Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many different procedures that can change, repair, or enhance the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to enhance how a person looks. When plastic surgery helps repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.

In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many reasons. Some patients want a more natural-looking appearance. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Other patients need help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The best procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and available 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. It also reviews what to consider before booking 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. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.

Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:

Creating a more balanced face
Helping the face or body look more refreshed
Changing body proportions
Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Making clothing feel or fit better
Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes

Most cosmetic procedures in Canada are paid for privately. Pricing may change based on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, facility costs, anesthesia, follow-up care, 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 a mastectomy
Skin cancer reconstruction after skin cancer excision
Cleft lip and palate surgery
Burn injury reconstruction
Hand reconstruction
Scar improvement surgery
Wound repair
Reconstruction after facial trauma
Correction of congenital concerns

Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.

Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options

Plastic surgery for the face can help improve balance, reduce visible aging, and create a more refreshed appearance. For many patients, the goal is not to look like another person. 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.

Patients often consider facelift surgery for:

Jowls near the jawline
Skin laxity in the lower face
Deep facial folds near the mouth
Sagging cheek tissue
Less clear separation between the face and neck

Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.

Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:

Neck bands
Sagging neck skin
Reduced jawline sharpness
Fullness under the chin
A hanging neck appearance

Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. For patients with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction under the chin may help. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.

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.

Upper blepharoplasty may help with:

Heavy upper eyelids
Extra skin on the upper eyelids
Eyes that look tired or aged
Skin that sits on the eyelashes
Vision blockage in certain medical cases

Lower eyelid surgery may help with:

Lower eyelid bags
Puffiness beneath the eyes
Extra lower eyelid skin
Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
A fatigued look that remains after sleep

Blepharoplasty is common because even subtle changes around the eyes can make the face look more rested.

Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.

Patients may consider a brow lift for:

Brow descent
Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
Lines across the forehead
Vertical lines between the brows
A heavy expression that seems tired or stern

A brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Depending on the patient, rhinoplasty can be cosmetic, functional, or a combination.

Nose surgery can address concerns such as:

A bump along the bridge of the nose
A downward-pointing nasal tip
A wide nasal tip
A crooked nasal shape
The size or projection of the nose
An uneven-looking nose
Breathing problems related to nasal structure

If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. That procedure is known as septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.

Otoplasty for Prominent Ears

Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.

Ear surgery can help improve:

Protruding ears
Asymmetry between the ears
Prominent ear cartilage folds
Ears that sit far from the head
Stretched or uneven earlobes

Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.

Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance

A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. That space is often described as 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 lengthened upper lip area
Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
A less visible upper lip
Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
Changes around the mouth from aging

Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.

Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants

Facial implant surgery can refine the chin, cheeks, or jawline for better balance. When the chin appears small in relation to the nose or other features, chin surgery may help.

Facial implant surgery may include:

Implants for the chin
Surgical cheek implants
Jawline implants

For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.

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.

Fat grafting to the face can help improve:

Hollows in the cheeks
Tear trough hollowing
Age-related facial volume loss
Soft tissue volume loss
Facial volume imbalance

Fat grafting top cosmetic plastic surgery can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts

In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Patients may want to increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.

Breast Augmentation in Canada

Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.

Common breast augmentation goals include:

Naturally small breasts
Breast volume loss after pregnancy
Less breast fullness after weight change
Breast asymmetry
Improved breast shape in fitted clothing

A common concern is whether breast augmentation will look too large or unnatural. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.

Breast Lift Procedure

A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.

Patients may consider a breast lift for:

Lower breast position
Nipple descent
Areola stretching
Loose skin on the breasts
Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

A breast lift may be combined with implants when more upper breast fullness is desired. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.

Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape

Breast reduction surgery makes the breasts smaller and lighter by removing extra breast tissue, fat, and skin.

Common breast reduction concerns include:

Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Back strain
Bra strap grooves
Irritated skin under the breasts
Trouble exercising
Difficulty finding clothing that fits

Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.

Breast Implant Revision Procedure

Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.

Patients may consider revision for:

A desire to change implant size
An implant that has ruptured
Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
An implant that has moved out of position
Uneven breast appearance
Age-related changes after breast augmentation
Breast implant removal

Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.

The breast reconstruction process may involve:

Implant breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
Fat grafting for contour improvement
Symmetry-focused revision surgery

The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Others choose to stay flat. Both paths are valid and personal.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)

Male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue. It may involve liposuction, gland removal, or both.

Common gynecomastia concerns include:

Puffy nipples
Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
A fuller male chest
Male chest asymmetry
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.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape

Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring

Extra abdominal skin and a weakened abdominal wall may be improved with a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.

Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:

Extra abdominal skin
A hanging lower abdomen
Stretch-marked lower belly skin
Separated abdominal muscles
Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss

Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.

Common liposuction areas include:

Abdomen
Flank areas
Outer hip area
The thighs
Upper arm area
Back
Chin-neck contour
Chest
Knees

Good skin elasticity helps improve results. If the skin is loose, liposuction alone may not be enough. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.

Mommy Makeover

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 customized mommy makeover may involve:

Tummy tuck surgery
Mastopexy
Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
Breast reduction surgery
Liposuction surgery
Body fat grafting

Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. Health, goals, recovery time, and future pregnancy plans all help guide the best approach.

Arm Lift Surgery, Also Called Brachioplasty

Loose upper arm skin can be removed with an arm lift, also called brachioplasty.

An arm lift may help with:

Loose skin along the upper arms
Extra skin after major weight loss
Upper arm changes from aging
Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
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 Lift

A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.

Thigh lift surgery can help improve:

Loose inner thigh skin
Rubbing in the inner thighs
Difficulty fitting pants
Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery

Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.

Lower Body Lift

Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

A body lift may be chosen after:

Significant weight loss
Weight-loss surgery
Pregnancy-related body changes
Aging changes with loose skin

This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.

Body Contouring With Fat Transfer

Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. It may be used to add natural volume or improve contour.

Common treatment areas include:

Breasts
Buttock volume
Hip shape
Facial volume
Contour changes after surgery or injury

Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but not all transferred fat survives. Because transferred fat can change over time, more than one session may be needed.

Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns

Plastic surgeons may also treat scars, skin surface concerns, and soft tissue issues.

Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.

Scar revision may help with:

Scarring after surgery
Injury scars
Burn injury scars
Raised or thick scars
Scars that feel tight
Scars that affect range of motion

Scar treatment can include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or several methods together.

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. A medical assessment may be needed for some lesions to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be considered for:

Skin irritation
A growing lesion
Bleeding
A cosmetic concern
Diagnostic testing
Relief from discomfort

Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be checked by a qualified medical professional.

Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction

After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the wound and restore appearance. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Skin cancer reconstruction may involve:

Simple direct closure
Skin grafts
Moving nearby tissue with a local flap
Advanced reconstructive techniques

The priority is safe cancer removal, with function and appearance preserved as much as possible.

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually temporary.

BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments

Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. They are often used for expression lines.

Patients may consider neuromodulators for:

Frown lines
Forehead wrinkles
Crow’s feet
Lines on the sides of the nose
A dimpled chin appearance
Mild neck bands in certain cases

Results are temporary and usually need repeat treatments. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.

Injectable Dermal Fillers

Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.

Common filler areas include:

Lip shape
The cheeks
The chin
Jawline
Under-eye hollowing
Lines from the nose to the mouth
Marionette folds

Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.

Chemical Peel Treatments

A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.

Patients may consider chemical peels for:

Patchy skin tone
Tired-looking skin
Early fine lines
Visible sun damage
Mild acne marks
Skin texture concerns

Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.

Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin

Laser and energy-based treatments may improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.

Common options may include:

Laser resurfacing for texture
Intense pulsed light treatment
Radiofrequency treatments
Treatments for mild skin laxity
Hair reduction with laser
Vascular lasers for visible redness

The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where 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 a lighter, more superficial treatment.

These resurfacing treatments can improve:

Surface texture
Mild scarring
Skin dullness
Uneven surface
Small fine lines

The right option depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.

How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure

Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.

Examples include:

A heavy upper eyelid look may come from extra eyelid skin, brow descent, or both.
A soft jawline can come from loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
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.
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 behind 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

Most patients feel a mix of emotions before plastic surgery. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

This is one of the most common concerns. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.

“How Long Is the Recovery?”

Downtime varies by procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.

In general, patients should plan for:

Post-surgery swelling and bruising
Reduced activity
Planned time away from work
Follow-up visits
Scar healing support
Slow return to workouts
Final results that develop over time

Healing is not instant. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.

“Will There Be Scars?”

Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.

Scar quality depends on:

How your body naturally scars
Skin tone
Procedure type
Scar location
Pulling on the healing incision
Smoking status
Exposure to the sun
Following aftercare instructions

Scars tend to soften and fade, but they usually remain to some degree.

“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”

All surgery has risk. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.

A safe procedure depends on factors such as:

General health
Medication use
Whether you smoke or use nicotine
The procedure being done
Where the procedure takes place
How anesthesia is managed
The qualifications of the surgeon
Your aftercare and follow-up

A good consultation should explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and what is realistic.

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

When researching plastic surgery in Canada, look for proper training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.

Important consultation questions include:

What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
Are you licensed to practise in this province?
Do you perform this procedure often?
Where is the procedure performed?
Who will provide the anesthesia?
What are my personal risks with this procedure?
What is the plan if there is a complication?
What does post-operative follow-up include?
Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?

These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.

Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing

The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.

Fees may be higher in major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal due to overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different pricing, but cost should not be the only factor.

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 patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.

Concerns with medical tourism may include:

Limited post-surgery follow-up
Travel soon after surgery
Risk of infection
Different surgical standards
Less access to surgical records
Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
Communication barriers
Possible costs for corrective surgery

Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.

Getting Ready for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.

Before the visit, preparation can help:

Make notes about your main concerns.
Bring a list of medications and supplements.
Be ready to share your medical history.
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 result is realistic for your own body or face.

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.

Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines

A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.

You may be a good candidate if:

You are medically well enough for surgery
You have a specific concern
Your weight has been stable before body surgery
You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
You know what to expect during recovery
You understand and accept the trade-offs
You are choosing the procedure for yourself
You have reasonable expectations

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 may also increase surgical time and healing demands.

Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:

Lower face and neck rejuvenation
Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Breast lift plus volume enhancement
Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
A customized mommy makeover
Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
Facial surgery with fat grafting

A safe combined plan should consider health, surgery length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk.

A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Some procedures restore tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments can also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.

The best procedure is not always the procedure people ask about first. The best choice is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.

A responsible approach should be built around safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. For procedures such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is education about benefits and limits.