Across Canada, plastic surgery includes a wide range of procedures that can change, rebuild, or improve the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to refine appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
There are many reasons why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Some want to look more refreshed. Others want 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. Your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time all help guide the right procedure.
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
Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
What Is Cosmetic Plastic 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.
Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:
- Refining facial balance
- Reducing age-related changes
- Changing body proportions
- Restoring lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Making clothing feel or fit better
- Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence
Most cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. The total fee can depend on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up visits, and location.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring normal form and function. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Common types of reconstructive surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
- Burn reconstruction
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar treatment and revision
- Wound reconstruction
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Congenital difference repair
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. Most patients do not want to look “different.” The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy
A facelift or rhytidectomy can improve loose tissue in the lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Patients often consider facelift surgery for:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Loose lower facial skin
- Deep smile lines
- Drooping cheek tissue
- A blurred face and neck transition
Today, facelift surgery often works on deeper support layers below the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery (Platysmaplasty)
Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. The medical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Extra neck skin
- Soft jawline definition
- Submental fullness
- A “turkey neck” appearance
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. Since aging often affects both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift may be done in one plan.
Eyelid Surgery, Also Called Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty may help with:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Loose upper eyelid skin
- A more tired or older eye appearance
- Skin resting on the eyelashes
- Vision concerns in select medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffy lower eyelids
- Lower eyelid skin laxity
- Shadowing beneath the lower lids
- A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep
Blepharoplasty is common because even subtle changes around the eyes can make the face look more rested.
Brow Lift Procedure
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.
Common brow lift concerns include:
- Brow descent
- A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
- Lines across the forehead
- Creases between the eyebrows
- A facial expression that appears tired, sad, or serious
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.
Rhinoplasty, Also Called Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Rhinoplasty may address:
- A nasal bridge bump
- A lowered nose tip
- A wide nasal tip
- A crooked nasal shape
- Nasal size or projection
- Nose asymmetry
- Airflow issues caused by nasal structure
When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines how the nose looks, while functional nasal surgery focuses on breathing and airflow.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. Otoplasty is often chosen for ears that stick out.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Ear asymmetry
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears that project away from the head
- Earlobe appearance concerns
Otoplasty is common in adults and children. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Procedure
A lip lift reduces 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
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- A thin-looking upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Mouth-area aging changes
A surgical lip lift and lip filler are different treatments. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Chin, Jawline, and Facial Implant Surgery
Facial implants can 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.
Types of facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implants
- Implants for the cheeks
- Jawline augmentation implants
Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. Areas such as the abdomen or thighs are often used as the fat source before the fat is processed and placed into the face.
Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Tear trough hollowing
- Age-related facial volume loss
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Types of Breast Plastic Surgery
Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. 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 improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be filled with saline or silicone gel. The right implant option is based on body type, breast tissue, goals, and professional surgical guidance.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- Naturally small breasts
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Weight-related breast volume loss
- Breast asymmetry
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
Some patients feel nervous about results that may look too large or unnatural. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.
Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift, also known local plastic surgery as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. The main purpose is not to add volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.
A breast lift may address:
- Breast sagging
- Nipples that point downward
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight-loss breast changes
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.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes excess 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 strain
- Bra strap marks
- Under-breast skin irritation
- Exercise discomfort
- Trouble finding clothing that fits
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Whether coverage applies depends on the province, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Replacement or Removal
Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.
Patients may consider revision for:
- Desire to change implant size
- Breast implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- Implant shifting
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- Desire to remove implants
Some patients benefit from implant removal together with a breast lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may involve implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction may involve:
- Implant breast reconstruction
- Flap-based reconstruction
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Revision surgery to improve symmetry
Choosing reconstruction is deeply personal. Some patients want reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Both paths are valid and personal.
Male Chest Reduction Surgery
Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. It may involve liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Common gynecomastia concerns include:
- Nipple puffiness
- Extra tissue under the areola
- A fuller male chest
- Male chest asymmetry
- Concern about the chest in fitted shirts, at the gym, or at the beach
The right technique depends on whether the fullness comes from fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a combination.
Common Body Contouring Options
Body contouring surgery improves body shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Pregnancy, aging, and major weight loss are common reasons people consider body contouring.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Extra abdominal skin and a weakened abdominal wall may be improved with a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.
Tummy tuck surgery can help improve:
- Loose skin on the abdomen
- A lower belly overhang
- Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
- Diastasis recti
- Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss
Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction may treat:
- Stomach area
- Flanks, also called love handles
- Outer hip area
- Thigh areas
- Arm fullness
- Back
- Chin and neck
- The chest
- Fat around the knees
Good skin elasticity helps improve results. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Mommy Makeover Procedure
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.
Mommy makeover options may include:
- Abdominoplasty
- Breast lift
- Breast augmentation
- Reduction mammoplasty
- Fat reduction with liposuction
- Fat transfer for volume
Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. It may be suitable for anyone with similar body changes. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may address:
- Loose skin along the upper arms
- Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Avoiding sleeveless clothing
- Skin rubbing and irritation
A scar along the inner or back arm is the key trade-off with brachioplasty. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.
Thigh Lift Surgery
Loose thigh skin can be removed with a thigh lift. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
A thigh lift may help with:
- Loose skin on the inner thighs
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Trouble with pants fit
- Heaviness from extra skin
- Loose thigh skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss
There are different thigh lift patterns. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.
Body Lift
Body lift surgery is used to remove 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 considered after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Bariatric surgery
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Aging with major skin laxity
This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. Patients should have a stable weight and good overall health.
Fat Grafting to the Body
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Body fat grafting can involve:
- Breasts
- Buttock contour
- The hips
- The face
- Contour changes after surgery or injury
Fat grafting is natural in the sense that it uses your own tissue, but not all of the fat remains long term. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Revision Surgery
A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.
Patients may consider scar revision for:
- Surgery-related scars
- Injury scars
- Burn-related scars
- Thickened scars
- Scars that limit comfort
- Scars that pull during movement
Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.
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. A medical assessment may be needed for some lesions to rule out skin cancer.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Irritation
- Growth
- Recurrent bleeding
- A cosmetic concern
- Medical diagnosis
- Comfort in daily life
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer
After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the wound and restore appearance. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction may involve:
- A direct closure
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Reconstruction with local flaps
- More complex reconstruction
Skin cancer reconstruction aims to support safe cancer removal while protecting function and appearance.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality concerns may be improved with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:
- Glabellar frown lines
- Lines across the forehead
- Crow’s feet
- Expression lines on the nose
- Chin texture from muscle movement
- Selected neck bands
Results are temporary and usually require repeat treatments. Most patients want a softer, rested look rather than a frozen face.
Facial Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Fillers may treat:
- Lips
- Cheek volume
- The chin
- Lower-face contour
- Under-eye volume loss
- Deeper smile lines
- Mouth-corner lines
Product choice, technique, anatomy, and goals all affect filler results. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Patients may consider chemical peels for:
- Uneven colour
- Dull-looking skin
- Fine lines
- Visible sun damage
- Light acne marks
- Skin texture concerns
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments
These treatments may improve concerns such as uneven tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and visible aging.
Patients may consider options such as:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Hair reduction with laser
- Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
Patients may consider these treatments for:
- Uneven texture
- Surface-level scars
- A dull complexion
- Rough or uneven skin
- Early fine lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals
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.
Examples include:
- A heavy upper eyelid look may come from extra eyelid skin, brow descent, or both.
- Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
- 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.
A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:
- What is behind the concern?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and 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. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.
“Will the Result Still Look Like Me?”
This concern comes up often. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.
“How Long Is the Recovery?”
The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.
Patients should usually expect:
- Post-surgery swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Scar healing support
- Gradual return to exercise
- Results that take time to settle
Healing is not instant. Many procedures look better over weeks and months.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Family scar tendencies
- Pigment response in the skin
- The kind of surgery performed
- Placement of the incision
- Tension on the wound
- Smoking status
- Sun exposure
- Post-surgery aftercare
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”
Every surgery has risk. Patients should understand possible risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia issues, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:
- Your medical condition
- Medications you take
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The procedure selected
- The surgical facility
- The anesthesia approach
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Your aftercare and follow-up
Benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations should all be discussed during a consultation.
Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.
Helpful questions include:
- What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
- Are you licensed to practise in this province?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- What is the plan if there is a complication?
- How many follow-up visits are included?
- May I see before-and-after examples for similar procedures?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about understanding your options.
What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada
Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. Pricing depends on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Fees may be higher in major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal due to overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different pricing, but cost should not be the only factor.
Low pricing can be concerning when it reflects shortcuts in safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Medical Tourism Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.
Possible concerns with surgery abroad include:
- Reduced follow-up access
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Infection risk
- Medical standards that may differ
- Difficulty accessing medical records
- Trouble getting complications treated after returning to Canada
- Communication barriers
- Cost of revision surgery
Staying closer to home for surgery can help with follow-up, especially if swelling, healing problems, or complications need attention.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.
Before the visit, preparation can help:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements.
- Prepare to discuss your medical history.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
- Bring photos if they help show your goals.
- Ask about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. A good candidate understands that surgery may improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or fix every life problem.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
- You have good general health
- You have a clear concern
- You are at a stable weight for body contouring
- You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
- You are prepared for the recovery process
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- You are choosing the procedure for yourself
- You understand what is realistic
A safer plan may involve waiting if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing unstable health, or feeling pressured.
Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures
Some procedures can be combined safely. Some procedures are safer when staged. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Blepharoplasty with brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Breast lift with augmentation
- Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
- 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
In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Others repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments may also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
The best procedure is not always the most popular one. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
A good plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. For procedures such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is education about benefits and limits.