Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many different procedures that can change, repair, or support the face and body. When surgery is chosen mainly to refine appearance, it is often called cosmetic surgery. Others are reconstructive, which means they help repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many individual goals. For some people, the goal is to look more refreshed. Body changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging may lead some people to consider surgery. Other patients need help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Choosing the right procedure depends on anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery needs.
Below, you will find a clear overview of the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, from facial surgery and breast surgery to body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Understanding Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on 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:
- Refining facial balance
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Improving body contours
- Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Supporting a better fit in clothing
- Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence
Most cosmetic procedures in Canada are paid for privately. The total fee can depend on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up visits, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada
In reconstructive plastic surgery, the focus is on restoring form, function, or both. Reconstructive procedures may be recommended after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Burn injury reconstruction
- Reconstructive hand surgery
- Surgical scar revision
- Repair of wounds
- Surgery for facial trauma repair
- Surgery for congenital differences
Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. Most patients do not want to look “different.” The best results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery (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.
Patients often consider facelift surgery for:
- Jowls near the jawline
- Skin laxity in the lower face
- Deeper folds around the mouth
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- Poor definition between the face and neck
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. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery for Jawline and Neck Definition
A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.
Patients may consider a neck lift for:
- Vertical neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- Reduced jawline sharpness
- Fullness under the chin
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. Because the face and neck often age together, a facelift and neck lift may be planned together.
Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, can improve tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra eyelid skin, fat, or tissue.
Upper eyelid surgery can address:
- A weighted upper eyelid look
- Excess eyelid skin
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Skin that sits on the eyelashes
- Visual field concerns in some medical situations
Patients may choose lower eyelid surgery for:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Under-eye swelling or fullness
- Lower eyelid skin laxity
- Under-eye shadowing
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
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.
A brow lift may help with:
- Eyebrows that sit too low
- A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
Brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery are not the same procedure. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. Many patients need either one procedure or the other, while some benefit from both.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
The shape, size, or structure of the nose can be changed with rhinoplasty, often called a nose job. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Rhinoplasty may address:
- A raised bridge bump
- Tip droop
- A wide nasal tip
- A nose that is not straight
- Overall nose size or projection
- Nose asymmetry
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. Otoplasty is often chosen for ears that stick out.
Patients may consider otoplasty for:
- Ears that stick out
- Ears that do not match well
- Ear folds that look large
- Ears positioned far from the head
- Earlobe concerns
Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Surgery
Lip lift surgery shortens the area between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. By changing lip position, a lip lift can make the upper lip more visible without adding volume with filler.
Patients may consider a lip lift for:
- A long space between the nose and upper lip
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- A less visible upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline may be improved with facial implants. When the chin appears small in relation to the nose or other features, chin surgery may help.
Facial implants may involve:
- Chin augmentation implants
- Cheek implant surgery
- Jawline implants
In some cases, chin surgery is combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin both affect facial balance in profile view.
Facial Fat Transfer
A patient’s own fat can be used in facial fat grafting to restore volume. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Facial volume loss from aging
- Soft tissue volume loss
- Uneven facial fullness
Fat grafting may be used alone or combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of 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
Breast size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.
Common breast augmentation goals include:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Volume loss after pregnancy
- Less breast fullness after weight change
- Breast asymmetry
- A fuller look in clothing
Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift Procedure
Breasts that have dropped can be raised and reshaped with a breast lift, also called mastopexy. A lift changes position and shape rather than mainly adding volume. Instead, the goal is to improve breast position and shape.
A breast lift may address:
- Breast sagging
- Nipples that point downward
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape
Extra breast tissue, fat, and skin can be removed with breast reduction to create smaller, lighter, more balanced breasts.
Breast reduction may address:
- Pain in the neck
- Pain in the shoulders
- Pain in the back
- Indentations from bra straps
- Skin irritation under the breasts
- Trouble exercising
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common breast implant revision concerns include:
- A change in preferred implant size
- Implant rupture
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- Breast implant movement
- Breasts that look uneven
- Natural aging changes after breast implants
- Desire to remove implants
A breast lift cosmetic plastic surgeon may be done when implants are removed. Others choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Reconstruction using tissue flaps
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Surgery to refine breast symmetry
This can be a deeply personal choice. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Other people prefer to remain flat. Either choice can be valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Extra tissue under the areola
- Chest tissue fullness
- A chest that looks uneven
- Self-consciousness at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape
Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Body contouring is common after changes from pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Abdominal skin laxity
- A lower stomach apron
- Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. A tummy tuck is most suitable for patients at a stable weight who want a flatter, better-shaped abdomen.
Surgical Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction can treat:
- Stomach area
- Flanks, also called love handles
- The hips
- Thigh contours
- Upper arm area
- The back
- Submental area and neck
- Male or female chest area
- Knee area
Skin tone is an important factor. If the skin is loose, liposuction alone may not be enough. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often includes both breast and abdominal procedures.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Breast lift
- Breast augmentation surgery
- Breast reduction surgery
- Liposuction
- Fat transfer
The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.
Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin
Loose upper arm skin can be removed with an arm lift, also called brachioplasty.
An arm lift may address:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Age-related changes in the arms
- Avoiding sleeveless clothing
- Skin rubbing and irritation
The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.
Thigh Contouring Surgery
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. Thigh lift surgery is common after significant weight loss.
Common thigh lift concerns include:
- Sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Pants that do not fit well
- Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
- Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery
Several surgical patterns are available for thigh lift surgery. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.
Body Lift Surgery
Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. A body lift can address the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- Major weight loss
- Bariatric weight-loss surgery
- Pregnancy-related body changes
- Aging changes with loose skin
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. 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. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- The breasts
- Buttock shape
- Hip shape
- Facial soft tissue
- Contour irregularities after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Fat grafting results can evolve, so repeat treatment may be needed for some patients.
Skin and Scar Plastic Surgery Procedures
Skin surface concerns, scars, and soft tissue problems may also be treated with plastic surgery.
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.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Surgery-related scars
- Injury-related scars
- Scarring after burns
- Scars that feel thick
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that pull during movement
Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.
Removal of 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
- A cosmetic concern
- Diagnostic testing
- Relief from discomfort
Changing moles or suspicious skin lesions should be reviewed by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedures
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.
Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:
- Direct surgical closure
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Local tissue flaps
- Advanced reconstructive techniques
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Not every patient needs surgery. For some patients, non-surgical treatments help soften early aging signs, facial lines, volume loss, and skin concerns. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Bunny lines on the nose
- A dimpled chin appearance
- Mild neck bands in certain cases
Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Dermal fillers restore or add volume. Dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that supports and shapes soft tissue.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- Lip volume
- The cheeks
- Chin contour
- Jawline contour
- Under-eye hollowing
- Deeper smile lines
- Mouth-corner lines
The result from filler depends on the product, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Medical Chemical Peels
The outer layers of skin can be improved with a chemical peel using a controlled solution.
Patients may consider chemical peels for:
- Skin tone irregularity
- Dull skin
- Early fine lines
- Photoaging
- Light acne marks
- Rough skin texture
Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin
Skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and aging changes may be treated with laser and energy-based treatments.
Common treatment options may include:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- Radiofrequency energy treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Laser-based hair reduction
- Vascular lasers for visible redness
These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones because pigment changes can be a risk.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
These treatments may help with:
- Texture
- Minor acne scarring
- Dull-looking skin
- Uneven skin feel
- Fine lines
The best treatment depends on the patient’s skin quality, goals, available downtime, and comfort with risk.
Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals
Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
For example:
- A heavy upper eyelid look may come from extra eyelid skin, brow descent, 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.
- Flat-looking breasts may need a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What is creating the concern?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. Excitement is common, but nervousness is common too. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
This is a very common worry. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Good plastic surgery should respect the patient’s natural features, body frame, age, and style.
A healthy goal is often improved balance instead of perfection.
“How Long Is the Recovery?”
Downtime varies by procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.
In general, recovery planning may include:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Reduced activity
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Post-operative follow-up visits
- Scar care
- A staged return to physical activity
- Results that take time to settle
The body needs time to heal. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- How your body naturally scars
- Pigment response in the skin
- Which procedure is done
- Incision placement
- How much tension is on the wound
- Smoking status
- Sun exposure
- Post-surgery aftercare
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”
All surgery has risk. Risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Safety is influenced by:
- General health
- Medications you take
- Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
- The procedure being done
- The surgery facility
- The type of anesthesia
- Surgeon training and experience
- Your follow-up care
Benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations should all be discussed during a consultation.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Understanding medical credentials is important because marketing terms can be confusing.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, look for proper training and credentials. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Patients should ask:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Do you hold a medical licence in this province?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- What facility will be used for the procedure?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- How are complications handled?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about understanding your options.
Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada
Plastic surgery pricing in Canada varies widely. Many factors affect pricing, including procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Smaller markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.
Low pricing can be concerning when it reflects shortcuts in safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada
Travelling abroad for lower-cost plastic surgery is something some Canadians consider. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Reduced follow-up access
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Infection risk
- Different surgical standards
- Less access to surgical records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Communication barriers
- Revision surgery costs
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation
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:
- Make notes about your main concerns.
- Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
- Prepare to discuss your medical history.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- If photos make your goals clearer, bring them to the consultation.
- Discuss recovery, scarring, risks, and other options.
- Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.
A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for plastic surgery are often healthy, informed, and realistic. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.
You may be ready for plastic surgery if:
- Your overall health is good
- You know what concern you want to address
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand what recovery involves
- You understand the risks and can accept them
- 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.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Some procedures may be combined safely. Others should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common combinations include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Summary 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. Non-surgical treatments can also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
The right procedure is not always the most popular option. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A thoughtful plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Before choosing eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, it helps to understand what each option can and cannot do.