Plastic surgery is a broad field with treatments that can refine, rebuild, or adjust areas of the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to improve how a person looks. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help repair form or function.
People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many different concerns. Some patients want a more natural-looking appearance. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. A safe plan should be based on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.
This page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also reviews what to consider 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, which means they are planned by choice and are not medically required.
Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:
- Refining facial balance
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Improving body contours
- Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Making clothing feel or fit better
- Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements
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 Surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring normal form and function. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Common examples include:
- Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after a skin tumour is removed
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Reconstruction after burns
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar improvement surgery
- Complex wound repair
- Reconstruction after facial trauma
- Correction of congenital concerns
Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. The goal is often not to look “different.” Good facial plastic surgery should often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face
A facelift, also known as 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.
Common facelift concerns include:
- Softness or jowling at the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deeper folds around the mouth
- Lowered cheek tissue
- Less clear separation between the face and neck
Today, facelift surgery often works on 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 Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
A neck lift is used to improve neck skin laxity, muscle bands, and under-chin fullness. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may address:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Extra neck skin
- An undefined jawline
- Submental fullness
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. Other patients may benefit from 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 or blepharoplasty helps refresh the eyes by removing or repositioning extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery can address:
- Heaviness in the upper eyelids
- Redundant upper eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Lower blepharoplasty may help with:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Puffiness
- Extra skin below the eyes
- Shadowing under the eyes
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
Because small changes around the eyes can refresh the whole face, eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures.
Brow Lift Surgery (Forehead Lift)
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It can improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
Brow lift surgery can improve:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
- Forehead wrinkles
- Vertical lines between the brows
- A facial expression that appears tired, sad, or serious
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.
Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing
A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It may be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Common rhinoplasty concerns include:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- A drooping nasal tip
- A broad or boxy tip
- A crooked nose
- Nose size or projection
- Asymmetry in the nose
- Breathing issues related to structure
If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. This part of surgery is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Otoplasty for Prominent Ears
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is often used to correct ears that stick out.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Protruding ears
- Ear asymmetry
- Prominent ear cartilage folds
- Ears that project away from the head
- Concerns with the earlobes
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance
A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. The distance 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.
Common lip lift concerns include:
- A lengthened upper lip area
- Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Uneven lip balance
- Aging changes around the mouth
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Filler adds volume. Lip lift surgery adjusts the position and shape of the upper lip.
Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants
Facial implants can improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery is often used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implants
- Surgical cheek implants
- 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 Grafting
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. Fat is usually taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may address:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Volume changes caused by aging
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Reduced facial harmony
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts
Breast surgery is one of the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Breast plastic surgery can address volume, size, position, symmetry, and reconstruction after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation in Canada
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. The right implant option is based on body type, breast tissue, goals, and professional surgical guidance.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Less breast fullness after pregnancy
- Lost breast volume after weight changes
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. A careful plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift Procedure
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. It does not mainly add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
A breast lift may address:
- Breast sagging
- Nipples that face downward
- Areolas that have stretched
- Breast skin laxity
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape
To reduce breast size and weight, breast reduction removes extra tissue, fat, and skin.
Breast reduction may address:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back discomfort
- Bra strap marks
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Trouble exercising
- Clothing fit challenges
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Patients may consider revision for:
- Desire to change implant size
- Rupture of an implant
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- Implant position changes
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Aging changes after breast augmentation
- Breast implant removal
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. Other patients choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction may involve:
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple and areola restoration
- Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry
This can be a deeply personal choice. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Either choice can be valid.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. The procedure may use liposuction, gland removal, or both methods.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Fullness under the areola
- Chest fullness
- Uneven shape across the male chest
- 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 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.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Loose abdominal skin
- An overhang in the lower belly
- Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
- Separated abdominal muscles
- 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.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction may be used on areas such as:
- Stomach area
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Hip area
- Thighs
- Upper arm area
- Back rolls
- Chin-neck contour
- The chest
- Fat around the knees
Good skin elasticity helps improve results. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.
Customized Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often includes both breast and abdominal procedures.
A customized mommy makeover may involve:
- Tummy tuck
- Surgical breast lifting
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Reduction mammoplasty
- Surgical fat removal
- Fat transfer
Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. It may be suitable for anyone with similar body changes. Health, goals, recovery time, and future pregnancy plans all help guide the best approach.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Age-related changes in the arms
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Irritation from loose arm skin
The main trade-off is a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. Because the scar is permanent, patients should carefully discuss whether the improved shape is worth it.
Thigh Lift Procedure
Loose thigh skin can be removed with a thigh lift. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Skin rubbing
- Poor clothing fit around the thighs
- Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
- Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes
Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.
Lower Body Lift
A body lift improves lower-body contour by removing excess skin. It may improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- Major weight loss
- Weight-loss surgery
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Major loose skin from aging
Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.
Fat Transfer to the Body
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. The goal may be natural volume, smoother contour, or both.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast contour
- Buttock shape
- Hips
- Facial volume
- Surface irregularities after surgery or injury
Although fat grafting uses your own fat, not all transferred fat will survive. Fat grafting results can evolve, so repeat treatment may be needed for some patients.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
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.
Scar revision may help with:
- Surgical scars
- Scars from injury
- Burn-related scars
- Thick scars
- Tight or pulling scars
- Scars that restrict motion
Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.
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.
Common reasons for removal include:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- A growing lesion
- Bleeding
- Cosmetic concern
- Diagnostic testing
- Relief from discomfort
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be checked by a qualified medical professional.
Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal
Skin cancer reconstruction can help close the treated area and restore appearance after cancer removal. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- Direct closure
- Reconstruction with a skin graft
- Local tissue flaps
- More advanced reconstruction
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Not every patient requires surgery. Early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and plastic surgery near me skin quality concerns may be improved with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. These treatments usually have less downtime, but results are more temporary.
Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. They are commonly used for expression lines.
Common treatment areas include:
- Frown lines between the brows
- Forehead lines
- Eye-area smile lines
- Lines on the sides of the nose
- Chin texture from muscle movement
- Neck bands in some cases
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Facial Fillers
Dermal fillers restore or add volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that shapes and supports soft tissue.
Dermal filler treatment may involve:
- Lip volume
- Cheek contour
- Chin contour
- Jawline definition
- Under-eye volume loss
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette folds
The result from filler depends on the product, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Too much filler can look unnatural, which makes conservative planning important.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peels may address:
- Uneven tone
- Skin dullness
- Fine surface lines
- Photoaging
- Acne-related marks
- Surface texture issues
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Laser resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light treatment
- RF skin treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Hair reduction with laser
- Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where pigment changes can be a risk.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
A deeper resurfacing option called dermabrasion removes outer layers of skin. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
These resurfacing treatments can improve:
- Skin texture
- Mild scars
- Dullness
- Uneven surface
- Small 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 begins with the concern, not the procedure name. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- A heavy upper eyelid look may come from extra eyelid skin, brow descent, or both.
- Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
- Abdominal fullness may come from fat, loose skin, separated muscles, 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 good treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is behind the concern?
- Which option is the best match for that cause?
- What must be accepted with that option?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
What Patients Often Worry About Before Surgery
It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but nervousness is common too. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will I Look Natural After Surgery?”
This is one of the most common patient concerns. Many people want to look refreshed, not changed. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is often to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.
Patients should usually expect:
- Swelling or bruising
- Activity limits
- A break from work
- Follow-up visits
- Post-surgery scar care
- Careful return to exercise
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Surgical healing is gradual. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any procedure with an incision creates a scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
The final scar can depend on:
- How your body naturally scars
- Pigment response in the skin
- Which procedure is done
- The incision location
- Tension on the wound
- Whether you smoke
- UV exposure
- How the scar is cared for
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”
Every operation has possible risks. Plastic surgery risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia concerns, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Safety is influenced by:
- General health
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Which surgery is performed
- The facility where surgery is done
- The anesthesia plan
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Care after the procedure
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know
Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Understanding medical credentials is important because marketing terms can be confusing.
Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Are you formally certified in the specialty of plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- Where would my surgery be done?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- What happens if a complication occurs?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about being difficult. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada
Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. Many factors affect pricing, including procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.
If a very low price means less attention to safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare, it can be a warning sign.
Choosing Surgery in Canada vs. Abroad
Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.
Medical tourism concerns may include:
- Less access to follow-up care
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Risk of infection
- Different health care standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Language barriers
- Cost of revision surgery
When surgery is done closer to home, follow-up may be easier if concerns or complications occur.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- List your main concerns before the visit.
- Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Do not hide smoking, vaping, cannabis, or nicotine use.
- Photos may help explain your goals.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- Ask what can realistically be achieved for your face or body.
A good consultation should include a clear discussion of options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
Good candidate signs include:
- You are generally healthy
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- Your weight is stable for body surgery
- You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
- You are prepared for the recovery process
- You accept the risks, scars, and trade-offs
- You want the procedure for yourself
- You have realistic goals
A safer plan may involve waiting if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing unstable health, or feeling pressured.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
It may be safe to combine some procedures. Some procedures are safer when staged. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift with breast augmentation
- Tummy tuck with liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Facial surgery with fat grafting
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Summary 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. Others help 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. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
A thoughtful plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. 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.