Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to enhance, repair, or reshape the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to improve appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many different needs. Some patients want a more refreshed appearance. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. A safe plan should be based on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.
This page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.
Common reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:
- Creating better facial balance
- Reducing age-related changes
- Improving body shape
- Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes
Across Canada, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually paid for by the patient. The total fee can depend on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up visits, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures
Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. Reconstructive procedures may be recommended after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
- Skin cancer reconstruction after a skin tumour is removed
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Burn scar reconstruction
- Hand repair surgery
- Scar revision
- Surgical wound repair
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Congenital reconstruction
Some reconstructive procedures may be covered by a provincial health plan when they are medically necessary. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. Most patients do not want to look “different.” Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.
Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift, also called 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 address:
- Softness or jowling at the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Deeper folds around the mouth
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- A blurred face and neck transition
Many modern facelift techniques focus on deeper support layers under the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Procedure (Platysmaplasty)
Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.
Patients may consider a neck lift for:
- Prominent neck bands
- Loose skin on the neck
- A jawline that looks less defined
- A heavy area under the chin
- A “turkey neck” appearance
Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle tightening. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.
Eyelid Surgery, Also Called Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty helps refresh the eyes by removing or repositioning extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Patients may choose upper eyelid surgery for:
- Heavy upper eyelids
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids
- A more tired or older eye appearance
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Vision concerns in select medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffy lower eyelids
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Hollow shadows under the eyes
- A fatigued look that remains after sleep
Many patients choose eyelid surgery because small improvements around the eyes can make the whole face look more awake and rested.
Brow Lift Procedure
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.
Patients may consider a brow lift for:
- Low or drooping eyebrows
- Upper eyelid heaviness caused by a low brow
- Lines across the forehead
- Frown lines in the glabella area
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. Extra eyelid skin is treated with eyelid surgery, while eyebrow position is treated with a brow lift. Some patients need only a brow lift or eyelid surgery, while others benefit from both procedures.
Rhinoplasty, Also Called Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.
Rhinoplasty may address:
- A raised bridge bump
- Tip droop
- Tip width or boxiness
- A nose that looks crooked
- Overall nose 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.
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is often used to correct ears that stick out.
Otoplasty may help with:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Uneven ears
- Large ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Earlobe shape concerns
This procedure is common for adults and children. For younger patients, ear growth, maturity, and family goals help guide timing.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
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. This surgery may reveal more of the upper lip without using filler.
Patients may consider a lip lift for:
- A longer upper lip
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- An upper lip that looks thin
- Poor lip balance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.
Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery
Facial implant surgery can refine the chin, cheeks, or jawline for better balance. Chin surgery can improve facial profile balance when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other features.
Facial implant options may include:
- Chin augmentation implants
- Cheek augmentation implants
- Jawline augmentation implants
In some cases, chin surgery is combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin both affect facial balance in profile view.
Fat Grafting to the Face
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.
Common facial fat grafting concerns include:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Soft tissue volume loss
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
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 in Canada
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. The right implant option is based on body type, breast tissue, goals, and professional surgical guidance.
Breast augmentation may address:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Less breast fullness after weight change
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.
Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. The main purpose is not to add volume. Instead, the goal is to improve breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Sagging breasts
- Nipples that point downward
- Areola stretching
- Breast skin laxity
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Others prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction may help with:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder strain
- Back discomfort
- Grooves from bra straps
- Under-breast skin irritation
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- Trouble finding clothing that fits
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Whether coverage applies depends on the province, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Changing breast implant size
- Breast implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
- An implant that has shifted
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- Choosing to remove implants
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Others choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction may involve:
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Reconstruction using tissue flaps
- Nipple and areola restoration
- Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
- Revision surgery for symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Both paths are valid and personal.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Gland tissue under the areola
- A fuller male chest
- Uneven male chest shape
- Feeling self-conscious at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
The cause of fullness, whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix, guides the best technique.
Types of Body Contouring Surgery
Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring
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.
Common tummy tuck concerns include:
- Sagging abdominal skin
- A lower stomach apron
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Separated abdominal muscles
- Body changes from 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
Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is meant for body contouring, not overall weight loss.
Liposuction can treat:
- Belly area
- Flanks, also called love handles
- Hip contours
- Thigh contours
- Upper arm contours
- The back
- Under the chin and neck
- Chest area
- The knees
Good skin elasticity helps improve results. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Customized Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.
A mommy makeover may include:
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck
- Mastopexy
- Breast augmentation
- Reduction mammoplasty
- Liposuction surgery
- Fat transfer
The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. It may be suitable for anyone with similar body changes. The best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Upper Arm Lift Procedure
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Upper arm skin that hangs
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing or irritation
The trade-off is a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.
A thigh lift may help with:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Pants that do not fit well
- Extra skin that feels heavy
- Changes after bariatric surgery or weight loss
There are different thigh lift patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.
Body Lift
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.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- Large weight loss
- Weight-loss surgery
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Age-related skin laxity
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Body Fat Grafting
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Common treatment areas include:
- The breasts
- The buttocks
- Hip contour
- Facial soft tissue
- Surface irregularities 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.
Skin and Scar Plastic Surgery Procedures
Plastic surgery also includes treatments for the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Surgical Scar Revision
Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.
Scar revision surgery can help improve:
- Scars from surgery
- Injury scars
- Scarring after burns
- Thick scars
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that pull during movement
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Plastic surgery may be chosen for benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when the closure should be as careful as possible. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Skin irritation
- A growing lesion
- Recurrent bleeding
- A cosmetic concern
- A need for diagnosis
- Improved comfort
If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer
Skin cancer reconstruction can help close the treated area and restore appearance after cancer removal. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction may involve:
- Direct surgical closure
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Local tissue flaps
- A more complex repair
The aim is to remove the cancer safely and preserve function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
Surgery is not needed for every patient. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Compared with surgery, non-surgical treatments often have less downtime but need maintenance.
Neuromodulator Injections
BOTOX and other neuromodulators relax selected facial muscles. They are often used for expression lines.
Common treatment areas include:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Expression lines on the nose
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Selected neck bands
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore or add volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Chin contour
- The jawline
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Nasolabial folds
- Lines below the corners of the mouth
Filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Too much filler can look unnatural, which makes conservative planning important.
Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone
A chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Uneven colour
- Dull skin
- Mild lines
- Sun damage
- Mild marks from acne
- Uneven texture
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.
Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments
Laser and energy-based treatments may improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common examples include:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- RF skin treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Hair reduction with laser
- Vascular lasers for visible redness
These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:
- Surface texture
- Mild scarring
- Dullness
- Uneven surface
- Small fine lines
The best treatment depends on the patient’s skin quality, goals, available downtime, and comfort with risk.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option
The best place to start is the concern itself, not the name of a procedure. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
Common examples include:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- A soft jawline can come from loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full abdomen may be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
These trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Most patients feel a mix of emotions before plastic surgery. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, natural looking cosmetic plastic surgery and natural-looking results.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
Many patients ask this question. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”
Healing time is different for every procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Post-surgery swelling and bruising
- Temporary activity restrictions
- Time off work
- Follow-up visits
- Scar healing support
- Slow return to workouts
- Results that take time to settle
Recovery does not happen instantly. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“Will I Have Scars?”
Any procedure with an incision creates a scar. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.
Scar appearance may be affected by:
- How your body naturally scars
- Skin colour and tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Incision placement
- Wound tension
- Whether you smoke
- Sun protection during healing
- Following aftercare instructions
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
All surgery has risk. Plastic surgery risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia concerns, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:
- The patient’s health
- Medication use
- Smoking or nicotine use
- The procedure being done
- Where the procedure takes place
- The anesthesia approach
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your aftercare and follow-up
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.
How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Proper training and credentials matter when researching plastic surgery in Canada. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.
Patients should ask:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- What facility will be used for the procedure?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What risks apply to my specific case?
- What is the plan if there is a complication?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
This is not about being difficult. It is about making an informed choice.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. The final cost may include procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Smaller cities may have different fees, but cost should not be the only factor.
Low pricing can be concerning when it reflects shortcuts in safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic 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.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Limited follow-up care
- Travel during early recovery
- Infection risk
- Medical standards that may differ
- Hard-to-get records
- Difficulty finding care for complications at home
- Possible language barriers
- Revision surgery costs
Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation
During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
Before the visit, preparation can help:
- List your main concerns before the visit.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Prepare to discuss your medical history.
- Do not hide smoking, vaping, cannabis, or nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
- Ask questions about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your 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.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
Plastic surgery candidates should usually be 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 good candidate if:
- Your overall health is good
- You know what concern you want to address
- Your weight is stable for body surgery
- You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You are comfortable with the risks and limits
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- You have realistic goals
You may need to postpone surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.
Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures
Some procedures can be combined safely. Others should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it may also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common combined surgery plans include:
- A facelift with a neck lift
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift with breast augmentation
- Abdominoplasty with liposuction
- A customized mommy makeover
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Facial surgery with fat grafting
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes may also be improved with non-surgical treatments.
A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. 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.