In Canada, plastic surgery covers many treatments that may refine, rebuild, or enhance the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to improve appearance. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help repair form or function.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many individual goals. For some people, the goal is to look more refreshed. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The right procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.
This guide covers the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including 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 Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.
Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:
- Refining facial balance
- Reducing age-related changes
- Improving body shape
- Restoring lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Making clothing feel or fit better
- Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes
Across Canada, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually paid for by the patient. 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 is focused on restoring form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common types of reconstructive surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Burn injury reconstruction
- Hand reconstruction
- Scar treatment and revision
- Repair of wounds
- Facial injury reconstruction
- Congenital difference repair
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Changes done only for cosmetic reasons are usually not covered.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, improves 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:
- Jowls near the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deep facial folds near the mouth
- Sagging cheek tissue
- Loss of definition between the face and neck
A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
A neck lift is used to improve neck skin laxity, muscle bands, and under-chin fullness. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may help with:
- Visible neck bands
- Extra neck skin
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Fullness under the chin
- A “turkey neck” look
Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. Since aging often affects both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift may be done in one plan.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty may help with:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Excess eyelid skin
- An aged or fatigued look
- Skin that sits on the eyelashes
- Visual field concerns in some medical situations
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Under-eye puffiness or bags
- Under-eye swelling or fullness
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- Hollow 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.
Brow Lift Procedure
A forehead lift, commonly called a brow lift, helps lift a low or heavy brow. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.
Common brow lift concerns include:
- Eyebrows that sit too low
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Forehead wrinkles
- Vertical lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.
Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing
Rhinoplasty is nose surgery that can change nasal shape, size, or structure. It may be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A dorsal hump on the nose
- Tip droop
- A broad or boxy tip
- A nose that is not straight
- Nasal size or projection
- Asymmetry in the nose
- Airflow issues caused by nasal structure
When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Ear Surgery Procedure (Otoplasty)
Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.
Otoplasty may address:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Ears that do not match well
- Prominent ear cartilage folds
- Ears with too much projection
- Stretched or uneven earlobes
This procedure is performed for both adults and children. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. By changing lip position, a lip lift can make the upper lip more visible without adding volume with filler.
Patients may consider a lip lift for:
- A lengthened upper lip area
- Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
- A less visible upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Aging changes around the mouth
Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Facial implants can improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery can improve facial profile balance when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other features.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Chin augmentation implants
- Surgical cheek implants
- Surgical jawline implants
Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Under-eye hollowing
- Volume loss after aging
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting may be used alone or combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Breast plastic surgery can address volume, size, position, symmetry, and reconstruction after cancer surgery.
Breast Enlargement Surgery
Breast size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. Implant choice depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may address:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Less breast fullness after weight change
- Breasts that do not match well
- Desire for more fullness in clothing
Some patients feel nervous about results that may look too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.
Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery
A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts 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
- Nipples that face downward
- Areolas that have stretched
- Breast skin laxity
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction may address:
- Neck discomfort
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Back discomfort
- Bra strap marks
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Exercise discomfort
- Clothing fit challenges
Some breast reduction procedures in Canada may be considered medically necessary. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Replacement or Removal
Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common reasons include:
- Desire to change implant size
- Breast implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
- Breast implant movement
- Breast asymmetry
- Aging changes after breast augmentation
- Breast implant removal
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.
Types of breast reconstruction may include:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple-areola reconstruction
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Revision surgery to improve symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both decisions deserve respect.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Gynecomastia surgery may address:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- A fuller male chest
- An uneven male chest shape
- Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts
Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.
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.
Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Extra abdominal skin
- A lower belly overhang
- Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
- Separated core muscles
- Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight-loss procedure. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
A cannula, which is a thin tube, is used in liposuction to remove localized fat. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- Belly area
- Flanks, also called love handles
- Hips
- Thighs
- Upper arm area
- The back
- Submental area and neck
- The chest
- Knees
Good skin elasticity helps improve results. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.
Mommy makeover options may include:
- A tummy tuck procedure
- Mastopexy
- A breast augmentation procedure
- Surgical breast size reduction
- Body contouring with liposuction
- Fat transfer for volume
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It is for anyone with similar body changes. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Upper Arm Lift Procedure
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Upper arm skin that hangs
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Age-related changes in the arms
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Chafing from upper arm skin
Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. Because the scar is permanent, patients should carefully discuss whether the improved shape is worth it.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. Many patients choose it after major weight loss.
Patients may consider a thigh lift for:
- Loose skin on the inner thighs
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Trouble with pants fit
- Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.
Lower Body Lift
Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. It may improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Bariatric surgery
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Age-related skin laxity
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.
Fat Transfer to the Body
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. The goal may be natural volume, smoother contour, or both.
Body fat grafting can involve:
- Breast contour
- The buttocks
- The hips
- Face
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
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.
Plastic Surgery for Skin and Scars
Plastic surgeons may also treat scars, skin surface concerns, and soft tissue issues.
Surgical Scar Revision
A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision surgery can help improve:
- Scarring after surgery
- Scarring after an injury
- Burn scars
- Thickened scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Scars that limit movement
Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.
Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps may be removed by plastic surgeons when a precise closure is needed. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be considered for:
- Irritation
- A lesion that is getting larger
- A lesion that bleeds
- Cosmetic concern
- A need for diagnosis
- Physical comfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be checked by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
When skin cancer is removed, plastic surgery reconstruction may help close the area and restore appearance. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:
- Direct closure
- A skin graft
- Local tissue flaps
- Complex reconstruction
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
Surgery is not needed for every patient. 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
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.
BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:
- Frown lines between the brows
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Bunny lines on the nose
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Selected neck bands
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers may improve facial volume and contour. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- Lip shape
- Cheeks
- Chin contour
- Jawline contour
- Under-eye volume loss
- Smile line folds
- Lines below the corners of the mouth
Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.
Skin Peels
The outer layers of skin can be improved with a chemical peel using a controlled solution.
Common chemical peel concerns include:
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull skin
- Mild lines
- Visible sun damage
- Mild acne marks
- Rough skin texture
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.
Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments
Skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and aging changes may be treated with laser and energy-based treatments.
Common options may include:
- Skin laser resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- RF skin treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Laser hair removal or reduction
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels
Skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated should guide the choice of treatment. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments
A deeper resurfacing option called dermabrasion removes outer layers of skin. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:
- Skin texture
- Surface-level scars
- Tired-looking skin
- Surface irregularity
- Mild lines
Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
Choosing the right procedure begins with the concern, not the procedure name. Many patients ask for one treatment and later learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
Common examples include:
- Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- A soft jawline can come from loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- Fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight may cause abdominal fullness.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What is creating the concern?
- Which procedure treats that cause best?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
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. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural-looking results.
“Will I Look Natural After Surgery?”
Many patients ask this question. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“What Is the Recovery Like?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Non-surgical options often involve minimal downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.
Most patients should prepare for:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Temporary activity restrictions
- Time away from work
- Follow-up visits
- Scar management
- A gradual return to exercise
- Final results that develop over time
Recovery does not happen instantly. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“Will I Have Scars?”
Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
The final scar can depend on:
- Family scar tendencies
- Skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Incision placement
- Wound tension
- Nicotine exposure
- UV exposure
- How the scar is cared for
A open this scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”
Every surgery has risk. Patients should understand possible risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia issues, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:
- Your medical condition
- Medication use
- Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
- The procedure selected
- Where the procedure takes place
- How anesthesia is managed
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Care after the procedure
A good consultation should explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and what is realistic.
What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. It is important to understand the difference between marketing language and recognized medical training.
Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
- Are you licensed to practise in this province?
- Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
- Where would my surgery be done?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- Which risks are most relevant to me?
- How are complications handled?
- How many follow-up visits are included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about being demanding. It is about making an informed choice.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada
The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. The final cost may include 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. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.
A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.
Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery
Some Canadians think about travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.
Concerns with medical tourism may include:
- Limited post-surgery follow-up
- Travel soon after surgery
- Higher concern about infection
- Different medical standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Possible language barriers
- Additional costs if revision surgery is needed
Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
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.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare:
- List your main concerns before the visit.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Photos may help explain your goals.
- Discuss recovery, scarring, risks, and other options.
- Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.
A good consultation should include a clear discussion of options. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. Realistic patients understand that surgery can help appearance, but it cannot make life perfect or solve every issue.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- Your overall health is good
- You have a clear concern
- Your weight has been stable before body surgery
- You can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
- You understand the recovery process
- You accept the risks, scars, and trade-offs
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- You understand what is 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.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Certain procedures can be safely combined. Other procedures should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it may also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common combinations include:
- A facelift with a neck lift
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
The safest plan depends on health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
Canadian plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Some procedures restore 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 best procedure is not always the most popular one. The right option should match your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
Every plastic surgery plan should put safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care first. Whether the procedure is eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is understanding what each option can and cannot do.