In Canada, plastic surgery covers many procedures that may refine, repair, or enhance the face and body. When surgery is chosen mainly to refine appearance, it is often called cosmetic surgery. Others are reconstructive, which means they help repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many individual goals. Some patients want a more natural-looking appearance. Body changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging may lead some people to consider surgery. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The best procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and available recovery time.
This page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. These procedures are usually elective, which means they are planned by choice and are not medically required.
Common cosmetic goals may include:
- Creating better facial balance
- Reducing age-related changes
- Improving body shape
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Enhancing areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Making clothing feel or fit better
- Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence
Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. Reconstructive procedures may be recommended after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common types of reconstructive surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Burn injury reconstruction
- Hand reconstruction
- Scar treatment and revision
- Surgical wound repair
- Reconstruction after facial trauma
- Surgery for 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
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. The goal is often not to look “different.” The best results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Patients often consider facelift surgery for:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deeper folds around the mouth
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
Modern facelift surgery often treats 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 (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.
A neck lift may address:
- Visible neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- A soft or undefined jawline
- A heavy area under the chin
- A “turkey neck” appearance
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. Because the face and neck often age together, a facelift and neck lift may be planned together.
Eyelid Surgery for Tired-Looking Eyes
Eyelid surgery, also known as 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
- Loose upper eyelid skin
- An aged or fatigued look
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Patients may choose lower eyelid surgery for:
- Under-eye bags
- Under-eye swelling or fullness
- Extra lower eyelid skin
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small changes around the eyes can make the whole face look more rested.
Brow Lift Procedure
Brow lift surgery, or a forehead lift, is used to raise a low or heavy brow. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
Brow lift surgery can improve:
- Eyebrows that sit too low
- Upper eyelid heaviness caused by a low brow
- Forehead wrinkles
- Creases between the eyebrows
- An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It may be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:
- A raised bridge bump
- A nasal tip that droops
- A wide nasal tip
- A crooked nasal shape
- Nasal size or projection
- Uneven nasal shape
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Ear Surgery Procedure (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:
- Ears that stick out
- Uneven ears
- Large ear cartilage folds
- Ears that stand out from the head
- Earlobe shape concerns
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, 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. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- A lengthened upper lip area
- Limited upper tooth show when smiling
- A less visible upper lip
- Poor lip balance
- Aging changes around the mouth
A surgical lip lift and lip filler are different treatments. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Facial Implants for Balance
Implants can be used to improve facial 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:
- Surgical chin implants
- Cheek implants
- Surgical jawline implants
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Fat Transfer for Facial Volume
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Fat grafting to the face can help improve:
- Hollow cheeks
- Tear trough hollowing
- Age-related facial volume loss
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Facial imbalance
Depending on the goal, fat grafting may be used alone or as part of a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedure.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
Breast surgery is one of the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Lost breast volume after weight changes
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- More fullness in bras or clothing
Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. A careful plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. It does not primarily add volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.
A breast lift may help with:
- Breasts that sag
- Nipples that sit low or point down
- Stretched areolas
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. For a natural result without added implant volume, some patients choose a breast lift alone.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction may help with:
- Chronic neck pain
- Pain in the shoulders
- Back discomfort
- Bra strap marks
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- Difficulty fitting bras or clothes
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.
Common breast implant revision concerns include:
- A desire to change implant size
- Rupture of an implant
- Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
- An implant that has shifted
- Uneven breast appearance
- Natural aging changes after breast implants
- A desire for implant removal
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
Types of breast reconstruction may include:
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Flap-based reconstruction
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both decisions deserve respect.
Male Chest Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. It may involve liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Common gynecomastia concerns include:
- A puffy nipple appearance
- Gland tissue under the areola
- Fullness in the chest
- Male chest asymmetry
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
The right technique depends on whether the fullness comes from fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a combination.
Common Body Contouring Options
Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. Body contouring is common after changes from pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.
Common tummy tuck concerns include:
- Sagging abdominal skin
- A lower belly overhang
- Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
- Separated abdominal muscles
- Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight-loss procedure. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Liposuction may treat:
- Belly area
- Love handles or flanks
- Hips
- Thigh areas
- Upper arm area
- The back
- Chin and neck
- Male or female chest area
- Knee area
Good skin tone matters. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.
A mommy makeover may include:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- A breast lift procedure
- Surgical breast enhancement
- A breast reduction procedure
- Body contouring with liposuction
- Fat transfer for volume
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. Health, goals, recovery time, and future pregnancy plans all help guide the best approach.
Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin
Loose upper arm skin can be removed with an arm lift, also called brachioplasty.
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
- Chafing from upper arm skin
Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. It is often considered after major weight loss.
A thigh lift may address:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Poor clothing fit around the thighs
- A heavy feeling from extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or weight loss
There are different thigh lift patterns. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Body Contouring Lift
A body lift removes extra loose skin around the lower body. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be chosen after:
- A major weight change
- Weight-loss surgery
- Post-pregnancy body changes
- Aging changes with loose skin
Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.
Fat Grafting to the Body
With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. The goal may be natural volume, smoother contour, or both.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast contour
- Buttock shape
- Hip shape
- The face
- Contour changes after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Fat grafting results can evolve, so repeat treatment may be needed for some patients.
Skin and Scar Plastic Surgery Procedures
Skin surface concerns, scars, and soft tissue problems may also be treated with plastic surgery.
Surgical Scar Revision
The look or feel of a scar may be improved with scar revision. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Surgery-related scars
- Scars from injury
- Burn scars
- Thick scars
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that pull during movement
Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.
Skin Lesion Removal Procedures
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when careful closure matters. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be considered for:
- Irritation
- Growth or change
- Bleeding from the lesion
- Cosmetic concern
- Medical diagnosis
- Improved comfort
If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal
When skin cancer is removed, plastic surgery reconstruction may help close the area and restore appearance. This is common in areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:
- Direct surgical closure
- Skin grafts
- Reconstruction with local flaps
- A more complex repair
The priority is safe cancer removal, with function and appearance preserved as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
Neuromodulator Injections
Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.
Patients may consider neuromodulators for:
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Lines across the forehead
- Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
- Small nose wrinkles
- Chin texture from muscle movement
- Selected neck bands
Results are temporary and usually need repeat treatments. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can restore or add volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Common filler areas include:
- Lips
- The cheeks
- Chin projection
- Lower-face contour
- Under-eye volume loss
- Smile lines
- Marionette folds
Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Medical Chemical Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Chemical peels may address:
- Patchy skin tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Small fine lines
- Skin changes from sun exposure
- Mild acne marks
- Rough skin texture
Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based treatments can improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common examples include:
- Laser resurfacing for texture
- IPL, or intense pulsed light
- Radiofrequency energy treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Laser treatment for unwanted hair
- Vascular lasers for visible redness
These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more surface-level.
Common concerns include:
- Texture
- Mild scarring
- Dull-looking skin
- Surface irregularity
- Early fine lines
The right option depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure
The best place to start is the concern itself, not the name of a procedure. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.
For instance:
- Upper lid heaviness may be related to eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
- A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full abdomen can be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may need a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- A baggy under-eye look may be related to fat, hollowing, loose skin, or skin colour changes.
A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:
- What anatomy is causing the issue?
- What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
These trade-offs may include 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. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the result will look natural.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
This concern comes up often. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. 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.
“How Long Is the Recovery?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.
Most patients should prepare for:
- Post-surgery swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- Time off work
- Follow-up appointments
- Scar healing support
- A gradual return to exercise
- Results that take time to settle
Recovery does not happen instantly. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
A scar forms whenever an incision is made. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
Scar quality depends on:
- Genetics
- Skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Incision placement
- How much tension is on the wound
- Smoking or nicotine use
- How much sun the scar gets
- Following aftercare instructions
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
All surgery has risk. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.
A safe procedure depends on factors such as:
- Your overall health
- Medications you take
- Smoking or nicotine use
- The procedure being done
- The surgical facility
- The anesthesia plan
- Surgeon training and experience
- Your aftercare and follow-up
Benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations should all be discussed during a consultation.
Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations
Canadian plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.
Patients may want to ask:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Do you hold a medical licence in this province?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What are the risks for my specific case?
- How are complications handled?
- How many follow-up visits are included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about being informed.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs 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.
Fees may be higher in major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal due to overhead and demand. Smaller markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.
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
Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.
Concerns with medical tourism may include:
- Limited follow-up care
- Long travel after surgery
- Infection risk
- Different surgical standards
- Less access to surgical records
- Trouble getting complications treated after returning to Canada
- Language barriers
- Revision surgery costs
When surgery is done closer to home, follow-up may be easier if concerns or complications occur.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare:
- List your main concerns before the visit.
- Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- Be ready to share your medical history.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
- Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
- Ask questions about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your body or face.
A good consultation should include a clear discussion of options. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
The best candidates for plastic surgery are often 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 good candidate if:
- You are in good general health
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand what recovery involves
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- The choice is based on your own goals
- You have realistic goals
You may need to delay surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.
Planning More Than One Plastic Surgery Procedure
Certain procedures can be safely combined. Other procedures should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
- Fat grafting with facial surgery
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. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair 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. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
The strongest treatment plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. 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 cosmetic treatments and cannot do.