A Guide to Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to enhance, repair, 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.

Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many different needs. For some people, the goal is to look more refreshed. Body changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging may lead some people to consider surgery. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The right procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.

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 and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

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

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.

Common goals include:

Refining facial balance
Reducing age-related changes
Improving body contours
Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
Enhancing areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Improving the way clothing fits
Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence

Most cosmetic procedures in Canada are 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

The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore 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 after breast cancer surgery
Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
Cleft lip and palate repair
Reconstruction after burns
Hand surgery
Scar repair or revision
Complex wound repair
Repair after facial trauma
Surgery for congenital differences

When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.

Types of Facial Plastic Surgery

Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. For many patients, the goal is not to look like another person. The best results often look natural and balanced.

Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. Patients may choose facelift surgery for jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds near the mouth.

A facelift may help with:

Jawline jowls
Loose lower facial skin
Deep smile lines
Lowered cheek tissue
Poor definition between the face and neck

A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. This may create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled appearance. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Neck Lift Surgery (Platysmaplasty)

A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.

A neck lift may address:

Neck bands
Loose skin on the neck
Soft jawline definition
Fullness under the chin
A hanging neck appearance

For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.

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.

Common upper eyelid concerns include:

Heavy upper lids
Extra skin on the upper eyelids
A more tired or older eye appearance
Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
Vision blockage in certain medical cases

Patients may choose lower eyelid surgery for:

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

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

Brow Lift Surgery (Forehead Lift)

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It can improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.

A brow lift may address:

Low or drooping eyebrows
Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
Forehead wrinkles
Lines between the brows
A heavy expression that seems tired or stern

A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. Extra eyelid skin is treated with eyelid surgery, while eyebrow position is treated with a brow lift. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.

Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing

Rhinoplasty is nose surgery that can change nasal shape, size, or structure. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.

Rhinoplasty may address:

A dorsal hump on the nose
A lowered nose tip
A boxy nasal tip
A nose that is not straight
How far the nose projects
Asymmetry in the nose
Breathing issues related to 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 is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.

Ear Surgery Procedure (Otoplasty)

Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. It is often used to correct ears that stick out.

Common otoplasty concerns include:

Noticeably prominent ears
Asymmetry between the ears
Large ear cartilage folds
Ears positioned far from the head
Concerns with the earlobes

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

Lip Lift Procedure

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

A lip lift may help with:

A longer upper lip
Limited upper tooth show when smiling
An upper lip that looks thin
Poor lip balance
Mouth-area aging changes

A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. A lip lift improves the upper lip by changing its position and visible shape.

Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline

Balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline may be improved with facial implants. Chin surgery is often used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.

Types of facial implant surgery may include:

Chin augmentation implants
Surgical cheek implants
Jawline implant surgery

Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.

Fat Transfer for Facial Volume

Facial fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to restore 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 address:

Cheek hollowing
Hollowing under the eyes
Volume loss after aging
Soft tissue volume loss
Reduced facial harmony

Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.

Breast Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

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

Breast Enlargement Surgery

Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.

Breast augmentation may help with:

Naturally smaller breast volume
Breast volume loss after pregnancy
Volume loss after weight change
Asymmetry between the breasts
A fuller look in clothing

A common concern is whether breast augmentation will 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. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.

Common breast lift concerns include:

Breasts that sag
Nipples that point downward
Areola stretching
Stretched breast skin
Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

A lift and implants may be combined to improve position and add upper breast fullness. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.

Reduction Mammoplasty

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

Breast reduction may address:

Neck strain
Pain in the shoulders
Back discomfort
Bra strap marks
Skin irritation under the breasts
Exercise discomfort
Difficulty fitting bras or clothes

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

Revision Breast Implant Surgery

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

Common reasons for breast implant revision include:

A desire to change implant size
Rupture of an implant
Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
An implant that has shifted
Asymmetry between the breasts
Age-related changes after breast augmentation
Choosing to remove implants

Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. It may involve implants, natural tissue, or a combination.

Breast reconstruction may involve:

Implant-supported breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
Nipple and areola reconstruction
Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
Revision surgery for symmetry

Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Some patients want reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both decisions deserve respect.

Gynecomastia Surgery

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

Common gynecomastia concerns include:

Fullness around the nipples
Fullness under the areola
Extra chest volume
Uneven male chest shape
Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts

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

Body Plastic Surgery Procedures

Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring

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

Common tummy tuck concerns include:

Loose abdominal skin
A hanging lower abdomen
Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
Abdominal muscle separation
Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss

Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. A tummy tuck is most suitable for patients at a stable weight who want a flatter, better-shaped abdomen.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method, it is a contouring procedure.

Common liposuction areas include:

The abdomen
Flanks, also called love handles
Outer hip area
Thigh contours
The upper arms
Back
Chin-neck contour
Chest
Knee area

Firm, elastic skin is important. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.

Mommy Makeover Surgery

A mommy makeover is a customized plan for body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.

Mommy makeover options may include:

Tummy tuck surgery
Breast lift surgery
Breast augmentation
A breast reduction procedure
Surgical fat removal
Body fat grafting

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. A safe plan depends on the patient’s health, goals, recovery time, and plans for future pregnancy.

Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin

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

An arm lift may help with:

Hanging skin under the arms
Extra skin after major weight loss
Arm skin changes over time
Avoiding sleeveless clothing
Skin rubbing and irritation

The trade-off is 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 Contouring Surgery

A thigh lift removes extra loose skin from the thighs. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.

Patients may consider a thigh lift for:

Loose inner thigh skin
Skin rubbing
Pants that do not fit well
Heaviness from extra skin
Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes

There are several thigh lift patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.

Lower Body Lift

A body lift removes loose skin around the lower body. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

A body lift may be chosen after:

Major weight loss
Bariatric surgery
Body changes related to pregnancy
Aging changes with loose skin

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 Grafting to the Body

Fat grafting moves fat from one area of the body to another. The goal may be natural volume, smoother contour, or both.

Patients may consider fat grafting for:

Breast contour
Buttocks
Hip contour
Facial contour
Contour irregularities after injury or surgery

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

Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures

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

Scar Revision Surgery

A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.

Scar revision surgery can help improve:

Post-surgical scars
Injury-related scars
Burn-related scars
Thickened scars
Scars that feel tight
Scars that affect range of motion

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

Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal

Benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps may be removed by plastic surgeons when a precise closure is needed. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be done for:

Ongoing irritation
A growing lesion
Bleeding from the lesion
Appearance concerns
Diagnosis
Improved comfort

If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.

Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer

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

Skin cancer reconstruction may involve:

A direct closure
A skin graft
Local tissue flaps
More advanced reconstruction

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

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

Not all cosmetic concerns require 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.

Wrinkle Relaxing Injections

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

Common areas include:

Glabellar frown lines
Lines across the forehead
Crow’s feet
Bunny lines on the nose
Chin texture from muscle movement
Neck muscle bands in some situations

The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.

Injectable Dermal Fillers

Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. 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 enhancement
The cheeks
Chin projection
Jawline contour
Tear trough hollowing
Smile lines
Marionette folds

The result from filler depends on the product, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.

Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone

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

Chemical peels may help with:

Skin tone irregularity
Dull-looking skin
Mild lines
Photoaging
Mild post-acne marks
Rough skin texture

Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. The type of peel affects recovery time.

Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments

Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.

Laser and energy-based options may include:

Laser resurfacing
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
RF skin treatments
Non-surgical skin tightening
Laser treatment for unwanted hair
Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels

These treatments should be matched to skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.

Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion

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

These treatments may help with:

Texture
Surface-level scars
Dullness
Uneven surface
Early fine lines

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

Choosing a Procedure That Fits Your Goals

The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.

Examples include:

Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
A soft jawline may be caused by 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.
A baggy under-eye look may be related to fat, hollowing, loose skin, or skin colour changes.

A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:

What is behind the concern?
Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?

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

Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

Most patients feel a mix of emotions 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 concerns. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.

“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”

Healing time is different for every procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.

In general, recovery planning may include:

Post-surgery swelling and bruising
Activity limits
Time off work
Follow-up appointments
Post-surgery scar care
A staged return to physical activity
Gradual settling before final results are seen

Recovery does not happen instantly. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.

“Will There Be Scars?”

A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.

Scar quality depends on:

How your body naturally scars
Skin colour and tone
Surgical procedure type
Scar location
Wound tension
Smoking and vaping status
Sun exposure
Aftercare

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

“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”

No surgery is completely risk-free. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.

Surgical safety depends on several factors, including:

The patient’s health
Medications you take
Smoking or nicotine use
The procedure selected
The accredited surgical setting
The anesthesia plan
Surgeon training and experience
Follow-up after surgery

Benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations should all be discussed during a consultation.

Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know

Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by 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. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.

Patients should ask:

Are you certified in plastic surgery?
Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
Where would my surgery be done?
Who provides anesthesia?
What risks apply to my specific case?
What happens if I have a complication?
How often will I be seen after surgery?
Can I see examples of similar cases?

These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.

What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada

Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary widely. Many factors affect pricing, including 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 markets may offer different pricing, but cost alone should not guide the decision.

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

Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada

Travelling abroad for lower-cost plastic surgery is something some Canadians consider. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.

Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:

Limited follow-up care
Travel soon after surgery
Risk of infection
Different health care standards
Difficulty accessing medical 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.

Getting Ready for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

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

It helps to prepare before your consultation:

Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
Prepare to discuss your medical history.
Do not hide smoking, vaping, cannabis, or nicotine use.
Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.

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

Good Candidates for Plastic Surgery

The best candidates for plastic surgery are often 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:

Your overall health is good
Your goals are based on a clear concern
You are at a stable weight for body contouring
You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
You understand the recovery process
You accept the risks, scars, and trade-offs
You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
You have reasonable expectations

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

Procedure Combinations in Plastic Surgery

It may be safe to combine some procedures. Other surgeries may need to be done in stages. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.

Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:

Lower face and neck rejuvenation
Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Breast lift with augmentation
Tummy tuck and liposuction
Combined mommy makeover procedures
Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting

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

Summary of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Others help 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 best procedure is not always the most popular one. The best choice is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.

A responsible approach should be built around 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.