Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to enhance, restore, or change the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to enhance appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

There are many concerns why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Some want to look more refreshed. 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. Your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time all help guide the right procedure.

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. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

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

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.

Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:

Supporting better facial harmony
Softening signs of aging
Changing body proportions
Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Improving the way clothing fits
Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking

Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures

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

Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
Skin cancer reconstruction after a skin tumour is removed
Cleft lip or palate repair
Burn injury reconstruction
Hand repair surgery
Scar repair or revision
Wound reconstruction
Facial trauma reconstruction
Surgery for congenital differences

Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.

Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic surgery for the face can help improve balance, reduce visible aging, and create a more refreshed appearance. For many patients, the goal is not to look like another person. The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.

Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery

Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. It can help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.

A facelift may address:

Jowls near the jawline
Lower-face loose skin
Deep facial folds near the mouth
Descent of cheek tissue
Less clear separation between the face and neck

Today, facelift surgery often works on deeper support layers below the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery

Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. The medical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.

Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:

Neck bands
Loose neck skin
A jawline that looks less defined
Fullness below the chin
A “turkey 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. Because the face and neck often age together, a facelift and neck lift may be planned together.

Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery

Tired-looking eyes may be improved with eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, by adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.

Patients may choose upper eyelid surgery for:

Heavy upper eyelids
Redundant upper eyelid skin
A more tired or older eye appearance
Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
Visual field concerns in some medical situations

Lower blepharoplasty may help with:

Bags under the eyes
Puffiness
Extra skin below the eyes
Hollow shadows under the eyes
Eyes that still look tired after rest

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

Forehead Lift and Brow Lift Surgery

A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.

A brow lift may address:

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

Although they can affect a similar area, a brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.

Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing

Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. The procedure can address cosmetic goals, functional concerns, or both.

Common rhinoplasty concerns include:

A raised bridge bump
Tip droop
A broad or boxy tip
A crooked nasal shape
Nose size or projection
Nasal asymmetry
Breathing problems related to nasal structure

For patients with breathing concerns, rhinoplasty may include work on the septum, which separates the nostrils. This part of surgery is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.

Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery

The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. It is often used to correct ears that stick out.

Patients may consider otoplasty for:

Prominent ears
Ear asymmetry
Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
Ears that sit far from the head
Earlobe concerns

This procedure is common for adults and children. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.

Surgical Lip Lift

A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. That space is often described as the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.

Patients may consider a lip lift for:

A longer upper lip
Limited upper tooth show when smiling
Limited visible upper lip
Poor lip balance
Changes around the mouth from aging

A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.

Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants

Facial implants can improve 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 implants may involve:

Chin augmentation implants
Surgical cheek implants
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.

Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to restore volume. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.

Common facial fat grafting concerns include:

Cheek hollowing
Hollowing under the eyes
Lost facial volume due to aging
Thinning soft tissue
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

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

Breast Augmentation Surgery

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

Patients may consider breast augmentation for:

Naturally small breasts
Lost breast volume following pregnancy
Weight-related breast volume loss
Breasts that do not match well
Improved breast shape in fitted clothing

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

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. The main purpose is not to add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.

A breast lift may address:

Breasts that sag
Nipples that sit low or point down
Enlarged or stretched areolas
Extra breast skin
Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

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

To reduce breast size and weight, breast reduction removes extra tissue, fat, and skin.

Patients may consider breast reduction for:

Chronic neck pain
Pain in the shoulders
Back strain
Bra strap grooves
Rashes under the breasts
Limited comfort during physical activity
Difficulty finding clothing that fits

Some breast reduction procedures in Canada may be considered medically necessary. Whether coverage applies depends on the province, symptoms, and medical assessment.

Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.

Common breast implant revision concerns include:

A change in preferred implant size
Implant rupture
Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
Implant position changes
Breasts that look uneven
Age-related changes after breast augmentation
Choosing to remove implants

Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Other patients choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.

Breast Reconstruction

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 options may include:

Breast reconstruction with implants
Reconstruction using tissue flaps
Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
Fat transfer to the breast
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

This can be a deeply personal choice. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Both options are valid.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.

Gynecomastia surgery may help with:

A puffy nipple appearance
Gland tissue under the areola
Fullness in the chest
Uneven shape across the male chest
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.

Types of Body Contouring Surgery

Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. The procedure may also repair diastasis recti, which means separated abdominal muscles.

Tummy tuck surgery can help improve:

Loose skin on the abdomen
A hanging lower abdomen
Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
A weakened or separated abdominal wall
Changes after pregnancy or weight loss

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

Liposuction

Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.

Patients may consider liposuction for:

Abdomen
Flanks, often called love handles
Hip area
Thigh areas
Upper arm contours
Back fullness
The chin and neck
Male or female chest area
Inner knee area

Good skin tone is important. If the skin is loose, liposuction alone may not be enough. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.

Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring

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

Mommy makeover options may include:

A tummy tuck procedure
A breast lift procedure
Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
Surgical breast size reduction
Body contouring with liposuction
Fat transfer for volume

The term can be misleading, since a mommy makeover is not only for mothers. The procedure can apply to anyone with similar body concerns. Health, goals, recovery time, and future pregnancy plans all help guide the best approach.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

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

An arm lift may help with:

Hanging upper arm skin
Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
Age-related changes in the arms
Avoiding sleeveless clothing
Chafing from upper arm skin

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 removes loose skin from the thighs. Thigh lift surgery is common after significant weight loss.

A thigh lift may help with:

Extra inner thigh skin
Skin friction between the thighs
Pants that do not fit well
A heavy feeling from extra 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 Contouring Lift

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

Patients may consider a body lift after:

Large weight loss
Surgery for weight loss
Pregnancy-related body changes
Aging-related lower-body skin looseness

This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.

Fat Transfer to the Body

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

Body fat grafting can involve:

Breast contour
Buttock volume
The hips
Facial soft tissue
Contour irregularities after injury or surgery

Fat grafting is natural in the sense that it uses your own tissue, but not all of the fat remains long term. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.

Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments

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

Scar Revision

Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.

Scar revision may address:

Scarring after surgery
Scars from injury
Scarring after burns
Bulky scars
Tight scars
Scars that limit movement

Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.

Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal

When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be done for:

A lesion that gets irritated
Noticeable growth
A lesion that bleeds
Appearance concerns
Diagnosis
Physical comfort

A qualified medical professional should assess any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion.

Skin Cancer Reconstruction

After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:

Direct surgical closure
Using a skin graft
Local flaps
More complex reconstruction

The priority is safe cancer removal, with function and appearance preserved as much as possible.

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.

BOTOX and Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.

BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:

Expression lines between the brows
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet around the eyes
Small nose wrinkles
A dimpled chin appearance
Neck bands in some cases

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

Dermal Filler Treatments

Dermal fillers may improve facial volume and contour. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.

Dermal filler treatment may involve:

Lip shape
Midface fullness
Chin shape
Jawline definition
Hollows beneath the eyes
Smile line folds
Lines below the corners of the mouth

Product choice, technique, anatomy, and goals all affect filler results. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.

Medical Chemical Peels

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

Chemical peel treatments can help improve:

Uneven skin tone
A dull complexion
Small fine lines
Sun-damaged skin
Mild acne marks
Skin texture concerns

The strength of a peel may be light, medium, or deeper depending on the goal. Recovery depends on the type of peel.

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 treatment options may include:

Laser skin resurfacing
Photofacial treatment with IPL
Radiofrequency skin treatments
Treatments for mild skin laxity
Laser hair removal or reduction
Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels

A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where pigment changes can be a risk.

Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Outer skin layers can be removed with dermabrasion, a deeper resurfacing procedure. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.

These treatments may help with:

Skin texture
Light scarring
Dullness
Surface irregularity
Fine lines

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

How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure

Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.

Common examples include:

Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
An undefined jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck muscle bands, fat, or the position of the chin.
A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, 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 behind the concern?
Which procedure best treats that cause?
What benefits and limits come with that procedure?

These trade-offs 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. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.

“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”

This is one of the most common patient concerns. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, facial and body plastic surgery not like someone else. Good plastic surgery should respect the patient’s natural features, body frame, age, and style.

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

“How Long Does Plastic Surgery Recovery Take?”

Healing time is different for every procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.

In general, recovery planning may include:

Swelling and bruising
Limits on activity
Time away from work
Follow-up appointments
Scar care
Careful return to exercise
A result that improves as swelling settles

Surgical healing is gradual. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.

“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”

Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.

The final scar can depend on:

Your genetics
Natural skin tone
The type of procedure
The incision location
Wound tension
Smoking status
Sun protection during healing
Following aftercare instructions

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

“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”

Every operation has possible risks. 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:

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

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

What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery

Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. It is important to understand the difference between marketing language and recognized medical training.

Plastic Surgeon Credentials in Canada

If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.

Important consultation questions include:

What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
Do you perform this procedure often?
Where will the procedure take place?
Who provides anesthesia?
What complications should I understand for my situation?
What happens if I have a complication?
What does post-operative follow-up include?
Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?

Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about making an informed choice.

Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing

Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. Pricing depends on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.

Fees may be higher in major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal due to overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different pricing, but cost should not be the only factor.

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

Choosing Surgery in Canada vs. Abroad

Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.

Concerns with medical tourism may include:

Limited post-surgery follow-up
Travelling before healing is complete
Possible infection
Medical standards that may differ
Difficulty accessing medical records
Trouble getting complications treated after returning to Canada
Difficulty communicating clearly
Revision surgery costs

Staying closer to home for surgery can help with follow-up, especially if swelling, healing problems, or complications need attention.

Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation

During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.

Before the visit, preparation can help:

Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
Bring a list of medications and supplements.
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 result is realistic for your body or face.

A helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery altogether.

Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines

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

Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:

You are in good general health
You have a specific concern
Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
You can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
You know what to expect during recovery
You understand and accept the trade-offs
You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
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.

Procedure Combinations in Plastic Surgery

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

Common combined surgery plans include:

Lower face and neck rejuvenation
Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Breast lift with augmentation
Abdominoplasty with liposuction
Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
Facial surgery with fat grafting

Your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level all affect the safest plan.

Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Many cosmetic procedures focus on the face, breasts, or body. Reconstructive options may 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.

A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.

A responsible approach should be built around 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.