Across Canada, plastic surgery includes several major types of procedures that can reshape, restore, or support the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to enhance appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many different concerns. Many patients simply want to look more rested. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The right procedure depends 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.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is often divided into two main categories, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
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.
Common goals include:
- Creating better facial balance
- Improving visible signs of aging
- Creating a more balanced body shape
- Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping patients feel better in clothing
- Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence
Most cosmetic surgery procedures in Canada are private-pay services. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada
Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring form and function. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
- Skin cancer reconstruction after a skin tumour is removed
- Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
- Reconstruction after burns
- Reconstructive hand surgery
- Scar treatment and revision
- Wound reconstruction
- Reconstruction after facial trauma
- Surgery for congenital differences
Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. In many cases, the goal is not a dramatic change. Good facial plastic surgery should often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. It can help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Patients often consider facelift surgery for:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Loose lower facial skin
- Prominent smile lines
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- Loss of definition between the face and neck
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. This may create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled appearance. 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 improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Vertical neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- An undefined jawline
- Fullness below the chin
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.
Eyelid Surgery, Also Called Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, can improve tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra eyelid skin, fat, or tissue.
Upper blepharoplasty may help with:
- Heavy upper eyelids
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids
- Eyes that look tired or aged
- Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
- Vision concerns in some medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Shadowing beneath the lower lids
- A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep
Many patients choose Cosmetic North eyelid surgery because small improvements around the eyes can make the whole face look more awake and rested.
Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift
A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. It can improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
- Forehead creases
- 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.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. The procedure can address cosmetic goals, functional concerns, or both.
Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- A drooping nasal tip
- A boxy nasal tip
- A crooked nasal shape
- Nasal 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. That procedure is known as septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines how the nose looks, while functional nasal surgery focuses on breathing and airflow.
Otoplasty for Prominent Ears
Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Patients may consider otoplasty for:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Ears that do not match well
- Large cartilage folds in the ears
- Ears positioned far from the head
- Earlobe appearance concerns
Ear surgery can be considered for adults as well as children. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Surgical Lip Lift
Lip lift surgery shortens the area between the upper lip and the base of 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.
Common lip lift concerns include:
- A long space between the nose and upper lip
- Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
- A less visible upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. 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 implants may improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. When the chin appears small in relation to the nose or other features, chin surgery may help.
Facial implants may involve:
- Implants for the chin
- Cheek implants
- Jawline implants
For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.
Fat Grafting to the Face
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:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Volume loss after aging
- Soft tissue volume loss
- Facial volume imbalance
Facial fat grafting can be performed by itself or with procedures such as facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial surgery.
Common Breast Surgery Options
Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- A naturally small breast shape
- Lost breast volume following 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. 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 primarily add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
Breast lift surgery can help improve:
- Dropped breasts
- Nipples that sit low or point down
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Breast skin laxity
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. 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.
Breast reduction may help with:
- Chronic neck pain
- Shoulder strain
- Back strain
- Grooves from bra straps
- Skin irritation under the breasts
- Exercise discomfort
- Problems with clothing fit
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 Surgery
Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- A desire to change implant size
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may involve implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction may use:
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Flap-based reconstruction
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
Choosing reconstruction is deeply personal. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Others choose to remain flat. Both paths are valid and personal.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. The procedure may use liposuction, gland removal, or both methods.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Nipple puffiness
- Extra tissue beneath the areola
- Fullness in the chest
- 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.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape
Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. 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. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Loose abdominal skin
- A hanging lower abdomen
- Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
- Diastasis recti
- Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not a 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
Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction may be used on areas such as:
- Belly area
- Love handles or flanks
- Hips
- Thigh areas
- Upper arm area
- Back
- The chin and neck
- Chest fullness
- Fat around the knees
Firm, elastic skin is important. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover combines procedures to address body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often includes both breast and abdominal procedures.
A customized mommy makeover may involve:
- Tummy tuck
- Breast lift surgery
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction surgery
- Fat grafting
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It is for anyone with similar body changes. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may address:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Arm skin changes over time
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Irritation from loose arm skin
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
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. Many patients choose it after major weight loss.
A thigh lift may address:
- Loose skin on the inner thighs
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Pants that do not fit well
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Body Lift After Weight Loss
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:
- Large weight loss
- Bariatric weight-loss surgery
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Aging changes with loose skin
This is a more involved surgery with a longer recovery. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Body Contouring With Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. The goal may be natural volume, smoother contour, or both.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- The breasts
- Buttocks
- Hip shape
- Face
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Revision
Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Surgical scars
- Scars from injury
- Scarring after burns
- Thick scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Movement-limiting scars
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when careful closure matters. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.
Patients may seek removal for:
- Irritation
- A growing lesion
- Bleeding
- Cosmetic reasons
- Medical diagnosis
- Relief from discomfort
A qualified medical professional should assess any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
When skin cancer is removed, plastic surgery reconstruction may help close the area and restore appearance. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:
- Closing the area directly
- A skin graft
- A local flap
- More complex reconstruction
The priority is safe cancer removal, with function and appearance preserved as much as possible.
Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
BOTOX and other neuromodulators relax selected facial muscles. They are often used for expression lines.
BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Forehead wrinkles
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Small nose wrinkles
- Chin dimpling
- Selected neck bands
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore or add volume. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Chin shape
- Jawline
- Hollows beneath the eyes
- Deeper smile lines
- Marionette lines
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 Peel Treatments
The outer layers of skin can be improved with a chemical peel using a controlled solution.
Chemical peels may address:
- Uneven colour
- Dull-looking skin
- Fine lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Mild post-acne marks
- Rough skin texture
Chemical peels can range from light treatments to deeper treatments. The type of peel affects recovery time.
Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments
These treatments may improve concerns such as uneven tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and visible aging.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Resurfacing laser treatment
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency-based treatments
- Non-surgical skin tightening
- Laser treatment for unwanted hair
- Laser treatment for small visible vessels
These treatments should be matched to the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and 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. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:
- Rough texture
- Surface-level scars
- A dull complexion
- Uneven skin feel
- Fine lines
The right choice depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just 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:
- Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
- An undefined jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck muscle bands, fat, or the position of the chin.
- A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What is creating the concern?
- Which procedure treats that cause best?
- What must be accepted with that option?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
Many patients ask this question. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
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, recovery planning may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- A break from work
- Surgical follow-up care
- Scar care
- Slow return to workouts
- Gradual settling before final results are seen
Healing takes time. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Genetic healing patterns
- Skin colour and tone
- Which procedure is done
- Where the incision is placed
- Wound tension
- Whether you smoke
- Sun exposure
- Post-surgery aftercare
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
Every surgery has risk. Patients should understand possible risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia issues, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- Your health
- Medication use
- Use of tobacco or nicotine
- The procedure selected
- The surgery facility
- The anesthesia approach
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Your follow-up care
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, 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. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
- Do you hold a medical licence in this province?
- Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
- Where will the procedure take place?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- What happens if a complication occurs?
- How many follow-up appointments are included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about challenging the surgeon. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. Pricing may depend on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
In major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, fees may be higher due to overhead and demand. Smaller markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.
A bargain price is not always a good deal if it comes with weaker safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Choosing Surgery in Canada vs. Abroad
Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.
Possible concerns with surgery abroad include:
- Reduced follow-up access
- Long travel after surgery
- Higher concern about infection
- Different medical standards
- Less access to surgical records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Possible language barriers
- Additional costs if revision surgery is needed
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation
Your consultation is the time to understand what can be done safely and realistically. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.
You can prepare for the visit by doing the following:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
- Share your medical history.
- Do not hide smoking, vaping, cannabis, or nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help show your goals.
- Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
- 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.
Good Candidates for Plastic Surgery
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.
Good candidate signs include:
- Your overall health is good
- You have a specific concern
- You are at a stable weight for body contouring
- You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand healing takes time
- You accept the risks, scars, and trade-offs
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- You understand what is realistic
A safer plan may involve waiting if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing unstable health, or feeling pressured.
Procedure Combinations in Plastic Surgery
It may be safe to combine some procedures. Some procedures are safer when staged. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift with augmentation
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Combining body lift with arm or thigh surgery
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Others help repair 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 plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
Every plastic surgery plan should put safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care first. Whether you are considering eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is learning what each option can and cannot do.