Plastic surgery is a broad field with surgical options that can improve, restore, or change areas of the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to refine appearance. When plastic surgery helps restore form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.
There are many reasons why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Some want to look more balanced. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Other patients need help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. A safe plan should be based on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.
This page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. These procedures are usually elective, which means they are planned by choice and are not medically required.
Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:
- Improving facial balance
- Softening signs of aging
- Improving body contours
- Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Making clothing feel or fit better
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
In Canada, most cosmetic procedures are paid for privately. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common reconstructive procedures include:
- Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
- Skin cancer reconstruction after skin cancer excision
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Burn injury reconstruction
- Hand surgery
- Scar revision
- Wound repair
- 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.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The best results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. It can help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
A facelift may help with:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deep facial folds near the mouth
- Sagging cheek tissue
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery (Platysmaplasty)
A neck lift can improve loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may help with:
- Visible neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- A soft or undefined jawline
- A heavy area under the chin
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. 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, also known as blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery can address:
- A weighted upper eyelid look
- Excess eyelid skin
- Eyes that look tired or aged
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Patients may choose lower eyelid surgery for:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Under-eye swelling or fullness
- Extra lower eyelid skin
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- A tired look that does 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, Also Called Forehead Lift
A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. This can help improve the upper eye area and ease a heavy forehead look.
Brow lift surgery can improve:
- Brow descent
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Lines across the forehead
- 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.
Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is nose surgery that can change nasal shape, size, or structure. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A bump on the bridge
- Tip droop
- A wide or boxy tip
- A nose that looks crooked
- Overall nose size or projection
- An uneven-looking nose
- Breathing problems related to nasal structure
Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. That procedure is known as septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. It is commonly used to correct ears that stick out.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Uneven ear shape or position
- Prominent ear cartilage folds
- Ears that project away from the head
- Stretched or uneven earlobes
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Procedure
A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
A lip lift may help with:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Limited upper tooth show when smiling
- A less visible upper lip
- Lip imbalance
- Changes around the mouth from aging
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. A lip lift improves the upper lip by changing its position and visible shape.
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.
Facial implant options may include:
- Implants for the chin
- Cheek augmentation implants
- Jawline augmentation implants
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting
A patient’s own fat can be used in facial fat grafting to restore volume. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may address:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Age-related facial volume loss
- Thin facial soft tissue
- Imbalance in facial volume
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Common Breast Surgery Options
Breast surgery is one of the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Small natural breast size
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Breasts that do not match well
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. A careful plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
Breasts that have dropped can be raised and reshaped with a breast lift, also called mastopexy. It does not mainly add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
A breast lift may help with:
- Dropped breasts
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Breast skin laxity
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
A lift and implants may be combined to improve position and add upper breast fullness. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
Breast Reduction Surgery
To reduce breast size and weight, breast reduction removes extra tissue, fat, and skin.
Patients may consider breast reduction for:
- Neck pain
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Pain in the back
- Grooves from bra straps
- Under-breast skin irritation
- Difficulty exercising
- Problems with clothing fit
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Revision Breast Implant Surgery
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Common breast implant revision concerns include:
- A change in preferred implant size
- An implant that has ruptured
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- No longer wanting breast implants
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
Breast reconstruction may involve:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Breast fat grafting
- Revision surgery to improve symmetry
Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both decisions deserve respect.
Male Chest Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue. It may involve liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Extra tissue beneath the areola
- Chest tissue fullness
- Uneven male chest shape
- Self-consciousness at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
The best technique depends on whether the fullness is caused by fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape
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 (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.
Common tummy tuck concerns include:
- Abdominal skin laxity
- A lower stomach apron
- Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
- Separated abdominal muscles
- Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Liposuction can treat:
- The abdomen
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Hip area
- Thigh areas
- The upper arms
- Back
- Submental area and neck
- Male or female chest area
- Inner knee area
Good skin tone is important. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.
Mommy Makeover Procedure
Body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change may be treated with a custom mommy makeover plan. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.
A mommy makeover can include:
- A tummy tuck procedure
- A breast lift procedure
- A breast augmentation procedure
- Breast reduction
- Fat reduction with liposuction
- Fat transfer
The term can be misleading, since a mommy makeover is not only for mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Extra skin after major weight loss
- Arm skin changes over time
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Skin rubbing or irritation
The main trade-off is a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, better shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift Surgery
A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. Many patients choose it after major weight loss.
A thigh lift may address:
- Loose inner thigh skin
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Poor clothing fit around the thighs
- Extra skin that feels heavy
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
There are different thigh lift patterns. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.
Body Contouring Lift
A body lift removes loose skin around the lower body. A body lift can address the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- A major weight change
- Bariatric surgery
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Aging changes with loose skin
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
With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. The goal may be natural volume, smoother contour, or both.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast volume
- Buttock volume
- Hip contour
- Facial contour
- Uneven contours after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. 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.
Scar Improvement Treatment
Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may address:
- Surgery-related scars
- Injury-related scars
- Burn injury scars
- Thick scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Scars that limit movement
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Skin Lesion Removal Procedures
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be done for:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- Growth
- Bleeding or crusting
- Concern about how it looks
- Diagnostic testing
- 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. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:
- Direct surgical closure
- Using 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 Aesthetic Procedures
Surgery is not needed for every patient. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. Compared with surgery, non-surgical treatments often have less downtime but need maintenance.
BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments
Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
Common treatment areas include:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
- Lines on the sides of the nose
- A dimpled chin appearance
- Mild neck bands in certain cases
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Facial 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.
Dermal filler treatment may involve:
- Lip enhancement
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Jawline definition
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Smile lines
- Lines below the corners of the mouth
Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Skin Peels
A chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.
Chemical peels may address:
- Uneven colour
- Dull-looking skin
- Mild lines
- Sun damage
- Acne-related marks
- Rough skin texture
Chemical peels can range from light treatments to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and aging changes may be treated with laser and energy-based treatments.
Patients may consider options such as:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Skin tightening treatments
- Laser hair reduction
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels
The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be minimally invasive treatments a risk.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.
These treatments may help with:
- Skin texture
- Minor acne scarring
- Dullness
- Uneven surface
- Mild lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. Many patients ask for one treatment and later learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
For example:
- Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
- A soft jawline can come from loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may be improved with a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye concerns may come from fat pads, hollows, loose skin, or pigmentation.
The best plan usually starts with three questions:
- What anatomy is causing the issue?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
This is one of the most common concerns. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.
“What Is the Recovery Like?”
Recovery 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, need more planning.
Most patients should prepare for:
- Bruising and swelling
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- A break from work
- Follow-up visits
- Scar management
- A gradual return to exercise
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Healing takes time. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Family scar tendencies
- Natural skin tone
- The kind of surgery performed
- Where the incision is placed
- Tension along the incision
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Sun exposure
- Post-surgery aftercare
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
All surgery has risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Surgical safety depends on several factors, including:
- Your overall health
- Your medications
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The procedure selected
- The facility where surgery is done
- The type of anesthesia
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your post-operative care
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Plastic Surgeon Credentials in Canada
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Patients may want to ask:
- Are you certified as a plastic surgeon?
- Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
- Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What are my personal risks with this procedure?
- What happens if I have a complication?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. Pricing may depend 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. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.
A bargain price is not always a good deal if it comes with weaker safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery
Some Canadians think about travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Limited post-surgery follow-up
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Risk of infection
- Different medical standards
- Difficulty accessing medical records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Language barriers
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
When surgery is done closer to home, follow-up may be easier if concerns or complications occur.
Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation
A plastic surgery consultation helps clarify what is possible, safe, and realistic for your case. It should not feel 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.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
- Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
A helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
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.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
- You are generally healthy
- You know what concern you want to address
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
- You understand what recovery involves
- You are comfortable with the risks and limits
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- You have realistic goals
Surgery may need to wait if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by another person.
Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures
Some procedures can be combined safely. Other surgeries may need to be done in stages. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common combined surgery plans include:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Tummy tuck with liposuction
- A customized mommy makeover
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Fat grafting with facial surgery
Your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level all affect the safest plan.
Understanding Your Plastic Surgery Options in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Others repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments can also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
The best procedure is not always the procedure people ask about first. The right option should match your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A thoughtful plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. 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.