Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Plastic surgery is a broad field with surgical options that can refine, restore, or adjust areas of the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to refine appearance. When plastic surgery helps repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.

Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many different needs. Some people are looking for a more refreshed look. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to 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. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery

The main focus of cosmetic plastic surgery is appearance. 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 a more balanced face
Softening signs of aging
Refining body shape
Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Helping clothing fit better
Improving confidence in a natural-looking way

Most cosmetic procedures in Canada are paid for privately. Fees can vary based on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada

The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore normal form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.

Common examples include:

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
Reconstruction after burns
Hand repair surgery
Scar revision
Surgical wound repair
Surgery for facial trauma repair
Congenital difference repair

Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered.

Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.

Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery

Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.

A facelift may address:

Sagging jowls along the jawline
Loose skin in the lower face
Deeper smile lines
Lowered cheek tissue
Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck

Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under 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. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.

Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:

Prominent neck bands
Loose skin on the neck
A jawline that looks less defined
Fullness under the chin
A loose “turkey neck” appearance

Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.

Upper blepharoplasty may help with:

Heavy upper eyelids
Excess eyelid skin
A tired or aged look
Skin resting on the eyelashes
Vision concerns in select medical cases

Lower eyelid surgery can address:

Under-eye puffiness or bags
Puffiness
Loose skin under the eyes
Under-eye shadowing
A tired look that does not improve with rest

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

Brow Lift Surgery (Forehead Lift)

A brow lift, also known as 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:

Eyebrows that sit too low
Heavy upper lids from brow descent
Lines across the forehead
Frown lines between the brows
An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern

Although they can affect a similar area, a brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.

Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty

A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.

Nose surgery can address concerns such as:

A raised bridge bump
Tip droop
A wide nasal tip
A nose that is not straight
Overall nose size or projection
An uneven-looking 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. That procedure is known as septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery

The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.

Patients may consider otoplasty for:

Ears that sit far from the head
Asymmetry between the ears
Ear folds that look large
Ears that stand out from the head
Stretched or uneven earlobes

This procedure is common for adults and children. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.

Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. Clinically, this measurement is often called the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.

A lip lift may help with:

A long upper lip
Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
An upper lip that looks thin
Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
Aging changes around the mouth

A lip lift is different from lip filler. Filler adds volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.

Facial Implants for Balance

Facial implants may improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery can improve facial profile balance when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other features.

Facial implant options may include:

Chin implant surgery
Cheek implant surgery
Jawline augmentation implants

In some cases, chin surgery may be combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin affect facial balance in profile view.

Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting

With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. Areas such as the abdomen or thighs are often used as the fat source before the fat is processed and placed into the face.

Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:

Hollow cheeks
Hollows beneath the eyes
Facial volume loss from aging
Soft tissue volume loss
Facial volume imbalance

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

Common Breast Surgery Options

Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of plastic surgery in Canada. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.

Breast Augmentation in Canada

Breast size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. The right implant option is based on body type, breast tissue, goals, and professional surgical guidance.

Breast augmentation may address:

Naturally smaller breast volume
Volume loss after pregnancy
Weight-related breast volume loss
Uneven breast size or shape
Improved breast shape in fitted clothing

Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. The main purpose is not to add volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.

Breast lift surgery can help improve:

Lower breast position
Nipples that point downward
Enlarged or stretched areolas
Stretched breast skin
Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Others prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Extra breast tissue, fat, and skin can be removed with breast reduction to create smaller, lighter, more balanced breasts.

Breast reduction may help with:

Pain in the neck
Shoulder discomfort
Back discomfort
Shoulder grooves from bra straps
Irritated skin under the breasts
Trouble exercising
Difficulty fitting bras or clothes

In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Health plan coverage is based on provincial rules, patient symptoms, and medical assessment.

Breast Implant Revision

Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.

Common reasons for breast implant revision include:

Wanting smaller or larger implants
Implant rupture
Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
An implant that has shifted
Breast asymmetry
Aging changes after breast augmentation
A desire for implant removal

Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.

Breast Reconstruction After Cancer 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 breast reconstruction
Natural tissue flap reconstruction
Rebuilding the nipple and areola
Breast fat grafting
Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry

This is a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Others choose to stay flat. Either choice can be valid.

Male Chest Reduction Surgery

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

Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:

Nipple puffiness
Gland tissue under the areola
Extra chest volume
A chest that looks uneven
Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing 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. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.

A tummy tuck may address:

Loose abdominal skin
A lower belly overhang
Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
Separated abdominal muscles
Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss

Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. The best candidates cosmetic plastic surgeons near me are often near a stable weight and want better abdominal contour.

Fat Reduction With Liposuction

Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.

Liposuction may be used on areas such as:

Belly area
Love handles or flanks
Outer hip area
The thighs
Upper arms
Back
Chin-neck contour
Chest fullness
Knees

Good skin tone matters. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.

Mommy Makeover Surgery

A mommy makeover combines procedures to address body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.

A customized mommy makeover may involve:

Abdominoplasty
Mastopexy
Surgical breast enhancement
Surgical breast size reduction
Surgical fat removal
Fat transfer

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.

Arm Lift Surgery, Also Called Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.

Patients may consider an arm lift for:

Hanging skin under the arms
Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
Aging changes in the arms
Avoiding sleeveless clothing
Irritation from loose arm skin

The main trade-off is a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. The scar may be worthwhile for patients who want better arm shape, but it should be reviewed carefully.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift removes extra loose skin from the thighs. It is often considered after major weight loss.

A thigh lift may address:

Loose skin on the inner thighs
Skin friction between the thighs
Poor clothing fit around the thighs
Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes

There are several thigh lift 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 removes extra 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 considered after:

Substantial weight loss
Surgery for weight loss
Changes in body shape after pregnancy
Aging with major skin laxity

A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.

Fat Transfer to the Body

Fat grafting moves fat from one area of the body to another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.

Patients may consider fat grafting for:

Breast volume
Buttock shape
The hips
Facial volume
Contour irregularities after surgery or injury

Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but not all transferred fat survives. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.

Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures

Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.

Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.

Patients may consider scar revision for:

Surgery-related scars
Injury scars
Burn injury scars
Thickened scars
Restrictive scars
Scars that pull during movement

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

Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions

Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be considered for:

Skin irritation
Noticeable growth
Recurrent bleeding
Cosmetic reasons
A need for diagnosis
Relief from discomfort

Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed 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
Skin graft reconstruction
Moving nearby tissue with a local flap
Complex reconstruction

The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.

Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options

Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.

Wrinkle Relaxing Injections

Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.

Common treatment areas include:

Lines between the eyebrows
Forehead lines
Outer eye wrinkles
Nose bunny lines
Peau d’orange chin texture
Neck bands for some patients

Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. Most patients want a softer, rested look rather than a frozen face.

Facial Fillers

Dermal fillers can restore or add volume. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.

Patients may consider fillers for:

Lips
The cheeks
The chin
The jawline
Hollowing under the eyes
Nasolabial folds
Lines below the corners of the mouth

Filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.

Chemical Peel Treatments

Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.

Patients may consider chemical peels for:

Uneven tone
A dull complexion
Mild lines
Sun-damaged skin
Mild post-acne marks
Uneven texture

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

These treatments may improve concerns such as uneven tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and visible aging.

Common treatment options may include:

Laser skin resurfacing
Photofacial treatment with IPL
Radiofrequency treatments
Skin tightening procedures
Laser hair removal or reduction
Laser treatment for small visible vessels

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, where pigment changes can be a risk.

Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.

These treatments may help with:

Uneven texture
Minor acne scarring
Dullness
Uneven skin feel
Fine lines

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

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure

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

This can happen in situations such as:

Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
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 concerns may come from fat pads, hollows, loose skin, or pigmentation.

A good treatment plan should answer three questions:

What is causing the concern?
Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
What must be accepted with that option?

Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.

What Patients Often Worry About Before Surgery

Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

This is a very common worry. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

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

“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”

Healing time is different for every procedure. Non-surgical treatments may require little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, require more planning.

In general, patients should plan for:

Swelling and bruising
Temporary activity restrictions
Recovery time before returning to work
Follow-up visits
Scar care
Gradual return to exercise
Final results that develop over time

Healing is not instant. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.

“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.

Many factors affect scar quality, including:

Family scar tendencies
Your skin tone
The kind of surgery performed
Scar location
Tension on the wound
Smoking status
Exposure to the sun
How the scar is cared for

Most scars fade with time, but they do not fully disappear.

“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.

Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:

Your health
Your current medications
Nicotine or smoking use
The procedure being done
The surgery facility
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

In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should understand the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.

How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in plastic surgery.

Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:

Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
Do you hold a medical licence in this province?
How often do you perform this procedure?
What facility will be used for the procedure?
Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
What complications should I understand for my situation?
How are complications handled?
How many follow-up visits are included?
Can I review examples of similar cases?

Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about making an informed choice.

Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada

Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. Pricing depends on 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. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.

A very low price can be a warning sign if it means corners are being cut on safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.

Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada

Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.

Concerns with medical tourism may include:

Less access to follow-up care
Travelling before healing is complete
Possible infection
Medical standards that may differ
Difficulty accessing medical records
Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
Possible language barriers
Revision surgery costs

Staying closer to home for surgery can help with follow-up, especially if swelling, healing problems, or complications need attention.

Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation

During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.

It helps to prepare before your consultation:

Write down 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.
Photos may help explain your goals.
Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.

Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

Good candidates for plastic surgery are typically healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.

You may be a suitable candidate if:

Your overall health is good
You can explain a clear concern
Your weight has been stable before body surgery
You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
You understand the recovery process
You are comfortable with the risks and limits
The choice is based on your own goals
You understand what is realistic

It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.

Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?

Some procedures can be combined safely. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. A combined plan may save recovery time, but it also needs careful planning because surgery time and healing demands may increase.

Examples of combined procedures include:

Facelift and neck lift surgery
Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Combining breast lift and implants
Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
Facial surgery combined with fat grafting

The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.

A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures

In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Many cosmetic procedures focus on the face, breasts, or body. Others 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 procedure people ask about first. The best choice is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.

A good 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.