Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Plastic surgery is a broad field with procedures that can enhance, repair, or adjust areas of the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to refine how a person looks. Other procedures are reconstructive, meaning they help restore form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many personal reasons. Some people are looking for a more refreshed look. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Other patients need 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. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is commonly divided into two main categories, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.

Common goals include:

Creating better facial balance
Softening 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
Making clothing feel or fit better
Improving confidence in a natural-looking way

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

What Is Reconstructive Plastic 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 types of reconstructive surgery include:

Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
Cleft lip and palate repair
Burn scar reconstruction
Hand surgery
Scar repair or revision
Surgical wound repair
Facial trauma reconstruction
Repair of congenital differences

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

Types of Facial Plastic Surgery

Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. Most patients do not want to look “different.” The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.

Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.

A facelift may help with:

Jawline jowls
Sagging skin in the lower face
Prominent smile lines
Cheek tissue that has dropped
Loss of definition between the face and neck

Today, facelift surgery often works on deeper support layers below the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. 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

Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.

A neck lift may help with:

Prominent neck bands
Sagging neck skin
A soft or undefined jawline
A heavy area under the chin
A “turkey neck” look

Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle tightening. 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 for Tired-Looking Eyes

Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, can improve tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra eyelid skin, fat, or tissue.

Upper eyelid surgery may help with:

A weighted upper eyelid look
Loose upper eyelid skin
An aged or fatigued look
Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
Vision concerns in select medical cases

Lower blepharoplasty may help with:

Visible under-eye bags
Puffiness
Extra lower eyelid skin
Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep

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

Brow Lift Surgery (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 address:

Low or drooping eyebrows
Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
Forehead creases
Frown lines in the glabella area
A facial expression that appears tired, sad, or serious

A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. Extra eyelid skin is treated with eyelid surgery, while eyebrow position is treated with a brow lift. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

The shape, size, or structure of the nose can be changed with rhinoplasty, often called a nose job. The procedure can address cosmetic goals, functional concerns, or both.

Rhinoplasty may address:

A raised bridge bump
A nasal tip that droops
A wide nasal tip
Nasal crookedness
How far the nose projects
Uneven nasal shape
Airflow issues caused by nasal structure

Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. Appearance is the focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty, while airflow is the focus of functional nasal surgery.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

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:

Prominent ears
Ears that do not match well
Large cartilage folds in the ears
Ears positioned far from the head
Concerns with the earlobes

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

Upper Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. By changing lip position, a lip lift can make the upper lip more visible without adding volume with filler.

A lip lift may help with:

A long space between the nose and upper lip
Upper teeth that show less when smiling
Limited visible upper lip
Poor lip balance
Mouth-area aging changes

Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.

Chin, Jawline, and Facial Implant Surgery

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

Facial implant surgery may include:

Implants for the chin
Cheek implants
Jawline implants

Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.

Facial Fat Grafting

With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.

Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:

Hollows in the cheeks
Hollows beneath the eyes
Volume changes caused by aging
Soft tissue volume loss
Imbalance in facial volume

Facial fat grafting can be performed by itself or with procedures such as facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial surgery.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts

Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Patients may want to increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Breast size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.

Breast augmentation surgery can help improve:

Breasts that are naturally small
Breast volume loss after pregnancy
Lost breast volume after weight changes
Breast asymmetry
Improved breast shape in fitted clothing

Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.

Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery

Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. It browse the details does not primarily add volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.

Breast lift surgery can help improve:

Lower breast position
Nipples that sit low or point down
Stretched areolas
Stretched breast skin
Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

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

Breast Reduction Procedure

To reduce breast size and weight, breast reduction removes extra tissue, fat, and skin.

Breast reduction surgery can help improve:

Pain in the neck
Shoulder discomfort
Upper back pain
Shoulder grooves from bra straps
Skin irritation under the breasts
Trouble exercising
Difficulty finding clothing that fits

In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Whether coverage applies depends on the province, symptoms, and medical assessment.

Breast Implant Revision Procedure

Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.

Common breast implant revision concerns include:

Wanting smaller or larger implants
Implant rupture
Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
Implant shifting
Breasts that look uneven
Age-related changes after breast augmentation
A desire for implant removal

A breast lift may be done when implants are removed. Other patients choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.

Breast Reconstruction Procedure

The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. It may involve implants, natural tissue, or a combination.

Breast reconstruction may use:

Implant-based reconstruction
Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
Nipple and areola restoration
Breast fat grafting
Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry

This is a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both paths are valid and personal.

Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia surgery is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.

Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:

A puffy nipple appearance
Fullness under the areola
Chest fullness
Male chest asymmetry
Concern about the chest in fitted shirts, at the gym, or at the beach

The right technique depends on whether the fullness comes from fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a combination.

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, or Tummy Tuck Surgery

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. The procedure may also repair diastasis recti, which means separated abdominal muscles.

Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:

Abdominal skin laxity
An overhang in the lower belly
Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
Abdominal muscle separation
Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss

A tummy tuck should not be viewed as weight-loss surgery. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.

Surgical Liposuction

Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.

Common liposuction areas include:

Abdominal area
Love handles or flanks
Hips
Inner or outer thighs
The upper arms
Back contour areas
Chin-neck contour
Chest
Fat around the knees

Firm, elastic skin is important. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.

Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring

A mommy makeover combines procedures to address body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.

A customized mommy makeover may involve:

Tummy tuck
Breast lift surgery
Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
A breast reduction procedure
Body contouring with liposuction
Body fat grafting

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. A safe plan depends on the patient’s health, goals, recovery time, and plans for future pregnancy.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

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

Patients may consider an arm lift for:

Loose skin along the upper arms
Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
Upper arm changes from aging
Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
Skin friction in the upper arms

Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, the improved shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.

Thigh Lift Procedure

Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. It is often chosen after major weight loss.

A thigh lift may help with:

Extra inner thigh skin
Skin friction between the thighs
Trouble with pants fit
A heavy feeling from extra skin
Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery

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

A body lift removes 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:

Significant weight loss
Post-bariatric body changes
Post-pregnancy body changes
Major loose skin from aging

Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.

Body Fat Grafting

Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.

Body fat grafting can involve:

Breast shape
Buttock contour
Hips
Face
Contour irregularities after injury or surgery

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.

Skin and Scar Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.

Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision improves the look 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:

Surgical scars
Scarring after an injury
Burn injury scars
Thickened scars
Scars that feel tight
Scars that affect range of motion

Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.

Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal

Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. A medical assessment may be needed for some lesions to rule out skin cancer.

Patients may seek removal for:

Irritated skin
A growing lesion
Bleeding
Appearance concerns
Diagnosis
Physical comfort

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. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:

Simple direct closure
Skin grafts
Local tissue flaps
More complex reconstruction

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

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

Not every patient needs surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. These treatments usually have less downtime, but results are more temporary.

BOTOX and Neuromodulators

BOTOX and other neuromodulators relax selected facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.

Common treatment areas include:

Lines between the eyebrows
Forehead lines
Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
Lines on the sides of the nose
Chin dimpling
Neck bands in some cases

Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.

Facial Fillers

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

Dermal fillers may treat:

The lips
Midface fullness
Chin contour
Lower-face contour
Hollows beneath the eyes
Smile lines
Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin

Product choice, technique, anatomy, and goals all affect filler results. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.

Medical Chemical Peels

A chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.

Patients may consider chemical peels for:

Patchy skin tone
Skin dullness
Mild lines
Sun damage
Mild acne marks
Rough skin texture

Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.

Laser and Energy-Based 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:

Laser skin resurfacing
Intense pulsed light treatment
Radiofrequency skin treatments
Non-surgical skin tightening
Laser-based hair reduction
Vascular lasers for visible redness

The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.

Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments

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

Patients may consider these treatments for:

Texture
Surface-level scars
Tired-looking skin
Uneven surface
Mild lines

Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.

Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option

A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.

This can happen in situations such as:

Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
A flat breast appearance may require a lift, implants, fat grafting, or combined treatment.
Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, 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 trade-offs should be expected with that choice?

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. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural-looking results.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

Many patients ask this question. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

For many patients, the goal is better balance, not a perfect or unrealistic look.

“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”

Downtime varies by procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.

In general, recovery planning may include:

Swelling or bruising
Activity limits
Time away from work
Follow-up visits
Scar management
Gradual return to exercise
Gradual settling before final results are seen

Surgical healing is gradual. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.

“How Noticeable Will Scars Be?”

A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.

Many factors affect scar quality, including:

Genetic healing patterns
Your skin tone
The type of procedure
Scar location
Wound tension
Smoking status
Sun exposure
Scar aftercare

A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.

“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”

Every surgery has risk. Plastic surgery risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia concerns, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.

Surgical safety depends on several factors, including:

General health
Medications you take
Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
The planned procedure
The facility where surgery is done
The anesthesia plan
The surgeon’s training and experience
Your post-operative care

A careful consultation should review benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.

Plastic Surgery in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Understanding medical credentials is important because marketing terms can be confusing.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada

If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.

Important consultation questions include:

Are you certified in plastic surgery?
Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
Where would my surgery be done?
Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
What risks apply to my specific case?
Who do I contact if I have a complication?
How many follow-up appointments are included?
May I see before-and-after examples for similar procedures?

These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about understanding your options.

Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada

Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. 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 because of overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different fees, but cost should not be the only factor.

If a very low price means less attention to safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare, it can be a warning sign.

Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada

Travelling abroad for lower-cost plastic surgery is something some Canadians consider. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.

Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:

Less access to follow-up care
Long travel after surgery
Possible infection
Different health care standards
Hard-to-get records
Difficulty finding care for complications at home
Language barriers
Possible costs for corrective surgery

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. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.

Before a consultation, consider preparing in these ways:

Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
Prepare to discuss your medical history.
Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
Bring photos if they help show your goals.
Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Ask what can realistically be achieved for your face or body.

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.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

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 ready for plastic surgery if:

Your overall health is good
You have a clear concern
You are at a stable weight for body contouring
You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
You understand healing takes time
You accept the risks and trade-offs
The choice is based on your own goals
Your expectations are realistic

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.

Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures

It may be safe to combine some procedures. Other surgeries may need to be done in stages. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.

Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:

A facelift with a neck lift
Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
Nose surgery with chin surgery
Breast lift plus volume enhancement
Tummy tuck and liposuction
Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery

The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.

Summary of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Reconstructive options may repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Injectable and skin treatments may help with wrinkles, volume loss, texture concerns, and early signs of aging.

The best procedure is not always the procedure people ask about first. The right option should match 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. 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.