Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

Plastic surgery is a broad field with treatments that can improve, rebuild, or adjust areas of the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to enhance how a person looks. Reconstructive procedures are used to help rebuild form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many reasons. For some cosmetic surgeons people, the goal is to look more rested. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Some people seek care 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.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

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

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. 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
Improving body contours
Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Making clothing feel or fit better
Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements

Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Fees can vary based on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.

What Is Reconstructive Plastic 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 after breast cancer surgery
Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
Cleft lip or palate repair
Surgical treatment for burn-related changes
Hand surgery
Scar repair or revision
Surgical wound repair
Facial trauma reconstruction
Surgery for congenital differences

In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Changes done only for cosmetic reasons are usually not covered.

Facial Plastic 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. The most pleasing results are often natural-looking 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.

Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:

Softness or jowling at the jawline
Loose lower facial skin
Deep smile lines
Drooping cheek tissue
Less clear separation between the face and neck

Many modern facelift techniques focus on deeper support layers under the skin. This approach may help produce a smoother, longer-lasting result without making the face look pulled. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty

Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. The clinical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.

A neck lift may address:

Visible neck bands
Extra neck skin
Reduced jawline sharpness
Under-chin fullness
A loose “turkey neck” appearance

For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

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 lids
Extra eyelid skin
A tired-looking or aged appearance
Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
Vision concerns in select medical cases

Lower eyelid surgery may help with:

Under-eye puffiness or bags
Lower eyelid puffiness
Lower eyelid skin laxity
Shadowing under the eyes
Tired-looking eyes that do not improve with rest

Many patients choose eyelid surgery because small improvements around the eyes can make the whole face look more awake and rested.

Brow Lift Procedure

Brow lift surgery, or a forehead lift, is used to raise a low or heavy brow. This can help improve the upper eye area and ease a heavy forehead look.

A brow lift may address:

A heavy, lowered brow
Heavy upper lids from brow descent
Lines across the forehead
Creases between the eyebrows
A heavy expression that seems tired or stern

A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.

Rhinoplasty may help with:

A dorsal hump on the nose
A drooping nasal tip
Tip width or boxiness
A nose that looks crooked
Overall nose size or projection
Asymmetry in the nose
Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy

When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines how the nose looks, while functional nasal surgery focuses on breathing and airflow.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery

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.

Patients may consider otoplasty for:

Prominent ears
Uneven ear shape or position
Large ear cartilage folds
Ears that project away from the head
Earlobe concerns

Otoplasty is common in adults and children. For younger patients, ear growth, maturity, and family goals help guide timing.

Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance

A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. This surgery may reveal more of the upper lip without using filler.

A lip lift may help with:

A longer upper lip
Limited upper tooth show when smiling
A less visible upper lip
Uneven lip balance
Age-related changes around the mouth

A surgical lip lift and lip filler are different treatments. Dermal filler increases volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.

Chin, Jawline, and Facial Implant Surgery

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 options may include:

Chin augmentation implants
Cheek implant surgery
Jawline implants

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

Facial Fat Grafting

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.

Facial fat grafting may help with:

Loss of cheek fullness
Tear trough hollowing
Lost facial volume due to aging
Thin facial soft tissue
Uneven facial fullness

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

Common Breast Surgery Options

In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.

Breast Augmentation in Canada

Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.

Common breast augmentation goals include:

A naturally small breast shape
Breast volume loss after pregnancy
Lost breast volume after weight changes
Breasts that do not match well
More fullness in bras or clothing

A common concern is whether breast augmentation will look 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. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.

A breast lift may help with:

Sagging breasts
Nipple descent
Areola stretching
Loose breast skin
Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.

Breast Reduction

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

Breast reduction surgery can help improve:

Chronic neck pain
Shoulder pain
Back strain
Indentations from bra straps
Rashes under the breasts
Difficulty exercising
Trouble finding clothing that fits

Some breast reduction procedures in Canada may be considered medically necessary. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.

Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.

Patients may consider revision for:

Changing breast implant size
An implant that has ruptured
Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
An implant that has moved out of position
Breast asymmetry
Age-related changes after breast augmentation
Desire to remove implants

Some patients benefit from implant removal together with a breast lift. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.

Breast Reconstruction

The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction can use implants, natural tissue, or both.

Types of breast reconstruction may include:

Breast reconstruction with implants
Tissue flap reconstruction
Rebuilding the nipple and areola
Fat transfer to the breast
Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry

The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. Some patients choose reconstruction. Other people prefer to remain flat. Both decisions deserve respect.

Gynecomastia Surgery

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

Common gynecomastia concerns include:

Fullness around the nipples
Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
A fuller male chest
Uneven male chest shape
Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing

The cause of fullness, whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix, guides the best technique.

Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures

Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. Body contouring is common after changes from 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.

A tummy tuck may address:

Sagging abdominal skin
A lower abdominal overhang
Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
Separated core muscles
Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss

A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.

Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is meant for body contouring, not overall weight loss.

Liposuction may treat:

The abdomen
Flank areas
Hips
Thighs
Upper arm contours
Back
The chin and neck
Chest
Fat around the knees

Firm, elastic skin is important. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.

Customized Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.

Common mommy makeover procedures include:

Abdominoplasty
Surgical breast lifting
Breast augmentation
Surgical breast size reduction
Body contouring with liposuction
Fat transfer for volume

The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

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

Common arm lift concerns include:

Hanging upper arm skin
Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
Age-related changes in the arms
Avoiding sleeveless clothing
Skin friction in the upper arms

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

Inner Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. Thigh lift surgery is common after significant weight loss.

A thigh lift may help with:

Inner thigh skin laxity
Skin rubbing
Pants that do not fit well
A heavy feeling from extra skin
Changes after bariatric surgery or major 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 Lift After Weight Loss

A body lift removes 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
Post-bariatric body changes
Body changes related to pregnancy
Age-related skin laxity

A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. Before a body lift, patients should be healthy overall and close to a stable weight.

Body Fat Grafting

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

Common treatment areas include:

Breasts
Buttock contour
Hip contour
Facial contour
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.

Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns

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

Scar Treatment and Revision

Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.

Patients may consider scar revision for:

Surgery-related scars
Scarring after an injury
Scarring after burns
Bulky scars
Tight scars
Scars that limit movement

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

Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal

Benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps may be removed by plastic surgeons when a precise closure is needed. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be done for:

Irritation
A lesion that is getting larger
A lesion that bleeds
Appearance concerns
Diagnosis
Relief from discomfort

Changing moles or suspicious skin lesions should be reviewed by a qualified medical professional.

Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer

Skin cancer reconstruction can help close the treated area and restore appearance after cancer removal. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:

Simple direct closure
A skin graft
Reconstruction with local flaps
Complex reconstruction

The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures

Surgery is not needed for every patient. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Compared with surgery, non-surgical treatments often have less downtime but need maintenance.

BOTOX and Neuromodulators

BOTOX and other neuromodulators relax selected facial muscles. These treatments are often used to soften expression lines.

Common treatment areas include:

Frown lines
Horizontal forehead lines
Eye-area smile lines
Small nose wrinkles
Chin dimpling
Selected neck bands

Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. Most patients want a softer, rested look rather than a frozen face.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that shapes and supports soft tissue.

Dermal filler treatment may involve:

Lip shape
The cheeks
Chin shape
Jawline definition
Under-eye hollowing
Smile line folds
Marionette folds

Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.

Skin Peels

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

Chemical peel treatments can help improve:

Uneven skin tone
Tired-looking skin
Small fine lines
Skin changes from sun exposure
Mild post-acne marks
Surface texture issues

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

Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments

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

Common examples include:

Laser skin resurfacing
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Radiofrequency-based treatments
Skin tightening treatments
Laser-based hair reduction
Vascular lasers for visible redness

A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.

Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments

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

Common concerns include:

Surface texture
Minor acne scarring
A dull complexion
An uneven skin surface
Early fine lines

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

How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure

The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. Many patients ask for one treatment and later learn that another option better matches their anatomy.

This can happen in situations such as:

Upper lid heaviness may be related to eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, 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 be improved with a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
Under-eye concerns may come from fat pads, hollows, loose skin, or pigmentation.

A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:

What is causing the concern?
Which procedure treats that cause best?
What are the trade-offs of that option?

Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.

Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. 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 one of the most common concerns. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.

“How Long Is the Recovery?”

Downtime varies by procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.

Patients should usually expect:

Post-surgery swelling and bruising
Temporary activity restrictions
Recovery time before returning to work
Appointments after surgery
Scar care
Slow return to workouts
A result that improves as swelling settles

The body needs time to heal. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.

“Will I Have Scars?”

Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.

The final scar can depend on:

How your body naturally scars
Skin tone
The kind of surgery performed
Where the incision is placed
How much tension is on the wound
Smoking or nicotine use
Exposure to the sun
Aftercare

Scars tend to soften and fade, but they usually remain to some degree.

“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.

Safety depends on many factors, including:

Your medical condition
Your current medications
Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
The planned procedure
The facility where surgery is done
The planned anesthesia
The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
Care after the procedure

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

What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery

Canadian 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.

Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

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

Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:

What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
Where is the procedure performed?
What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
Which risks are most relevant to me?
What happens if I have a complication?
How many follow-up appointments are included?
Can I see examples of similar cases?

These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about being informed.

Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing

Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. The final cost may include 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. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.

A bargain price is not always a good deal if it comes with weaker safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.

Medical Tourism Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada

Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.

Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:

Limited post-surgery follow-up
Travel soon after surgery
Infection-related complications
Different medical standards
Less access to surgical records
Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
Language or translation issues
Revision surgery costs

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

Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation

A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.

Before your visit, it helps to prepare:

Make notes about your main concerns.
Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
Share your health and medical history honestly.
Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
Bring photos if they help show your goals.
Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
Talk about realistic results based on your body or face.

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

Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

The best candidates for plastic surgery are often 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 good candidate if:

You are generally healthy
You have a clear concern
Your weight has been stable before body surgery
You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
You are prepared for the recovery process
You are comfortable with the risks and limits
You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
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.

Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures

Some procedures may be combined safely. 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 combined surgery plans include:

Lower face and neck rejuvenation
Eyelid surgery with brow lift
Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
Breast lift with augmentation
Tummy tuck with liposuction
Combined mommy makeover procedures
Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
Facial surgery combined with fat grafting

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

A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures

Canadian plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Others 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 most popular procedure is not always the best fit. 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. 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.