Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures 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 enhance how a person looks. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help repair form or function.

Canadians may look into plastic surgery for many reasons. Some patients want a more refreshed appearance. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. A safe plan should be based on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and 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. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.

Common goals include:

Improving facial balance
Softening signs of aging
Creating a more balanced body shape
Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Making clothing feel or fit better
Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence

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.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada

The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore normal 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 removal of breast tissue
Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
Burn scar reconstruction
Hand repair surgery
Surgical scar revision
Surgical 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.

Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.

Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)

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

A facelift may help with:

Softness or jowling at the jawline
Skin laxity in the lower face
Prominent smile lines
Cheek tissue that has dropped
Poor definition between the face and neck

A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath 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 Procedure (Platysmaplasty)

A neck lift can improve loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. 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
Fullness below the chin
A hanging neck appearance

In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. Others may benefit from liposuction under the chin. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

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

Upper eyelid surgery may help with:

Upper lids that feel heavy
Loose upper eyelid skin
A more tired or older eye appearance
Skin resting on the eyelashes
Vision blockage in certain medical cases

Common lower eyelid concerns include:

Under-eye puffiness or bags
Puffy lower eyelids
Extra lower eyelid skin
Under-eye shadowing
Eyes that still look tired after rest

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

Brow Lift Surgery (Forehead Lift)

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.

A brow lift may help with:

Eyebrows that sit too low
Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
Forehead creases
Frown lines in the glabella area
An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern

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.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It may be cosmetic, functional, or both.

Rhinoplasty may address:

A bump on the bridge
Tip droop
Tip width or boxiness
A nose that is not straight
The size or projection of the nose
Nasal asymmetry
Structural breathing concerns

For patients with breathing concerns, rhinoplasty may include work on the septum, which separates the nostrils. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery

Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.

Common otoplasty concerns include:

Protruding ears
Asymmetry between the ears
Prominent ear cartilage folds
Ears with too much projection
Earlobe shape concerns

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

Lip Lift Surgery

The space between the upper lip and the nose can be shortened with a lip lift. This area is known as the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.

Lip lift surgery can help improve:

Upper lip length that looks long
Upper teeth that show less when smiling
An upper lip that looks thin
Poor lip balance
Age-related changes around the mouth

A lip lift is different from lip filler. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.

Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery

Balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline may be improved with facial implants. When the chin appears small in relation to the nose or other features, chin surgery may help.

Facial implant surgery may include:

Implants for the chin
Cheek implants
Surgical jawline implants

For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.

Fat Grafting to the Face

With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. Areas such as the abdomen or thighs are often used as the fat source before the fat is processed and placed into the face.

Facial fat grafting may help with:

Sunken-looking cheeks
Hollows beneath the eyes
Age-related facial volume loss
Thinning soft tissue
Reduced facial harmony

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

Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures

Breast surgery is among 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 in Canada

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 right implant option is based on body type, breast tissue, goals, and professional surgical guidance.

Breast augmentation surgery can help improve:

Naturally small breasts
Volume loss after pregnancy
Lost breast volume after weight changes
Breast size or shape imbalance
Desire for more fullness in clothing

Some patients feel nervous about results that may look too large or unnatural. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift cosmetic plastic surgeons near me or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. It does not mainly add volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.

A breast lift may help with:

Sagging breasts
Nipple descent
Stretched areolas
Loose skin on the breasts
Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

A breast lift may be combined with implants when more upper breast fullness is desired. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.

Breast Reduction Surgery

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

Common breast reduction concerns include:

Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Back discomfort
Bra strap grooves
Irritated skin under the breasts
Limited comfort during physical activity
Difficulty finding clothing that fits

Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.

Breast Implant Revision Procedure

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

Breast implant revision may be needed for:

Desire to change implant size
Rupture of an implant
Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
Breast implant movement
Asymmetry between the breasts
Breast changes over time after augmentation
A desire for implant removal

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

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.

Breast reconstruction options may include:

Implant-supported breast reconstruction
Reconstruction using tissue flaps
Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
Breast fat grafting
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Other people prefer to remain flat. Both choices are valid.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue. The procedure may use liposuction, gland removal, or both methods.

Gynecomastia surgery may help with:

Puffy-looking nipples
Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
Chest tissue fullness
A chest that looks uneven
Concern about the chest in fitted shirts, at the gym, or at the beach

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

Types of Body Contouring Surgery

Body contouring surgery improves shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose 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 help with:

Extra abdominal skin
A lower abdominal overhang
Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
Separated abdominal muscles
Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss

Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. 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. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.

Liposuction may be used on areas such as:

Abdomen
Flanks, often called love handles
Hips
Thigh contours
Upper arms
The back
Under the chin and neck
Chest fullness
Knee area

Skin tone is an important factor. If the skin is loose, liposuction by itself may not be enough. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.

Customized Mommy Makeover

Body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change may be treated with a custom mommy makeover plan. A mommy makeover commonly includes surgery for the breasts and abdomen.

Common mommy makeover procedures include:

Tummy tuck surgery
Mastopexy
A breast augmentation procedure
Reduction mammoplasty
Fat reduction with liposuction
Fat transfer

The name “mommy makeover” can be misleading because similar body changes can affect many patients. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.

Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin

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

An arm lift may address:

Loose skin along the upper arms
Skin laxity after weight loss
Aging changes in the arms
Difficulty wearing sleeveless tops
Skin friction in the upper arms

The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. The scar may be worthwhile for patients who want better arm shape, but it should be reviewed carefully.

Thigh Lift Procedure

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

Common thigh lift concerns include:

Sagging skin on the inner thighs
Skin friction between the thighs
Poor fit in pants
Heaviness from extra skin
Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss

Several surgical patterns are available for thigh lift surgery. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.

Body Lift

Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

Patients may consider a body lift after:

Large weight loss
Post-bariatric body changes
Body changes related to pregnancy
Age-related skin laxity

Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. Before a body lift, patients should be healthy overall and close to a stable weight.

Fat Grafting for Body Contouring

With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.

Common treatment areas include:

Breasts
The buttocks
Hip contour
Facial soft tissue
Uneven contours after surgery or injury

Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.

Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns

Plastic surgeons may also treat scars, skin surface concerns, and soft tissue issues.

Surgical Scar Revision

Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.

Common scar revision concerns include:

Surgery-related scars
Scars from injury
Burn injury scars
Scars that feel thick
Scars that limit comfort
Scars that affect range of motion

Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.

Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal

Plastic surgery may be chosen for benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when the closure should be as careful as possible. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.

Skin lesion removal may be done for:

A lesion that gets irritated
Growth or change
A lesion that bleeds
Cosmetic reasons
Medical diagnosis
Relief from discomfort

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

Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction

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

A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:

A direct closure
Reconstruction with a skin graft
Local flaps
A more complex repair

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

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures

Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.

BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments

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

Patients may consider neuromodulators for:

Frown lines between the brows
Horizontal forehead lines
Crow’s feet around the eyes
Expression lines on the nose
Chin texture from muscle movement
Mild neck bands in certain cases

Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.

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 fillers may treat:

Lip shape
Cheeks
Chin shape
The jawline
Hollows beneath the eyes
Deeper smile lines
Marionette folds

Product choice, technique, anatomy, and goals all affect filler results. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.

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:

Skin tone irregularity
Dull skin
Mild lines
Skin changes from sun exposure
Mild acne marks
Rough skin texture

The strength of a peel may be light, medium, or deeper depending on the goal. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.

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 resurfacing
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Radiofrequency energy treatments
Skin tightening treatments
Laser hair reduction
Laser treatment for small visible vessels

These treatments should be matched to the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones because pigment changes can be a risk.

Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments

Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.

Common concerns include:

Uneven texture
Light scarring
Dullness
Uneven surface
Small fine lines

The right choice depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.

Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals

Choosing the right procedure begins with the concern, not the procedure name. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.

For instance:

Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
A soft jawline can come from 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.
Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.

A good treatment plan should answer three questions:

What is behind the concern?
Which procedure treats that cause best?
What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?

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

Plastic Surgery Fears and Questions

It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but nervousness is common too. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

This is one of the most common patient concerns. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.

“How Long Is the Recovery?”

Downtime varies by procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.

In general, recovery planning may include:

Bruising and swelling
Limits on activity
A break from work
Appointments after surgery
Care for scars
Slow return to workouts
A result that improves as swelling settles

Recovery does not happen instantly. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.

“Will There Be Scars?”

Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.

The final scar can depend on:

Your genetics
Skin tone
The kind of surgery performed
Incision placement
Wound tension
Nicotine exposure
Sun exposure
Aftercare

Most scars fade with time, but they do not fully disappear.

“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”

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

Safety is influenced by:

General health
Your current medications
Nicotine or smoking use
Which surgery is performed
Where the procedure takes place
The type of anesthesia
The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
Follow-up after surgery

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

What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery

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

Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Proper training and credentials matter when researching plastic surgery in Canada. 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?
How much experience do you have with this procedure?
Where is the procedure performed?
What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
What risks apply to my specific case?
What happens if I have a complication?
How many follow-up visits are included?
Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?

This is not about being difficult. It is about making an informed choice.

Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada

The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. The final cost may include procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.

Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Smaller markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.

A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.

Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery

Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.

Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:

Less access to follow-up care
Travelling before healing is complete
Infection-related complications
Different medical standards
Difficulty accessing medical 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.

How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

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

It helps to prepare before your consultation:

List your main concerns before the visit.
Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
Tell the surgeon about your medical history.
Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
If photos make your goals clearer, bring them to the consultation.
Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
Ask what can realistically be achieved for your face or body.

A helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.

Good Candidates for Plastic Surgery

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

You may be ready for plastic surgery if:

You are medically well enough for surgery
You have a specific concern
You are at a stable weight for body contouring
You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
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
Your goals are realistic

You may need to postpone surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.

Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures

It may be safe to combine some procedures. Other surgeries may need to be done in stages. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.

Examples of combined procedures include:

Facelift with neck lift
Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Breast lift plus volume enhancement
Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
Combined mommy makeover procedures
Body lift plus thigh or arm 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.

Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Others repair tissue 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 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. For procedures such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is education about benefits and limits.