Plastic surgery includes many surgical options that can refine, rebuild, or support the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to refine appearance. 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 different needs. Many patients simply want to look more like themselves. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to 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. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.
Understanding Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.
Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:
- Creating better facial balance
- Softening signs of aging
- Refining body shape
- Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
- Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Improving confidence in a natural-looking way
Most cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. Pricing may change based on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, facility costs, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada
Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring normal form and function. It may be used after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
- Cleft lip or palate repair
- Burn reconstruction
- Hand repair surgery
- Scar improvement surgery
- Repair of wounds
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Congenital difference repair
Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.
Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. For many patients, the goal is not to look like another person. Good facial plastic surgery should often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. It can help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Patients often consider facelift surgery for:
- Jowls near the jawline
- Loose lower facial skin
- Deep smile lines
- Descent of cheek tissue
- Less clear separation between the face and neck
Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below the skin. This approach may help produce a smoother, longer-lasting result without making the face look pulled. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned 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. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Sagging neck skin
- A soft or undefined jawline
- Fullness below the chin
- A hanging neck appearance
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. Since aging often affects both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift may be done in one plan.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Tired-looking eyes may be improved with eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, by adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Common upper eyelid concerns include:
- A weighted upper eyelid look
- Extra eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Skin resting on the eyelashes
- Visual field concerns in some medical situations
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Bags under the eyes
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Extra lower eyelid skin
- Under-eye shadowing
- A fatigued look that remains after sleep
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small eye-area changes can make the face look more rested.
Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift
A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may address:
- Eyebrows that sit too low
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Forehead wrinkles
- Vertical lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. Some patients need only a brow lift or eyelid surgery, while others benefit from both procedures.
Nose Surgery Procedure (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It may be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Nose surgery can address concerns such as:
- A bump on the bridge
- A lowered nose tip
- A boxy nasal tip
- A crooked nasal shape
- Nasal size or projection
- Asymmetry in the nose
- 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. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Otoplasty for Prominent Ears
Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is commonly used to correct ears that stick out.
Otoplasty may help with:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Uneven ears
- Large cartilage folds in the ears
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Earlobe concerns
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Surgical Lip Lift
A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. By changing lip position, a lip lift can make the upper lip more visible without adding volume with filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- A lengthened upper lip area
- Limited upper tooth show when smiling
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Poor lip balance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.
Chin, Jawline, and Facial 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.
Types of facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Cheek implants
- Implants for the jawline
For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.
Facial Fat Grafting
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.
Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:
- Loss of cheek fullness
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Volume loss after aging
- Soft tissue volume loss
- Reduced facial harmony
Depending on the goal, fat grafting may be used alone or as part of a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedure.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts
Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Some patients want more volume, less size, a breast lift, better symmetry, or breast restoration after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. Implant choice depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Common breast augmentation goals include:
- Naturally small breasts
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Breast volume loss after weight change
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Desire for more 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.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. It does not primarily add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
Breast lift surgery can help improve:
- Dropped breasts
- Nipples that face downward
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Extra breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction may address:
- Neck strain
- Shoulder pain
- Back strain
- Bra strap grooves
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- Problems with clothing fit
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision
Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Breast implant revision may be needed for:
- Changing breast implant size
- A ruptured implant
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- Choosing to remove implants
Some patients benefit from implant removal together with a breast lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
Breast reconstruction may use:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- 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. Either choice can be valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Common gynecomastia concerns include:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- A fuller male chest
- An uneven male chest shape
- Feeling self-conscious 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.
Body Plastic Surgery Procedures
Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, which are known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Extra abdominal skin
- A lower stomach apron
- Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
- A weakened or separated abdominal wall
- Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss
Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. A tummy tuck is most suitable for patients at a stable weight who want a flatter, better-shaped abdomen.
Liposuction for Body Contouring
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction may be used on areas such as:
- The abdomen
- Flank areas
- Hips
- The thighs
- Upper arm area
- The back
- Submental area and neck
- Male or female chest area
- Knee area
Good skin tone matters. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Customized Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.
A mommy makeover can include:
- Tummy tuck
- Surgical breast lifting
- Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
- Reduction mammoplasty
- Liposuction
- Fat transfer
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. 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:
- Loose skin along the upper arms
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Upper arm changes from aging
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Chafing from upper arm skin
The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Inner Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
Patients may consider a thigh lift for:
- Sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Pants that do not fit well
- 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 how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.
Body Contouring Lift
Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Common reasons for body lift surgery include:
- A major weight change
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Aging-related lower-body skin looseness
A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Body Contouring With Fat Transfer
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.
Body fat grafting can involve:
- Breast contour
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Face
- Uneven contours after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. Results may change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Plastic Surgery for Skin and Scars
Skin surface concerns, scars, and soft tissue problems may also be treated with plastic surgery.
Scar Treatment and Revision
Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.
Scar revision may help with:
- Scarring after surgery
- Scars from injury
- Burn injury scars
- Thickened scars
- Restrictive scars
- Movement-limiting scars
Scar treatment can include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or several methods together.
Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.
Common reasons for removal include:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- Noticeable growth
- Bleeding or crusting
- Cosmetic reasons
- A need for diagnosis
- Comfort in daily life
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be checked by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:
- Simple direct closure
- Reconstruction with a skin graft
- Moving nearby tissue with a local flap
- Advanced reconstructive techniques
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality concerns may be improved with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually temporary.
BOTOX and Other Neuromodulators
BOTOX and other neuromodulators work by relaxing selected facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:
- Glabellar frown lines
- Forehead expression lines
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Expression lines on the nose
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Neck bands for some patients
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.
Common filler areas include:
- Lip volume
- Midface fullness
- Chin
- The jawline
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Smile lines
- Marionette lines
Product choice, technique, anatomy, and goals all affect filler results. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Medical Chemical Peels
A chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Patchy skin tone
- Dull skin
- Mild lines
- Sun damage
- Mild acne marks
- Uneven texture
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.
Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments
Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common examples include:
- Laser resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- Radiofrequency-based treatments
- Skin tightening treatments
- 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.
Skin Resurfacing With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Outer skin layers can be removed with dermabrasion, a deeper resurfacing procedure. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more surface-level.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:
- Uneven texture
- Mild scarring
- A dull complexion
- Uneven skin feel
- Fine lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option
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 instance:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- Abdominal fullness may come from fat, loose skin, separated muscles, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may be improved with a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.
A good treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is causing the concern?
- Which procedure best treats that cause?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Patients may feel excited, but they may also feel nervous. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
This is one of the most common patient concerns. 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.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Non-surgical treatments may require little or no downtime. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.
Most patients should prepare for:
- Swelling or bruising
- Activity limits
- A break from work
- Appointments after surgery
- Post-surgery scar care
- Careful return to exercise
- Results that take time to settle
Healing takes time. Many procedures look better over weeks and months.
“Will There Be Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Genetics
- Skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Scar location
- How much tension is on the wound
- Smoking and vaping status
- Sun exposure
- Scar aftercare
Most scars fade with time, but they do not fully disappear.
“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Plastic surgery risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia concerns, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- The patient’s health
- Medication use
- Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
- The planned procedure
- The surgery facility
- The type of anesthesia
- The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
- Care after the procedure
A careful consultation should review benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should understand the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
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.
Patients should ask:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- Who will provide the anesthesia?
- Which risks are most relevant to me?
- Who do I contact if I have a complication?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about challenging the surgeon. It is about making an informed choice.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada
Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants cosmeticnorth.com or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.
In major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, fees may be higher due to overhead and demand. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.
A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Reduced follow-up access
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Higher concern about infection
- Different health care standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Cost of revision surgery
When surgery is done closer to home, follow-up may be easier if concerns or complications occur.
Preparing for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.
Before the visit, preparation can help:
- Make notes about your main concerns.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
- Reference photos can be helpful if they explain your goals.
- Ask about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what can realistically be achieved for your face or body.
A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery altogether.
Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. Realistic patients understand that surgery can help appearance, but it cannot make life perfect or solve every issue.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- You are in good general health
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- Your weight is stable if you are considering 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
- The choice is based on your own goals
- 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.
Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures
It may be safe to combine some procedures. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.
Examples of combined procedures include:
- A facelift with a neck lift
- Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift with breast augmentation
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Combining body lift with arm or thigh surgery
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
The safest plan depends on health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures
Canadian plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Reconstructive options may repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical cosmetic options can help soften wrinkles, restore volume, improve texture, and address early aging changes.
The best procedure is not always the most popular one. 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. If you are considering eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, start by learning what each option can and cannot do.