In Canada, plastic surgery covers many surgical options that may reshape, rebuild, or improve the face and body. When surgery is chosen mainly to refine appearance, it is often called cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help rebuild form or function.
There are many goals why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Many patients simply want to look more like themselves. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Some people seek care 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. 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 Plastic Surgery Procedures
Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on 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:
- Improving facial balance
- Softening signs of aging
- Refining body shape
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Enhancing areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Supporting a better fit in clothing
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
Across Canada, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually paid for by the patient. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive 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 a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after skin cancer excision
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Burn reconstruction
- Hand surgery
- Scar repair or revision
- Wound reconstruction
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Repair of congenital differences
When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.
Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
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 facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift, also known as 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.
A facelift may help with:
- Softness or jowling at the jawline
- Loose lower facial skin
- Deep facial folds near the mouth
- Lowered cheek tissue
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath 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 Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may help with:
- Neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Fullness under the chin
- A “turkey neck” appearance
In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. 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.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty helps refresh the eyes by removing or repositioning extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty may help with:
- Heavy upper lids
- Extra eyelid skin
- An aged or fatigued look
- Skin that sits on the eyelashes
- Vision concerns in some medical cases
Patients may choose lower eyelid surgery for:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Extra lower eyelid skin
- Under-eye shadowing
- Eyes that still look tired after 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
Brow lift surgery, or a forehead lift, is used to raise a low or heavy brow. This can help improve the upper eye area and ease a heavy forehead look.
Common brow lift concerns include:
- Brow descent
- Heavy upper lids from brow descent
- Forehead wrinkles
- Creases between the eyebrows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
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. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.
Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing
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 bump along the bridge of the nose
- A downward-pointing nasal tip
- A wide or boxy tip
- Nasal crookedness
- The size or projection of the nose
- Uneven nasal shape
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This part of surgery is called septoplasty. Appearance is the focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty, while airflow is the focus of functional nasal surgery.
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. Otoplasty is often chosen for ears that stick out.
Ear surgery can help improve:
- Prominent ears
- Ear asymmetry
- Prominent ear cartilage folds
- Ears that stand out from the head
- Earlobe appearance concerns
This procedure is performed for both adults and children. For children, the timing depends on plastic surgeon ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Surgical Lip Lift
A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. This surgery may reveal more of the upper lip without using filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- A long space between the nose and upper lip
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- A thin-looking upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Mouth-area aging changes
A lip lift is different from lip filler. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift improves the upper lip by changing its position and visible shape.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Implants can be used to improve facial balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery may be used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Types of facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin augmentation implants
- Implants for the cheeks
- Jawline implants
In some cases, chin surgery may be combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin affect facial balance in profile view.
Fat Grafting to the Face
A patient’s own fat can be used in facial fat grafting to restore volume. Fat is usually taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may address:
- Cheek hollowing
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Volume loss after aging
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- 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 one of the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Enlargement Surgery
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Implants used for breast augmentation may be saline or silicone gel. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- Naturally small breasts
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- A fuller look in clothing
A common concern is whether breast augmentation will look too large or unnatural. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Instead, the goal is to improve breast position and shape.
Patients may consider a breast lift for:
- Dropped breasts
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Loose breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
A breast lift may be combined with implants when more upper breast fullness is desired. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
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 may address:
- Pain in the neck
- Shoulder strain
- Back discomfort
- Bra strap marks
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- Difficulty fitting bras or clothes
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Desire to change implant size
- An implant that has ruptured
- Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
- An implant that has shifted
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Aging changes after breast augmentation
- Choosing to remove implants
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. Other patients choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Types of breast reconstruction may include:
- Implant-supported breast reconstruction
- Tissue flap reconstruction
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Breast fat grafting
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
Choosing reconstruction is deeply personal. Some patients want reconstruction. Others choose to stay flat. Either choice can be valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- Fullness in the chest
- Uneven male chest shape
- 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.
Common Body Contouring Options
Body contouring surgery improves shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, which are known as diastasis recti.
Common tummy tuck concerns include:
- Abdominal skin laxity
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
- Diastasis recti
- Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight-loss procedure. The best candidates are often near a stable weight and want better abdominal contour.
Surgical Liposuction
Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Common liposuction areas include:
- The abdomen
- Flanks, often called love handles
- The hips
- The thighs
- Upper arms
- Back rolls
- Under the chin and neck
- Male or female chest area
- Inner knee area
Good skin tone is important. If the skin is loose, liposuction alone may not be enough. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.
Customized Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. A mommy makeover commonly includes surgery for the breasts and abdomen.
A customized mommy makeover may involve:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Surgical breast lifting
- Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
- A breast reduction procedure
- Liposuction
- Body fat grafting
Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. 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.
Upper Arm Lift Procedure
An arm lift or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
An arm lift may address:
- Loose skin along the upper arms
- Skin laxity after weight loss
- Age-related changes in the arms
- Trouble wearing sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing and irritation
The main trade-off is 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.
Inner Thigh Lift
Loose thigh skin can be removed with a thigh lift. It is often considered after major weight loss.
A thigh lift may help with:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Poor clothing fit around the thighs
- Heaviness from extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
There are several thigh lift patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.
Body Lift Surgery
A body lift removes extra 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:
- Large weight loss
- Bariatric surgery
- Pregnancy-related body changes
- Aging with major skin laxity
A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.
Body Fat Grafting
With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.
Body fat grafting can involve:
- Breast volume
- Buttocks
- Hip volume
- The face
- Contour changes after surgery or injury
Although fat grafting uses your own fat, not all transferred fat will survive. Because transferred fat can change over time, more than one session may be needed.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
Skin surface concerns, scars, and soft tissue problems may also be treated with plastic surgery.
Scar Treatment and Revision
Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.
Scar revision may help with:
- Scars from surgery
- Injury scars
- Scarring after burns
- Bulky scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Scars that pull during movement
A scar revision plan may use surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a mix of options.
Skin Lesion Removal Procedures
Plastic surgery may be chosen for benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when the closure should be as careful as possible. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Ongoing irritation
- Growth
- A lesion that bleeds
- A cosmetic concern
- Diagnostic testing
- Physical comfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction
Skin cancer reconstruction can help close the treated area and restore appearance after cancer removal. This is common in areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:
- A direct closure
- Skin grafts
- A local flap
- Complex reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Injectable and Skin Treatments
Surgery is not needed for every patient. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually temporary.
BOTOX and Other Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.
Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Lines across the forehead
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Lines on the sides of the nose
- A dimpled chin appearance
- Selected neck bands
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Dermal fillers may improve facial volume and contour. Dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that supports and shapes soft tissue.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- Lip enhancement
- Cheek contour
- Chin
- Jawline
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Smile line folds
- Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin
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.
Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone
A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Uneven colour
- A dull complexion
- Fine lines
- Visible sun damage
- Mild marks from acne
- Surface texture issues
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.
Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin
Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Resurfacing laser treatment
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Laser treatment for unwanted hair
- Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing
Outer skin layers can be removed with dermabrasion, a deeper resurfacing procedure. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
These treatments may help with:
- Uneven texture
- Minor acne scarring
- Dull-looking skin
- An uneven skin surface
- Fine lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.
For instance:
- Upper lid heaviness may be related to eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
- An undefined jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck muscle bands, fat, or the position of the chin.
- Fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight may cause abdominal fullness.
- A flat breast appearance may require a lift, implants, fat grafting, or combined treatment.
- Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.
A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- 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.
Plastic Surgery Fears and Questions
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
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?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Bruising and swelling
- Limits on activity
- A break from work
- Post-operative follow-up visits
- Post-surgery scar care
- Gradual return to exercise
- Final results that take time to settle
Healing is not instant. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
Many factors affect scar quality, including:
- Your genetics
- Natural skin tone
- Procedure type
- Where the incision is placed
- Pulling on the healing incision
- Smoking and vaping status
- How much sun the scar gets
- Scar aftercare
Most scars fade with time, but they do not fully disappear.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
No surgery is completely risk-free. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.
Surgical safety depends on several factors, including:
- Your overall health
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Smoking or nicotine use
- The procedure selected
- The facility where surgery is done
- The planned anesthesia
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Care after the procedure
A careful consultation should review benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Important Plastic Surgery Information for Canadian Patients
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Proper training and credentials matter when researching plastic surgery in Canada. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- Where will the procedure take place?
- Who will provide the anesthesia?
- Which risks are most relevant to me?
- What is the plan if there is a complication?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- May I see before-and-after examples for similar procedures?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about understanding your options.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada
The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Many factors affect pricing, including procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Smaller markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.
A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.
Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians think about travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.
Concerns with medical tourism may include:
- Reduced follow-up access
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Higher concern about infection
- Different medical standards
- Difficulty accessing medical records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Language or translation issues
- Additional costs if revision surgery is needed
Staying closer to home for surgery can help with follow-up, especially if swelling, healing problems, or complications need attention.
Preparing for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- Write down your main concerns.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Prepare to discuss your medical history.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
- Ask about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Talk about realistic results based on your body or face.
Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?
A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.
You may be ready for plastic surgery if:
- You are generally healthy
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- 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.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Other procedures should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Facial surgery combined with fat grafting
The safest plan depends on health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Some procedures restore 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 right procedure is not always the most popular option. The best choice is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
The strongest treatment plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Before choosing eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, it helps to understand what each option can and cannot do.