant upper eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Under-eye shadowing
- A tired look that does not improve with rest
Many patients choose eyelid surgery because small improvements around the eyes can make the whole face look more awake and rested.
Brow Lift Procedure
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.
Brow lift surgery can improve:
- Brow descent
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Forehead wrinkles
- Lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern look
A brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. 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 nasal bridge bump
- A lowered nose tip
- Tip width or boxiness
- A crooked nasal shape
- The size or projection of the nose
- Asymmetry in the nose
- Breathing problems related to nasal structure
For patients with breathing concerns, rhinoplasty may include work on the septum, which separates the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Ear Surgery Procedure (Otoplasty)
The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. Otoplasty is often chosen for ears that stick out.
Otoplasty may address:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Uneven ears
- Large ear cartilage folds
- Ears positioned far from the head
- Concerns with the earlobes
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. When otoplasty is considered for a child, timing is based on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Surgery
The space between the upper lip and the nose can be shortened with a lip lift. That space is often described as the upper lip length. This surgery may reveal more of the upper lip without using filler.
A lip lift may help with:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Limited upper tooth show when smiling
- Limited visible upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Mouth-area aging changes
A lip lift is different from lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Facial implant surgery can refine the chin, cheeks, or jawline for better balance. Chin surgery may be used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Types of facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin augmentation implants
- Cheek augmentation implants
- Jawline augmentation implants
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Facial Fat Grafting
With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Loss of cheek fullness
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Facial volume loss from aging
- Soft tissue thinning
- Facial volume imbalance
Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts
Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive 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
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. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may address:
- Small natural breast size
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Breast asymmetry
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift Surgery, Also Called Mastopexy
A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. It does not mainly add volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.
A breast lift may address:
- Breasts that sag
- Nipples that face downward
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Loose breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients choose 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 Procedure
Extra breast tissue, fat, and skin can be removed with breast reduction to create smaller, lighter, more balanced breasts.
Breast reduction may address:
- Neck strain
- Shoulder pain
- Back strain
- Grooves from bra straps
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Difficulty exercising
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Whether coverage applies depends on the province, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision
Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Desire to change implant size
- Rupture of an implant
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Breast asymmetry
- Changes from aging after breast augmentation
- Desire to remove implants
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction can use implants, natural tissue, or both.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
- Rebuilding the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
This is a deeply personal choice. Some patients want reconstruction. Other people prefer to remain flat. Both decisions deserve respect.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Common gynecomastia concerns include:
- Puffy nipples
- Extra tissue beneath the areola
- A fuller male chest
- Uneven shape across the male chest
- Concern about the chest in fitted shirts, at the gym, or at the beach
A surgeon chooses the technique based on whether the chest fullness is due to fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or more than one factor.
Types of Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring
Extra abdominal skin and a weakened abdominal wall may be improved with a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. The procedure may also repair diastasis recti, which means separated abdominal muscles.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Loose abdominal skin
- A lower stomach apron
- Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
- Separated abdominal muscles
- Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck should not be viewed as weight-loss surgery. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction can treat:
- Abdomen
- Side waist areas, often called love handles
- Hip area
- Inner or outer thighs
- Upper arms
- Back
- Chin-neck contour
- Chest fullness
- Fat around the knees
Good skin elasticity helps improve results. If the skin is loose, liposuction by itself may not be enough. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Mommy Makeover
Body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change may be treated with a custom mommy makeover plan. It often includes both breast and abdominal procedures.
A customized mommy makeover may involve:
- Abdominoplasty
- Breast lift
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Breast reduction surgery
- Liposuction
- Fat grafting for contouring
The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
An arm lift may address:
- Loose hanging skin on the upper arms
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Arm skin changes over time
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Skin friction in the upper arms
The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes extra loose skin from the thighs. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Trouble with pants fit
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery
There are different thigh lift patterns. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.
Body Lift
Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- Major weight loss
- Bariatric surgery
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Aging-related lower-body skin looseness
A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. Patients should have a stable weight and good overall health.
Fat Grafting to the Body
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.
Patients may consider fat grafting for:
- Breast contour
- Buttock contour
- Hip contour
- Face
- Uneven contours after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments
Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Revision
Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision surgery can help improve:
- Surgical scars
- Injury-related scars
- Burn injury scars
- Scars that feel thick
- Scars that limit comfort
- Scars that limit movement
A scar revision plan may use surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a mix of options.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal
Plastic surgery may be chosen for benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when the closure should be as careful as possible. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Common reasons for removal include:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- A lesion that is getting larger
- Recurrent bleeding
- Cosmetic reasons
- Diagnosis
- Improved comfort
A qualified medical professional should assess any changing mole or suspicious skin more information lesion.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedures
Reconstruction may be needed after skin cancer removal to close the area and restore appearance. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- Simple direct closure
- A skin graft
- A local flap
- More advanced reconstruction
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Not every patient needs surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
Neuromodulator Injections
Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. These treatments are often used to soften expression lines.
Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Forehead wrinkles
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Bunny 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
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.
Common filler areas include:
- The lips
- Cheek contour
- Chin projection
- Lower-face contour
- Under-eye volume loss
- Smile line folds
- Marionette lines
Filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Too much filler can look unnatural, which makes conservative planning important.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Patients may consider chemical peels for:
- Uneven tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Fine surface lines
- Visible sun damage
- Acne-related marks
- Rough skin texture
Chemical peels can range from light treatments to deeper treatments. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.
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:
- Laser resurfacing for texture
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- RF skin treatments
- Treatments for mild skin laxity
- Laser treatment for unwanted hair
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones because pigment changes can be a risk.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.
Patients may consider these treatments for:
- Uneven texture
- Light scarring
- A dull complexion
- Surface irregularity
- Early fine lines
The right option depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option
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.
Examples include:
- 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.
- A full abdomen may 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 strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is behind the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What are the trade-offs of that option?
Those trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
This is one of the most common patient concerns. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
A healthy goal is often improved balance instead of perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Non-surgical treatments may require little or no downtime. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Scar care
- Slow return to workouts
- Final results that develop over time
Healing is not instant. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
Scar quality depends on:
- Family scar tendencies
- Skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Scar location
- Tension along the incision
- Smoking or nicotine use
- UV exposure
- Post-surgery aftercare
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“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
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
- Which surgery is performed
- The facility where surgery is done
- The anesthesia approach
- The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
- Your aftercare and follow-up
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. It is important to understand the difference between marketing language and recognized medical training.
Plastic Surgeon Credentials in Canada
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.
Patients should ask:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- Where will the procedure take place?
- Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- What happens if a complication occurs?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- Can I see results from similar cases?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada
Plastic surgery pricing in Canada varies widely. Pricing depends 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 due to overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different fees, but cost should not be the only factor.
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. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Less access to follow-up care
- Travel soon after surgery
- Infection risk
- Different health care standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Difficulty finding care for complications at home
- 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.
Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- Make notes about 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.
- If photos make your goals clearer, bring them to the consultation.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
A good consultation should clearly discuss your options. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery altogether.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are typically healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You are generally healthy
- You know what concern you want to address
- Your weight is stable for body surgery
- You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You understand the risks and can accept them
- You want the procedure for yourself
- You have realistic goals
It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.
Procedure Combinations in Plastic Surgery
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Others should be staged. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Nose surgery with chin surgery
- Mastopexy with augmentation
- Abdominoplasty with liposuction
- A customized mommy makeover
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Facial surgery with fat grafting
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Others repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Injectable and skin treatments may help with wrinkles, volume loss, texture concerns, and early signs of aging.
The most popular procedure is not always the best fit. 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. 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.