Plastic surgery is a broad field with procedures that can refine, restore, or reshape areas of the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to improve how a person looks. Others are reconstructive, which means they help repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many personal reasons. 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. Plastic surgery may also 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. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is commonly divided into two main categories, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
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.
Common goals include:
- Supporting better facial harmony
- Softening signs of aging
- Improving body shape
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping patients feel better in clothing
- Improving confidence in a natural-looking way
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.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures
Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring form and function. Patients may need reconstructive surgery after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after skin cancer excision
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Reconstruction after burns
- Reconstructive hand surgery
- Scar repair or revision
- Complex wound repair
- Facial injury reconstruction
- Repair of congenital differences
When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. For many patients, the goal is not to look like another person. The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.
Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face
A facelift or rhytidectomy can improve loose tissue in the lower face and jawline. It can help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Common facelift concerns include:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Deeper smile lines
- Drooping cheek tissue
- Poor definition between the face and neck
Many modern facelift techniques focus on deeper support layers under the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. A facelift can be part of a larger facial rejuvenation plan that includes a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery for Jawline and Neck Definition
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.
Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:
- Neck bands
- Loose skin on the neck
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Fullness below the chin
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. Others may benefit from liposuction under the chin. Because the face and neck often age together, a facelift and neck lift may be planned together.
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.
Common upper eyelid concerns include:
- Heavy upper lids
- Extra eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Skin resting on the eyelashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Lower blepharoplasty may help with:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffiness
- Lower eyelid skin laxity
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- Tired-looking eyes that do not improve with rest
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 brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises 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:
- Drooping eyebrows
- Heavy upper lids from brow descent
- Forehead creases
- Frown lines in the glabella area
- A heavy expression that seems tired or stern
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Rhinoplasty may address:
- A raised bridge bump
- Tip droop
- A wide or boxy tip
- A nose that looks crooked
- Overall nose size or projection
- Asymmetry in the nose
- Breathing issues related to structure
When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines how the nose looks, while functional nasal surgery focuses on breathing and airflow.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Otoplasty may help with:
- Protruding ears
- Ears that do not match well
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Concerns with the earlobes
Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
The space between the upper lip and the nose can be shortened with a lip lift. This area is known as the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.
Patients may consider a lip lift for:
- A long space between the nose and upper lip
- Less visible upper teeth when smiling
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Poor lip balance
- Mouth-area aging changes
A surgical lip lift and lip filler are different treatments. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Facial Implants for Balance
Facial implants can 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.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Implants for the chin
- Surgical cheek implants
- Implants for the jawline
For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.
Facial Fat Grafting
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.
Fat grafting to the face can help improve:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Age-related facial volume loss
- Thinning soft tissue
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of plastic surgery in Canada. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.
Breast Implants and Fat Transfer Augmentation
Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be filled with saline or silicone gel. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.
Common breast augmentation goals include:
- Naturally small breasts
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Weight-related breast volume loss
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- A fuller look in clothing
A common concern is whether breast augmentation will look too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.
Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Breast sagging
- Nipples that point downward
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Stretched breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. For a natural result without added implant volume, some patients choose a breast lift alone.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction surgery can help improve:
- Chronic neck pain
- Pain in the shoulders
- Back pain
- Grooves from bra straps
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Problems staying active
- Difficulty fitting bras or clothes
Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.
Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Patients may consider revision for:
- A change in preferred implant size
- An implant that has ruptured
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- Implant position changes
- Breast asymmetry
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- Breast implant removal
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction may use:
- Implant breast reconstruction
- Tissue flap reconstruction
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat transfer to the breast
- Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry
This can be a deeply personal choice. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both options are valid.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. The procedure may use liposuction, gland removal, or both methods.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Extra tissue beneath the areola
- A fuller male chest
- A chest that looks uneven
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.
Body Plastic Surgery Procedures
Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. It is often considered after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. The procedure may also repair diastasis recti, which means separated abdominal muscles.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Sagging abdominal skin
- A hanging lower abdomen
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck should not be viewed as weight-loss surgery. A tummy tuck is most suitable for patients at a stable weight who want a flatter, better-shaped abdomen.
Liposuction for Body Contouring
Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method, it is a contouring procedure.
Common liposuction areas include:
- The abdomen
- Flanks, often called love handles
- The hips
- Inner or outer thighs
- Upper arms
- Back contour areas
- Submental area and neck
- Male or female chest area
- The knees
Firm, elastic skin is important. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Tummy tuck
- A breast lift procedure
- A breast augmentation procedure
- A breast reduction procedure
- Liposuction surgery
- Body fat grafting
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 mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.
Upper Arm Lift Procedure
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Aging changes in the arms
- Avoiding sleeveless clothing
- Skin friction in the upper arms
The main trade-off is 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.
Inner Thigh Lift
Loose thigh skin can be removed with a thigh lift. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.
A thigh lift may help with:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Chafing from loose thigh skin
- Pants that do not fit well
- Extra skin that feels heavy
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Body Contouring Lift
A body lift removes extra loose skin around the lower body. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Common reasons for body lift surgery include:
- Substantial weight loss
- Weight-loss surgery
- Post-pregnancy body changes
- Major loose skin from aging
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Fat Grafting for Body Contouring
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast shape
- Buttock contour
- Hips
- The face
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
Fat grafting is natural in the sense that it uses your own tissue, but not all of the fat remains long term. Because transferred fat can change over time, more than one session may be needed.
Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures
Plastic surgeons may also treat scars, skin surface concerns, and soft tissue issues.
Scar Treatment and Revision
Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.
Patients may consider scar revision for:
- Scarring after surgery
- Trauma scars
- Scars from burns
- Thick scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Scars that limit movement
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.
Skin lesion removal may be done for:
- Irritated skin
- Growth or change
- Bleeding or crusting
- Concern about how it looks
- Diagnostic testing
- Improved comfort
A qualified medical professional should assess any changing mole or suspicious skin 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
- Skin grafts
- Local flaps
- Complex reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.
BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Forehead lines
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
- Bunny lines on the nose
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Neck bands in some cases
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that supports and shapes soft tissue.
Common filler areas include:
- Lip enhancement
- Cheek contour
- Chin shape
- Jawline contour
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette 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 applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of plastic surgery in my area the skin.
Patients may consider chemical peels for:
- Uneven tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Early fine lines
- Skin changes from sun exposure
- Acne-related marks
- Skin texture concerns
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.
Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments
These treatments may improve concerns such as uneven tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and visible aging.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Laser resurfacing for texture
- IPL skin treatment
- Radiofrequency energy treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Laser hair reduction
- Vascular lasers for visible redness
These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments
Dermabrasion is a deeper skin resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
These treatments may help with:
- Skin texture
- Mild scars
- Tired-looking skin
- Uneven skin feel
- Mild lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure
The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- 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.
- Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.
A good treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What anatomy is causing the issue?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What must be accepted with that option?
Trade-offs can include scars, recovery time, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Most patients feel a mix of emotions before plastic surgery. Patients may feel excited, but they may also feel nervous. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
This concern comes up often. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
For many patients, the goal is better balance, not a perfect or unrealistic look.
“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Swelling or bruising
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- Time off work
- Follow-up appointments
- Scar healing support
- A gradual return to exercise
- Final results that develop over time
Recovery does not happen instantly. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Genetics
- Natural skin tone
- The kind of surgery performed
- The incision location
- Wound tension
- Smoking and vaping status
- How much sun the scar gets
- Aftercare
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
Every surgery has risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:
- Your medical condition
- Your current medications
- Nicotine or smoking use
- The planned procedure
- The facility where surgery is done
- The type of anesthesia
- Surgeon training and experience
- Your aftercare and follow-up
A careful consultation should review 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.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Are you formally certified in the specialty of plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
- Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
- What risks apply to my specific case?
- What is the plan if there is a complication?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about challenging the surgeon. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada
Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.
Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Smaller markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.
Low pricing can be concerning when it reflects shortcuts in safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Less access to follow-up care
- Travel soon after surgery
- Infection risk
- Different facility or safety standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Trouble getting complications treated after returning to Canada
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
Before a consultation, consider preparing in these ways:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Photos may help explain your goals.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
A helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?
The best candidates for plastic surgery are often healthy, informed, and realistic. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- You are generally healthy
- You have a specific concern
- You are at a stable weight for body contouring
- You can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- The choice is based on your own goals
- Your expectations are realistic
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
Certain procedures can be safely combined. Some procedures are safer when staged. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.
Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- Combined mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
The safest plan depends on 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. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Others help repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes may also be improved with non-surgical treatments.
The best procedure is not always the procedure people ask about first. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s 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.