Common Types of Plastic Surgery in Canada

Plastic surgery includes many treatments that can refine, repair, or support the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to enhance appearance. When plastic surgery helps rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.

Canadians may look into plastic surgery for many goals. For some people, the goal is to look more rested. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Choosing the right procedure depends on anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery needs.

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.

The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures

Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.

Common goals include:

Creating better facial balance
Reducing age-related changes
Changing body proportions
Restoring lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Helping clothing fit better
Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking

Most cosmetic procedures in Canada are paid for privately. Pricing may change based on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, facility costs, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada

Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.

Common examples include:

Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
Cleft lip and palate surgery
Burn injury reconstruction
Reconstructive hand surgery
Surgical scar revision
Wound reconstruction
Repair after facial trauma
Congenital difference repair

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

Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options

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

Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery

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.

A facelift may help with:

Jowls near the jawline
Sagging skin in the lower face
Deeper folds around the mouth
Cheek tissue that has dropped
Poor definition between the face and neck

Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift is used to improve neck skin laxity, muscle bands, and under-chin fullness. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.

A neck lift may help with:

Vertical neck bands
Loose skin on the neck
A jawline that looks less defined
Under-chin fullness
A hanging neck appearance

Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle tightening. For patients with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction under the chin may help. The face and neck often change at the same time, so facelift and neck lift surgery may be combined.

Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty helps refresh the eyes by removing or repositioning extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.

Upper blepharoplasty may help with:

Heavy upper lids
Extra eyelid skin
A more tired or older eye appearance
Skin resting on the eyelashes
Vision concerns in some medical cases

Lower eyelid surgery can address:

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

Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small eye-area changes can make the face look more rested.

Brow Lift, Also Called 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:

Low or drooping eyebrows
Upper eyelid heaviness caused by a low brow
Forehead lines
Frown lines in the glabella area
A tired, sad, or stern look

Brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery are not the same procedure. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. Many patients need either one procedure or the other, while some benefit from both.

Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.

Rhinoplasty may help with:

A bump along the bridge of the nose
A downward-pointing nasal tip
A wide nasal tip
A crooked nose
How far the nose projects
An uneven-looking nose
Breathing issues related to structure

For patients with breathing concerns, rhinoplasty may include work on the septum, which separates the nostrils. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines how the nose looks, while functional nasal surgery focuses on breathing and airflow.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.

Otoplasty may help with:

Prominent ears
Ears that do not match well
Prominent ear cartilage folds
Ears that project away from the head
Earlobe concerns

Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.

Lip Lift Procedure

A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. Clinically, this measurement is often called the upper lip length. By changing lip position, a lip lift can make the upper lip more visible without adding volume with filler.

Lip lift surgery can help improve:

A lengthened upper lip area
Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
A thin-looking upper lip
Lip imbalance
Age-related changes around the mouth

Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. Lip lift surgery adjusts the position and shape of the upper lip.

Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants

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.

Common facial implant procedures include:

Surgical chin implants
Implants for the cheeks
Implants for the jawline

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

Fat Transfer for Facial Volume

A patient’s own fat can be used in facial fat grafting to restore volume. 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:

Loss of cheek fullness
Hollowing under the eyes
Volume changes caused by aging
Loss of soft tissue fullness
Imbalance in facial volume

Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts

Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Breast plastic surgery can address volume, size, position, symmetry, and reconstruction after cancer surgery.

Breast Augmentation in Canada

Breast size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.

Breast augmentation may address:

Naturally small breasts
Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
Breast volume loss after weight change
Breast asymmetry
More fullness in bras or clothing

Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.

Breast Lift Procedure

A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.

Common breast lift concerns include:

Breasts that sag
Nipples that sit low or point down
Enlarged or stretched areolas
Loose breast skin
Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes

Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction surgery makes the breasts smaller and lighter by removing extra breast tissue, fat, and skin.

Common breast reduction concerns include:

Pain in the neck
Pain in the shoulders
Upper back pain
Indentations from bra straps
Under-breast skin irritation
Exercise discomfort
Trouble finding clothing that fits

Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Health plan coverage is based on provincial rules, patient symptoms, and medical assessment.

Revision Breast Implant Surgery

Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.

Common breast implant revision concerns include:

Wanting smaller or larger implants
Rupture of an implant
Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
Implant shifting
Breast size or shape imbalance
Age-related changes after breast augmentation
Choosing to remove implants

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

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction can use implants, natural tissue, or both.

Breast reconstruction may use:

Implant-supported breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
Nipple and areola restoration
Breast fat grafting
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

This can be a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both choices are valid.

Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. It may involve liposuction, gland removal, or both.

Gynecomastia surgery may help with:

Puffy-looking nipples
Gland tissue under the areola
Extra chest volume
A chest that looks uneven
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.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape

Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is often considered after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.

Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:

Sagging abdominal skin
A hanging lower abdomen
Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
Separated core muscles
Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss

Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.

Liposuction

Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method, it is a contouring procedure.

Patients may consider liposuction for:

Abdominal area
Flanks, often called love handles
The hips
Thigh areas
The upper arms
The back
Under the chin and neck
Male or female chest area
Knee area

Good skin elasticity helps improve results. If the skin is loose, liposuction alone may not be enough. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.

Mommy Makeover Procedure

A mommy makeover combines procedures to address body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. A mommy makeover commonly includes surgery for the breasts and abdomen.

A customized mommy makeover may involve:

A tummy tuck procedure
A breast lift procedure
A breast augmentation procedure
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. A safe plan depends on the patient’s health, goals, recovery time, and plans for future pregnancy.

Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.

Common arm lift concerns include:

Hanging upper arm skin
Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
Arm skin changes over time
Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
Skin rubbing or irritation

The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. Because the scar is permanent, patients should carefully discuss whether the improved shape is worth it.

Thigh Lift Surgery

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

Patients may consider a thigh lift for:

Sagging skin on the inner thighs
Chafing from loose thigh skin
Poor fit in pants
Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
Loose thigh skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss

Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.

Body Lift

A body lift improves lower-body contour by removing excess skin. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

Common reasons for body lift surgery include:

Major weight loss
Weight-loss surgery
Changes in body shape after pregnancy
Aging with major skin laxity

This is a more involved surgery with a longer recovery. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.

Fat Grafting for Body Contouring

Fat grafting moves fat from one area of the body to another. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.

Patients may consider fat grafting for:

The breasts
The buttocks
Hip volume
Facial contour
Contour irregularities 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.

Plastic Surgery for Skin and Scars

Skin surface concerns, scars, and soft tissue problems may also be treated with plastic surgery.

Scar Revision

Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.

Common scar revision concerns include:

Scarring after surgery
Injury scars
Burn injury scars
Thick scars
Tight or pulling scars
Movement-limiting scars

A scar revision plan may use surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a mix of options.

Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal

Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when careful closure matters. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be done for:

Irritated skin
Growth or change
A lesion that bleeds
Concern about how it looks
Diagnosis
Comfort

Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.

Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction

After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the wound and restore appearance. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:

Direct closure
Skin graft reconstruction
A local flap
Complex reconstruction

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

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Not every patient requires surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments may help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually temporary.

Wrinkle Relaxing Injections

Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. They are commonly used for expression lines.

BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:

Frown lines
Forehead wrinkles
Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
Lines on the sides of the nose
Peau d’orange chin texture
Mild neck bands in certain cases

Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.

Dermal Filler Treatments

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

Dermal fillers may treat:

Lip volume
Cheeks
Chin shape
The jawline
Hollowing under the eyes
Smile line folds
Lines below the corners of the mouth

Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.

Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone

A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.

Chemical peels may help with:

Uneven tone
Skin dullness
Small fine lines
Skin changes from sun exposure
Mild marks from acne
Texture concerns

Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. The type of peel affects recovery time.

Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments

Skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and aging changes may be treated with laser and energy-based treatments.

Common options may include:

Laser skin resurfacing
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Radiofrequency energy treatments
Skin tightening procedures
Hair reduction with laser
Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels

Skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated should guide the choice of treatment. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.

Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing

Dermabrasion is a deeper skin resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.

Patients may consider these treatments for:

Skin texture
Surface-level scars
Dullness
An uneven skin surface
Mild lines

Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.

Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals

A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.

Examples include:

Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
A full abdomen may be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.

A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:

What is creating the concern?
What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?

Those trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.

Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

Most patients 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 whether the result will look natural.

“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”

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.

A healthy goal is often improved balance instead of perfection.

“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”

Downtime varies by procedure. Non-surgical treatments may require little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.

Plastic surgery recovery often involves:

Temporary swelling and bruising
Reduced activity
Time away from work
Post-operative follow-up visits
Care for scars
Careful return to exercise
A result that improves as swelling settles

The body needs time to heal. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.

“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”

Any procedure with an incision creates a scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.

Many factors affect scar quality, including:

Genetic healing patterns
Pigment response in the skin
Which procedure is done
Where the incision is placed
Tension along the incision
Smoking or nicotine use
Exposure to the sun
How the scar is cared for

Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.

“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”

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

Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:

The patient’s health
Prescription and non-prescription medications
Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
The type of procedure
The surgical facility
How anesthesia is managed
The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
Your aftercare and follow-up

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 not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.

Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Proper training and credentials matter when researching plastic surgery in Canada. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.

Important consultation questions include:

What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
Do you hold a medical licence in this province?
Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
What facility will be used for the procedure?
What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
What risks apply to my specific case?
How are complications handled?
What follow-up care is included?
Can I see results from similar cases?

This is not about being demanding. It is about understanding your options.

Cosmetic 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.

Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.

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

Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery

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
Travel soon after surgery
Infection risk
Different medical standards
Harder access to records
Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
Language or translation issues
Revision surgery costs

Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.

Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation

A plastic surgery consultation helps clarify what is possible, safe, and realistic for your case. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.

Before the visit, preparation can help:

Make notes about your main concerns.
Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
Share your health and medical history honestly.
Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
Bring photos if they help show your goals.
Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.

Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery altogether.

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

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.

You may be a suitable candidate if:

Your overall health is good
You know what concern you want to address
Your weight has been stable before body surgery
You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
You are prepared for the recovery process
You accept the risks, scars, and trade-offs
Your decision is for you, not someone else
You have reasonable expectations

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.

Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?

Some procedures may be combined safely. Others should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it may also increase surgical time and healing demands.

Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:

A facelift with a neck lift
Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Breast lift plus volume enhancement
Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
Combined mommy makeover procedures
Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting

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

Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair 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 most popular one. The right option should match your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.

A thoughtful plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Whether the procedure is eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is understanding what each option can and cannot do.