Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many different procedures that can change, restore, or support the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to improve appearance. Other procedures are reconstructive, meaning they help rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many different goals. Some want to look more rested. Others want 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.
Use this guide to understand the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is commonly divided into two main categories, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada
The main focus of cosmetic plastic surgery is appearance. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.
Common reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:
- Improving facial balance
- Reducing age-related changes
- Refining body shape
- Restoring lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Supporting a better fit in clothing
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
Most cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
What Is 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 following mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after skin cancer excision
- Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
- Burn scar reconstruction
- Hand repair surgery
- Surgical scar revision
- Wound reconstruction
- Repair after facial trauma
- Surgery for congenital differences
When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Changes done only for cosmetic reasons are usually not covered.
Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.
Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. It may help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
A facelift may address:
- Jawline jowls
- Loose lower facial skin
- Deeper folds around the mouth
- Sagging cheek tissue
- A blurred face and neck transition
A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Procedure (Platysmaplasty)
Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.
A neck lift may address:
- Visible neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- A soft or undefined jawline
- A heavy area under the chin
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. Others may benefit from liposuction under the chin. The face and neck often change at the same time, so facelift and neck lift surgery may be combined.
Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Common upper eyelid concerns include:
- Heavy upper eyelids
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Patients may choose lower eyelid surgery for:
- Bags under the eyes
- Lower eyelid puffiness
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- Under-eye shadowing
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
Because small changes around the eyes can refresh the whole face, eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures.
Forehead Lift and Brow Lift Surgery
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It can improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may address:
- Eyebrows that sit too low
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Forehead wrinkles
- Frown lines in the glabella area
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
Brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery are not the same procedure. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.
Nose Surgery Procedure (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty is nose surgery that can change nasal shape, size, or structure. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Nose surgery can address concerns such as:
- A dorsal hump on the nose
- A drooping nasal tip
- Tip width or boxiness
- A nose that looks crooked
- The size or projection of the nose
- Nasal asymmetry
- Breathing issues related to structure
If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. This is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Ear Surgery Procedure (Otoplasty)
Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Uneven ears
- Ear folds that look large
- Ears that project away from the head
- Earlobe concerns
Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. When otoplasty is considered for a child, timing is based on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance
A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. That space is often described as the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.
A lip lift may help with:
- A longer upper lip
- Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
- Limited visible upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Aging changes around the mouth
A lip lift is different from lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.
Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants
Facial implants may improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery is often used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Common facial implant procedures include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Surgical cheek implants
- Implants for the jawline
Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.
Facial 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.
Common facial fat grafting concerns include:
- Cheek hollowing
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Volume loss after aging
- Soft tissue volume loss
- Imbalance in facial volume
Depending on the goal, fat grafting may be used alone or as part of a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedure.
Types of Breast Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of 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 Augmentation in Canada
Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Common breast augmentation goals include:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Weight-related breast volume loss
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A lift changes position and shape rather than mainly adding volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Lower breast position
- Nipples that face downward
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Breast skin laxity
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
A lift and implants may be combined to improve position and add upper breast fullness. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Extra breast tissue, fat, and skin can be removed with breast reduction to create smaller, lighter, more balanced breasts.
Common breast reduction concerns include:
- Neck strain
- Shoulder pain
- Back discomfort
- Bra strap grooves
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Exercise discomfort
- Difficulty fitting bras or clothes
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Replacement or Removal
Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Breast implant revision may be needed for:
- A change in preferred implant size
- A ruptured implant
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- Breast implant movement
- Breasts that look uneven
- Changes from aging after breast augmentation
- Breast implant removal
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
Breast reconstruction may involve:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Flap-based reconstruction
- Rebuilding the nipple and areola
- Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
This can be a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Others choose to remain flat. Both options are valid.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Nipple puffiness
- Fullness under the areola
- Fullness in the chest
- 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.
Body Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is often considered after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. The procedure may also repair diastasis recti, which means separated abdominal muscles.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Sagging abdominal skin
- A lower belly overhang
- Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. The best candidates are often near a stable weight and want better abdominal contour.
Surgical Liposuction
A cannula, which is a thin tube, is used in liposuction to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- Stomach area
- Love handles or flanks
- Hip contours
- Thigh areas
- Upper arm area
- The back
- Submental area and neck
- Chest
- The knees
Good skin tone is important. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.
Customized Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often includes both breast and abdominal procedures.
A customized mommy makeover may involve:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Breast lift surgery
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction surgery
- Fat transfer
Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure 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.
Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may address:
- Upper arm skin that hangs
- Extra skin after major weight loss
- Age-related changes in the arms
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Chafing from upper arm skin
Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
A thigh lift may help with:
- Sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Poor clothing fit around the thighs
- A heavy feeling from extra skin
- Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery
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 Lift After Weight Loss
A body lift removes loose skin around the lower body. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- Major weight loss
- Weight-loss surgery
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Major loose skin from aging
A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.
Body Fat Grafting
With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Common treatment areas include:
- Breast volume
- Buttock shape
- Hip contour
- Facial soft tissue
- Uneven contours after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Plastic Surgery for Skin and Scars
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. It may not plastic surgery near you erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Patients may consider scar revision for:
- Surgical scars
- Scarring after an injury
- Burn scars
- Scars that feel thick
- Scars that limit comfort
- Scars that affect range of motion
Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.
Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Ongoing irritation
- Growth or change
- Bleeding from the lesion
- Appearance concerns
- Medical diagnosis
- Improved comfort
If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
When skin cancer is removed, plastic surgery reconstruction may help close the area and restore appearance. Reconstruction is especially common on visible or delicate areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- Direct closure
- Skin grafts
- A local flap
- More complex reconstruction
The priority is safe cancer removal, with function and appearance preserved as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Not every patient requires surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments may 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. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
Common treatment areas include:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Lines across the forehead
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Bunny lines on the nose
- A dimpled chin appearance
- Neck bands in some cases
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.
Dermal filler treatment may involve:
- The lips
- Cheek contour
- Chin contour
- Lower-face contour
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Lines from the nose to the mouth
- Marionette lines
Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.
Skin Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peels may help with:
- Uneven skin tone
- Skin dullness
- Fine surface lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Mild post-acne marks
- Uneven texture
Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. The type of peel affects recovery time.
Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin
These treatments may improve concerns such as uneven tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and visible aging.
Common treatment options may include:
- Laser resurfacing
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- RF skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Hair reduction with laser
- Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels
These treatments should be matched to the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where pigment changes can be a risk.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments
A deeper resurfacing option called dermabrasion removes outer layers of skin. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more surface-level.
These treatments may help with:
- Texture
- Light scarring
- A dull complexion
- Surface irregularity
- Early fine lines
The best treatment depends on the patient’s skin quality, goals, available downtime, and comfort with risk.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.
For instance:
- Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- Under-eye concerns may come from fat pads, hollows, loose skin, or pigmentation.
The best plan usually starts with three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which option is the best match for that cause?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
These trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural-looking results.
“Will I Look Natural After Surgery?”
This is a very common worry. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Good plastic surgery should respect the patient’s natural features, body frame, age, and style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
Downtime varies by procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, require more planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Bruising and swelling
- Reduced activity
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Scar healing support
- Careful return to exercise
- Gradual settling before final results are seen
Surgical healing is gradual. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“How Noticeable Will Scars Be?”
A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is to place scars as carefully as possible and help them heal well.
Scar appearance may be affected by:
- Genetics
- Your skin tone
- The type of procedure
- The incision location
- Tension along the incision
- Smoking status
- How much sun the scar gets
- Aftercare
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
Every surgery has risk. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.
Safety is influenced by:
- Your overall health
- Medication use
- Use of tobacco or nicotine
- The planned procedure
- The surgery facility
- The type of anesthesia
- The training and experience of the surgeon
- Your aftercare and follow-up
A careful consultation should review benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.
Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Helpful questions include:
- Are you certified as a plastic surgeon?
- Do you hold a medical licence in this province?
- Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- What happens if I have a complication?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about being difficult. It is about understanding your options.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada
Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. Many factors affect pricing, including 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.
Choosing Surgery in Canada vs. Abroad
Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Limited post-surgery follow-up
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Possible infection
- Medical standards that may differ
- Challenges getting procedure records
- Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
- Possible language barriers
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
- If photos make your goals clearer, bring them to the consultation.
- Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what can realistically be achieved for your face or body.
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?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are typically healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You are medically well enough for surgery
- You have a clear concern
- Your weight is stable for body surgery
- You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You are comfortable with the risks and limits
- 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.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
It may be safe to combine some procedures. Other procedures should be staged. A combined plan may save recovery time, but it also needs careful planning because surgery time and healing demands may increase.
Examples of combined procedures include:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
- Combined mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
- Facial surgery combined with fat grafting
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada
In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Many cosmetic procedures focus on the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair 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. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s 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.