Across Canada, plastic surgery includes several major types of procedures that can change, repair, or support the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to enhance appearance. When plastic surgery helps rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.
There are many concerns why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Some want to look more balanced. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Some people seek care 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.
The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.
Common reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:
- Creating better facial balance
- Reducing age-related changes
- Improving body shape
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping patients feel better in clothing
- Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements
Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Fees can vary based on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada
Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring form and function. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
- Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Burn reconstruction
- Hand surgery
- Scar treatment and revision
- Complex wound repair
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Correction of congenital concerns
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Face
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. The goal is often not to look “different.” The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. Patients may choose facelift surgery for jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds near the mouth.
A facelift may help with:
- Jowls near the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Prominent smile lines
- Lowered cheek tissue
- Loss of definition between the face and neck
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Procedure (Platysmaplasty)
A neck lift is elective plastic surgery used to improve neck skin laxity, muscle bands, and under-chin fullness. The clinical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
Patients may consider a neck lift for:
- Neck bands
- Loose neck skin
- A soft or undefined jawline
- Fullness under the chin
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.
Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery
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
- Redundant upper eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Skin that sits on the eyelashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Lower blepharoplasty may help with:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Lower eyelid skin laxity
- Shadowing beneath the lower lids
- 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
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may address:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
- Forehead creases
- Creases between the eyebrows
- A tired, sad, or stern look
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.
Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.
Common rhinoplasty concerns include:
- A raised bridge bump
- A drooping nasal tip
- A wide nasal tip
- A crooked nose
- Nasal size or projection
- Nose asymmetry
- Breathing problems related to nasal structure
Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Cosmetic 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.
Patients may consider otoplasty for:
- Protruding ears
- Asymmetry between the ears
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Earlobe shape concerns
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. The distance is called the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
A lip lift may address:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Limited upper tooth show when smiling
- An upper lip that looks thin
- Uneven lip balance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. Lip lift surgery adjusts the position and shape of the upper lip.
Facial Implants for Balance
Facial implants can improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. When the chin appears small in relation to the nose or other features, chin surgery may help.
Types of facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implants
- Cheek implant surgery
- Jawline implant surgery
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
With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. Fat is usually taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Cheek hollowing
- Under-eye hollowing
- Facial volume loss from aging
- Thinning soft tissue
- Uneven facial fullness
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
Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. Implant choice depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- Naturally small breasts
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Lost breast volume after weight changes
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- A desire for more breast fullness in clothing
Some patients feel nervous about results that may look too large or unnatural. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term 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, it improves breast position and shape.
Breast lift surgery can help improve:
- Breast sagging
- Nipple descent
- Stretched areolas
- Breast skin laxity
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction surgery can help improve:
- Chronic neck pain
- Shoulder strain
- Back pain
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Skin irritation under the breasts
- Difficulty exercising
- Clothing fit challenges
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Revision Breast Implant Surgery
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Wanting smaller or larger implants
- A ruptured implant
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- An implant that has shifted
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Changes from aging after breast augmentation
- No longer wanting breast implants
A breast lift may be done when implants are removed. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction can use implants, natural tissue, or both.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Implant-supported breast reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
- Rebuilding the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Revision surgery to improve symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some patients choose reconstruction. Other people prefer to remain flat. Both decisions deserve respect.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.
Gynecomastia surgery may address:
- Puffy nipples
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- Chest fullness
- An uneven male chest shape
- Self-consciousness at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
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 focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Loose abdominal skin
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Separated abdominal muscles
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight-loss procedure. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction can treat:
- Abdomen
- Flank areas
- Outer hip area
- Thigh areas
- Arm fullness
- Back rolls
- The chin and neck
- Chest
- Inner knee area
Firm, elastic skin is important. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Tummy tuck
- Mastopexy
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Surgical breast size reduction
- Body contouring with liposuction
- Body fat grafting
The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Loose skin along the upper arms
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Age-related changes in the arms
- Trouble wearing sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing or irritation
Arm lift surgery leaves 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 Surgery
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:
- Loose inner thigh skin
- Thigh skin rubbing
- Poor fit in pants
- A heavy feeling from extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
There are different thigh lift patterns. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Body Contouring Lift
A body lift improves lower-body contour by removing excess skin. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Patients may consider a body lift after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Aging-related lower-body skin looseness
This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.
Fat Grafting to the Body
Fat grafting moves fat from one area of the body to another. It may be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast shape
- Buttock shape
- Hips
- Facial volume
- Surface irregularities after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. Because transferred fat can change over time, more than one session may be needed.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Improvement Treatment
Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may help with:
- Scarring after surgery
- Injury-related scars
- Burn scars
- Raised or thick scars
- Tight scars
- Scars that limit movement
Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Patients may seek removal for:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- Growth or change
- A lesion that bleeds
- Cosmetic concern
- Diagnostic testing
- Physical comfort
Changing moles or suspicious skin lesions should be reviewed by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
When skin cancer is removed, plastic surgery reconstruction may help close the area and restore appearance. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- Closing the area directly
- Skin grafts
- Local flaps
- Complex reconstruction
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options
Not every patient needs surgery. Early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality concerns may be improved with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Compared with surgery, non-surgical treatments often have less downtime but need maintenance.
Neuromodulator Injections
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.
Patients may consider neuromodulators for:
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Expression lines on the nose
- Chin texture from muscle movement
- Selected neck bands
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not 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 that shapes and supports soft tissue.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- Lip volume
- Midface fullness
- Chin projection
- Jawline definition
- Tear trough hollowing
- Smile line folds
- Lines below the corners of the mouth
Filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Skin Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Chemical peels may help with:
- Uneven colour
- Dull-looking skin
- Small fine lines
- Photoaging
- Mild acne marks
- Surface texture issues
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on peel type.
Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin
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
- RF skin treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Laser hair removal or reduction
- Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels
The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper skin resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.
Patients may consider these treatments for:
- Texture
- Surface-level scars
- A dull complexion
- An uneven skin surface
- Small fine lines
Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.
Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals
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:
- A heavy upper eyelid look may come from extra eyelid skin, brow descent, 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.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- A baggy under-eye look may be related to fat, hollowing, loose skin, or skin colour changes.
A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is behind the concern?
- Which procedure treats that cause best?
- What must be accepted with that option?
These trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.
“Will I Look Natural After Surgery?”
This is a very common worry. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. A natural result should match 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?”
Downtime varies by procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.
Most patients should prepare for:
- Swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Follow-up visits
- Care for scars
- Gradual return to exercise
- Gradual settling before final results are seen
Healing takes time. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“How Noticeable Will Scars Be?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.
The final scar can depend on:
- Your genetics
- Natural skin tone
- The type of procedure
- Where the incision is placed
- Tension along the incision
- Smoking status
- Exposure to the sun
- Scar aftercare
Scars tend to soften and fade, but they usually remain to some degree.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
All surgery has risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- Your medical condition
- Your medications
- Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
- Which surgery is performed
- Where the procedure takes place
- The type of anesthesia
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Your post-operative care
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in plastic surgery.
Patients may want to ask:
- What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- How are complications handled?
- What follow-up care is included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.
Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Smaller markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.
A bargain price is not always a good deal if it comes with weaker safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Medical Tourism Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians think about travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.
Medical tourism concerns may include:
- Limited post-surgery follow-up
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Infection-related complications
- Different medical standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Language barriers
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
When surgery is done closer to home, follow-up may be easier if concerns or complications occur.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare:
- Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
- Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- Prepare to discuss your medical history.
- Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
- 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 helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Good Candidates for Plastic Surgery
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. A good candidate understands that surgery may improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or fix every life problem.
Good candidate signs include:
- You are medically well enough for surgery
- You know what concern you want to address
- Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
- You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- You are choosing the procedure for yourself
- You have reasonable expectations
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. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it may also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common combinations include:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Nose surgery with chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Tummy tuck with liposuction
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
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. Many cosmetic procedures focus on 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.
The best procedure is not always the procedure people ask about first. It 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. Whether you are considering eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is learning what each option can and cannot do.