Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to improve, restore, or change the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to improve appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help rebuild form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many different needs. Some want to look more rested. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Other patients need 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 page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also covers key questions to consider before a plastic surgery consultation.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada

Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. These procedures are usually elective, which means they are planned by choice and are not medically required.

Common goals include:

Supporting better facial harmony
Softening signs of aging
Refining body shape
Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Helping patients feel better in clothing
Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements

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

Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring form and function. Patients may need reconstructive surgery after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.

Common reconstructive procedures include:

Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
Cleft lip and palate surgery
Reconstruction after burns
Reconstructive hand surgery
Scar repair or revision
Surgical wound repair
Facial trauma reconstruction
Surgery for congenital differences

Some reconstructive procedures elective cosmetic surgery may be covered by a provincial health plan when they are medically necessary. Changes done only for cosmetic reasons are usually not covered.

Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. Most patients do not want to look “different.” Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.

Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)

Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. It can help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.

Patients often consider facelift surgery for:

Softness or jowling at the jawline
Loose skin in the lower face
Deep facial folds near the mouth
Drooping cheek tissue
Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck

Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery

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

A neck lift may help with:

Prominent neck bands
Loose skin on the neck
An undefined jawline
Fullness under 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.

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:

Heavy upper eyelids
Extra skin on the upper eyelids
Eyes that look tired or aged
Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
Vision concerns in some medical cases

Lower blepharoplasty may help with:

Under-eye puffiness or bags
Under-eye swelling or fullness
Loose lower eyelid skin
Under-eye shadowing
A fatigued look that remains after sleep

Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small changes around the eyes can make the whole face look more rested.

Brow Lift Procedure

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

Common brow lift concerns include:

Drooping eyebrows
Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
Forehead creases
Frown lines in the glabella area
A heavy expression that seems tired 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. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.

Rhinoplasty, Also Called Nose Surgery

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.

Rhinoplasty may help with:

A bump along the bridge of the nose
A nasal tip that droops
A boxy nasal tip
A crooked nasal shape
How far the nose projects
Uneven nasal shape
Breathing issues related to structure

If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.

Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery

Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is commonly used to correct ears that stick out.

Ear surgery can help improve:

Protruding ears
Ear asymmetry
Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
Ears with too much projection
Earlobe shape concerns

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

Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. Clinically, this measurement is often called the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.

Lip lift surgery can help improve:

A long upper lip
Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
An upper lip that looks thin
Poor balance between the upper and lower lips
Aging changes around the mouth

A lip lift is different from lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.

Facial Implants for Balance

Facial implant surgery can refine the chin, cheeks, or jawline for better balance. Chin surgery can improve facial profile balance when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other features.

Types of facial implant surgery may include:

Chin 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.

Fat Transfer for Facial Volume

With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.

Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:

Hollows in the cheeks
Tear trough hollowing
Volume changes caused by aging
Soft tissue volume loss
Facial volume imbalance

Facial fat grafting can be performed by itself or with procedures such as facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial surgery.

Types of Breast Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of plastic surgery in Canada. Some patients want more volume, less size, a breast lift, better symmetry, or breast restoration after cancer surgery.

Breast Implants and Fat Transfer Augmentation

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

Common breast augmentation goals include:

Breasts that are naturally small
Volume loss after pregnancy
Weight-related breast volume loss
Breast asymmetry
More fullness in bras or clothing

Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. A careful surgical 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. It does not primarily add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.

A breast lift may help with:

Breasts that sag
Nipple descent
Enlarged or stretched areolas
Loose breast skin
Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.

Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape

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

Common breast reduction concerns include:

Pain in the neck
Heavy shoulder pressure
Back strain
Bra strap grooves
Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
Problems staying active
Difficulty fitting bras or clothes

In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Health plan coverage is based on provincial rules, patient symptoms, and medical assessment.

Breast Implant Revision

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 include:

A desire to change implant size
Breast implant rupture
Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
Breast implant movement
Breast size or shape imbalance
Changes from aging after breast augmentation
Breast implant removal

Some patients choose implant removal with a 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. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.

Breast reconstruction may use:

Implant breast reconstruction
Reconstruction using tissue flaps
Nipple and areola restoration
Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
Surgery to refine breast symmetry

Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Some patients want reconstruction. Others choose to remain flat. Both decisions deserve respect.

Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction

Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.

Male breast reduction can help improve:

A puffy nipple appearance
Extra tissue beneath the areola
Chest fullness
An uneven male chest shape
Feeling self-conscious at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts

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. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring

Extra abdominal skin and a weakened abdominal wall may be improved with a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.

Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:

Sagging abdominal skin
A hanging lower abdomen
Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
Diastasis recti
Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss

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

Fat Reduction With Liposuction

Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method, it is a contouring procedure.

Liposuction may be used on areas such as:

Abdominal area
Love handles or flanks
Hip area
Thigh areas
Upper arm contours
Back rolls
Under the chin and neck
Chest fullness
Knee area

Skin tone is an important factor. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.

Mommy Makeover Procedure

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

Common mommy makeover procedures include:

Abdominoplasty
A breast lift procedure
Breast augmentation surgery
Breast reduction
Fat reduction with liposuction
Body fat grafting

The term can be misleading, since a mommy makeover is not only for mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. Health, goals, recovery time, and future pregnancy plans all help guide the best approach.

Upper Arm Lift Procedure

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

Arm lift surgery can help improve:

Hanging upper arm skin
Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
Arm skin changes over time
Difficulty wearing sleeveless tops
Skin friction in the upper arms

Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. Because the scar is permanent, patients should carefully discuss whether the improved shape is worth it.

Thigh Contouring Surgery

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

Patients may consider a thigh lift for:

Extra inner thigh skin
Thigh skin rubbing
Difficulty fitting pants
Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
Loose thigh skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss

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

Body Contouring Lift

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

Common reasons for body lift surgery include:

Large weight loss
Bariatric weight-loss surgery
Post-pregnancy body changes
Aging changes with loose skin

This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.

Fat Grafting for Body Contouring

Fat can be moved from one body area to another with fat grafting. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.

Patients may consider fat grafting for:

Breasts
Buttocks
Hips
Face
Surface irregularities after surgery or injury

Although fat grafting uses your own fat, not all transferred fat will survive. Results may change over time, and more than one session may be needed.

Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments

Plastic surgery also includes treatments for the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.

Scar Improvement Treatment

Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. The scar will not usually disappear, but revision may make it flatter, softer, narrower, or less noticeable.

Common scar revision concerns include:

Scars from surgery
Injury scars
Scarring after burns
Thickened scars
Tight scars
Scars that restrict motion

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

Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions

Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when careful closure matters. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be considered for:

Ongoing irritation
Growth
A lesion that bleeds
Appearance concerns
Pathology or diagnosis
Comfort

Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be assessed 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. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:

A direct closure
Reconstruction with a skin graft
A local flap
More advanced reconstruction

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

Non-Surgical Cosmetic 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. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually temporary.

Wrinkle Relaxing Injections

Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. They are often used for expression lines.

Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:

Expression lines between the brows
Forehead wrinkles
Crow’s feet around the eyes
Lines on the sides of the nose
Chin dimpling
Mild neck bands in certain cases

Results are temporary and usually require repeat treatments. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.

Injectable Dermal Fillers

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 enhancement
Cheek volume
Chin shape
Jawline
Hollows beneath the eyes
Nasolabial folds
Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin

Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.

Skin Peels

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

Chemical peels may help with:

Patchy skin tone
Tired-looking skin
Small fine lines
Photoaging
Mild post-acne marks
Skin texture concerns

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

Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments

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

Common options may include:

Resurfacing laser treatment
IPL skin treatment
RF skin treatments
Treatments for mild skin laxity
Hair reduction with laser
Vascular lasers for visible redness

These treatments should be matched to the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.

Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion

Outer skin layers can be removed with dermabrasion, a deeper resurfacing procedure. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more surface-level.

These treatments may help with:

Texture
Mild scarring
A dull complexion
Uneven skin feel
Fine surface lines

Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.

How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure

The best place to start is the concern itself, not the name of a procedure. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.

For instance:

Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
Abdominal fullness may come from fat, loose skin, separated muscles, or internal weight.
Flat-looking breasts may need a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.

A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:

What is creating the concern?
What procedure addresses the cause most directly?
What must be accepted with that option?

Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.

Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

Many patients ask this question. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

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

“How Long Does Plastic Surgery Recovery Take?”

Recovery depends on the procedure. Non-surgical treatments may require little or no downtime. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.

Most patients should prepare for:

Post-surgery swelling and bruising
Restrictions on exercise or lifting
Planned time away from work
Surgical follow-up care
Scar care
Slow return to workouts
Gradual settling before final results are seen

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

“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”

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

Many factors affect scar quality, including:

Family scar tendencies
Your skin tone
Which procedure is done
Placement of the incision
Tension on the wound
Nicotine exposure
Sun protection during healing
How the scar is cared for

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

“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”

Every surgery has risk. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.

Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:

The patient’s health
Prescription and non-prescription medications
Whether you smoke or use nicotine
The procedure being done
Where the procedure takes place
The planned anesthesia
The surgeon’s training and experience
Your aftercare and follow-up

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

Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know

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

Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

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 plastic surgery.

Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:

Are you certified in plastic surgery?
Do you hold a medical licence in this province?
How often do you perform this procedure?
Which surgical facility will be used?
What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
What risks apply to my specific case?
What happens if I have a complication?
What follow-up care is included?
Can I see examples of similar cases?

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

Cosmetic Surgery Costs in Canada

Plastic surgery pricing in Canada varies widely. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.

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.

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

Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada

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

Concerns with medical tourism may include:

Reduced follow-up access
Travel during early recovery
Infection-related complications
Different health care standards
Challenges getting procedure records
Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
Difficulty communicating clearly
Cost of revision surgery

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

What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation

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

Before the visit, preparation can help:

Write down your main concerns.
Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Share your medical history.
Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
Bring photos if they help show your goals.
Review recovery, scars, risks, and alternative treatments.
Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.

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

Good Candidates for Plastic Surgery

A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. A good candidate understands that surgery may improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or fix every life problem.

You may be ready for plastic surgery if:

Your overall health is good
You know what concern you want to address
Your weight is stable for body surgery
You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
You understand healing takes time
You accept the risks and trade-offs
You are choosing the procedure for yourself
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

Certain procedures can be safely combined. Other procedures should be staged. 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
Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
Breast lift with augmentation
Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
Facial surgery with fat grafting

A safe combined plan should consider health, surgery length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk.

A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures

In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Some options are designed to refine facial, breast, or body shape. Some procedures restore 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 right procedure is not always the most popular option. The right option should match 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. 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.