Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to enhance, rebuild, or change the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to improve how a person looks. Other procedures are reconstructive, meaning they help rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

There are many goals why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Some patients want a more rested appearance. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. 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 guide covers the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also covers key questions to consider before a plastic surgery consultation.

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures

Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.

Common goals include:

Supporting better facial harmony
Helping the face or body look more refreshed
Refining body shape
Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Helping patients feel better in clothing
Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes

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

What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore 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 after a skin tumour is removed
Cleft lip or palate repair
Burn scar reconstruction
Hand repair surgery
Scar revision
Complex wound repair
Surgery for facial trauma repair
Repair of congenital differences

Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Face

Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. The goal is often not to look “different.” Good facial plastic surgery should often look natural and balanced.

Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift, also called 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:

Softness or jowling at the jawline
Loose skin in the lower face
Deeper smile lines
Lowered cheek tissue
Loss of definition between the face and neck

Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. A facelift can be part of a larger facial rejuvenation plan that includes a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Neck Lift Surgery for Jawline and Neck Definition

A neck lift is used to improve neck skin laxity, muscle bands, and under-chin fullness. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.

Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:

Vertical neck bands
Extra neck skin
Soft jawline definition
Under-chin fullness
A “turkey neck” look

Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle tightening. Other patients may benefit from liposuction under the chin. Because the face and neck often age together, a facelift and neck lift may be planned together.

Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery

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

Upper eyelid surgery can address:

A weighted upper eyelid look
Extra eyelid skin
Eyes that look tired or aged
Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
Visual field concerns in some medical situations

Patients may choose lower eyelid surgery for:

Bags under the eyes
Under-eye swelling or fullness
Extra lower eyelid skin
Hollow shadows under the eyes
Tired-looking eyes that do not improve with rest

Because small changes around the eyes can refresh the whole face, eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures.

Brow Lift Surgery for a Heavy Brow

A forehead lift, commonly called a brow lift, helps lift a low or heavy brow. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.

Common brow lift concerns include:

Brow descent
Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
Forehead creases
Creases between the eyebrows
An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern

A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. Extra eyelid skin is treated with eyelid surgery, while eyebrow position is treated with a brow lift. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.

Rhinoplasty, Also Called Nose Surgery

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

Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:

A bump along the bridge of the nose
Tip droop
A broad or boxy tip
A crooked nose
How far the nose projects
Asymmetry in the nose
Structural breathing concerns

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

Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.

Otoplasty may address:

Noticeably prominent ears
Ear asymmetry
Large ear cartilage folds
Ears positioned far from the head
Earlobe concerns

This procedure is common for adults and children. For younger patients, ear growth, maturity, and family goals help guide timing.

Lip Lift Procedure

A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.

Lip lift surgery can help improve:

Upper lip length that looks long
Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
A thin upper lip appearance
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 upper lip position and shape.

Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery

Implants can be used to improve facial balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. A chin implant may be considered when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.

Facial implants may involve:

Chin augmentation implants
Cheek implants
Surgical jawline implants

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

Facial Fat Transfer

With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.

Facial fat grafting may help with:

Hollows in the cheeks
Tear trough hollowing
Lost facial volume due to aging
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.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts

Breast surgery is one of the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Breast plastic surgery can address volume, size, position, symmetry, and reconstruction after cancer surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. 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:

Small natural breast size
Less breast fullness after pregnancy
Lost breast volume after weight changes
Breast asymmetry
A fuller look in clothing

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

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.

Breast lift surgery can help improve:

Breasts that sag
Nipple descent
Stretched nipple-areola areas
Stretched breast skin
Post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight-loss breast changes

A breast lift may be combined with implants when more upper breast fullness is desired. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.

Reduction Mammoplasty

Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.

Breast reduction may address:

Neck pain
Shoulder strain
Pain in the back
Bra strap grooves
Rashes under the breasts
Difficulty exercising
Clothing fit challenges

In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.

Revision Breast Implant Surgery

Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.

Breast implant revision may be needed for:

Changing breast implant size
Breast implant rupture
Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
An implant that has shifted
Asymmetry between the breasts
Aging changes after breast augmentation
No longer wanting breast implants

Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction may involve:

Reconstruction using implants
Flap-based reconstruction
Nipple and areola reconstruction
Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. Some patients want reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Either choice can be valid.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.

Gynecomastia surgery may help with:

Nipple puffiness
Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
Chest tissue fullness
An uneven male chest shape
Feeling self-conscious at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts

Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.

Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures

Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. Pregnancy, aging, and major weight loss are common reasons people consider body contouring.

Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.

A tummy tuck may address:

Loose abdominal skin
A lower stomach apron
Stretch-marked lower belly skin
Separated core muscles
Changes after pregnancy or weight loss

Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. The best candidates are often near a stable weight and want better abdominal contour.

Liposuction for Body Contouring

Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. Liposuction is meant for body contouring, not overall weight loss.

Liposuction may be used on areas such as:

Abdominal area
Flanks, often called love handles
Hips
Thigh areas
Upper arms
Back contour areas
The chin and neck
Male or female chest area
Knees

Good skin tone matters. If the skin is loose, liposuction by itself may not be enough. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.

Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring

A mommy makeover is a customized plan for body changes after natural looking plastic surgery pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often includes both breast and abdominal procedures.

A mommy makeover may include:

Tummy tuck
A breast lift procedure
Surgical breast enhancement
Surgical breast size reduction
Surgical fat removal
Fat transfer for volume

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. The procedure can apply to anyone with similar body concerns. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.

Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin

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

Common arm lift concerns include:

Upper arm skin that hangs
Skin laxity after weight loss
Upper arm changes from aging
Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
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 Surgery

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

A thigh lift may help with:

Inner thigh skin laxity
Thigh skin rubbing
Trouble with pants fit
Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes

Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.

Body Lift Surgery

Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

Body lift surgery may be helpful after:

Significant weight loss
Surgery for weight loss
Changes in body shape after pregnancy
Aging with major skin laxity

This is a more involved surgery with a longer recovery. Before a body lift, patients should be healthy overall and close to a stable weight.

Fat Transfer to the Body

Fat grafting moves fat from one area of the body to another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.

Body fat grafting can involve:

The breasts
Buttock volume
Hip volume
Facial volume
Uneven contours after surgery or injury

Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. Fat grafting results can evolve, so repeat treatment may be needed for some patients.

Plastic Surgery for Skin and Scars

Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.

Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.

Common scar revision concerns include:

Scars from surgery
Scars from injury
Burn scars
Bulky scars
Scars that feel tight
Scars that limit movement

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

Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions

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.

Patients may seek removal for:

Ongoing irritation
Growth or change
Bleeding or crusting
Cosmetic concern
Diagnosis
Improved comfort

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

Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction

Reconstruction may be needed after skin cancer removal to close the area and restore appearance. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:

Closing the area directly
Using a skin graft
A local flap
Advanced reconstructive techniques

Skin cancer reconstruction aims to support safe cancer removal while protecting function and appearance.

Injectable and Skin Treatments

Not every patient needs surgery. Early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality concerns may be improved with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.

BOTOX and Other Neuromodulators

BOTOX and other neuromodulators work by relaxing selected facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.

BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:

Frown lines between the brows
Forehead expression lines
Eye-area smile lines
Small nose wrinkles
Dimpling in the chin
Neck bands in some cases

Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.

Facial 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.

Fillers may treat:

Lip shape
Cheek contour
Chin
Jawline
Hollowing under the eyes
Nasolabial folds
Marionette lines

Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.

Medical Chemical Peels

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

Chemical peels may help with:

Patchy skin tone
Dull-looking skin
Fine lines
Photoaging
Acne-related marks
Skin texture concerns

Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on peel type.

Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin

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 resurfacing for texture
Intense pulsed light treatment
Radiofrequency treatments
Non-surgical skin tightening
Laser hair reduction
Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels

These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.

Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing

A deeper resurfacing option called dermabrasion removes outer layers of skin. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:

Rough texture
Light scarring
Dull-looking skin
Uneven skin feel
Small fine lines

The best treatment depends on the patient’s skin quality, goals, available downtime, and comfort with risk.

Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option

The best place to start is the concern itself, not the name of a procedure. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.

Examples include:

Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
Abdominal fullness may come from fat, loose skin, separated muscles, or internal weight.
Flat-looking breasts may be improved with a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.

A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:

What is behind the concern?
What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
What trade-offs come with that option?

Trade-offs can include scars, recovery time, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.

Plastic Surgery Fears and Questions

It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.

“Will the Result Still Look Like Me?”

Many patients ask this question. 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.

“What Is the Recovery Like?”

The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.

Patients should usually expect:

Temporary swelling and bruising
Limits on activity
Time away from work
Post-operative follow-up visits
Scar management
A staged return to physical activity
Final results that develop over time

Surgical healing is gradual. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.

“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”

A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is to place scars as carefully as possible and help them heal well.

The final scar can depend on:

Your genetics
Natural skin tone
Which procedure is done
Where the incision is placed
Tension along the incision
Nicotine exposure
How much sun the scar gets
Aftercare

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

“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”

All surgery has risk. Patients should understand possible risks such as bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia issues, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.

Safety depends on many factors, including:

The patient’s health
Your medications
Smoking or nicotine use
The procedure selected
The surgery facility
The type of anesthesia
The training and experience of the surgeon
Care after the procedure

During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.

Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know

Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.

Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

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

Patients should ask:

What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
Where will the procedure take place?
Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
What are my personal risks with this procedure?
What happens if a complication occurs?
How many follow-up visits are included?
Can I review examples of similar cases?

This is not about being demanding. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.

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.

Fees may be higher in major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal due to overhead and demand. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.

Low pricing can be concerning when it reflects shortcuts in safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.

Choosing Surgery in Canada vs. Abroad

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

Possible concerns with surgery abroad include:

Limited post-surgery follow-up
Flying or travelling soon after surgery
Risk of infection
Different medical standards
Hard-to-get records
Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
Language barriers
Possible costs for corrective surgery

Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.

Preparing for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.

It helps to prepare before your consultation:

Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
Bring a list of medications and supplements.
Be ready to share your medical history.
Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
Photos may help explain your goals.
Discuss recovery, scarring, risks, and other options.
Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.

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 May Be a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.

Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:

You are medically well enough for surgery
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
You are choosing the procedure for yourself
Your expectations are realistic

It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.

Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures

Some procedures can be combined safely. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.

Common combinations include:

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

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

Summary of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Some procedures restore tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical cosmetic options can help soften wrinkles, restore volume, improve texture, and address early aging changes.

The best procedure is not always the most popular one. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.

A good plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Before choosing eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, it helps to understand what each option can and cannot do.