Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Plastic surgery includes many procedures that can change, repair, or improve the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to improve appearance. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help rebuild form or function.

There are many goals why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Many patients simply want to look more refreshed. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after 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 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 explains what to think about before booking a consultation.

The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

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

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures

The main focus of cosmetic plastic surgery is appearance. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.

Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:

Improving facial balance
Reducing signs of aging
Creating a more balanced body shape
Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
Addressing concerns with the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Making clothing feel or fit better
Improving confidence in a natural-looking way

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

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures

Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring 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 a mastectomy
Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
Reconstruction after burns
Hand reconstruction
Scar repair or revision
Surgical wound repair
Surgery for facial trauma repair
Congenital difference repair

When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.

Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options

Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.

Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.

Common facelift concerns include:

Jowls along the jawline
Loose lower facial skin
Deeper smile lines
Descent of cheek tissue
A blurred face and neck transition

Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below 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 Procedure (Platysmaplasty)

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

Patients may consider a neck lift for:

Visible neck bands
Loose skin on the neck
An undefined jawline
Fullness below the chin
A “turkey neck” look

Some patients benefit from both skin and muscle tightening. For patients with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction under the chin may help. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.

Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery

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

Common upper eyelid concerns include:

Upper lids that feel heavy
Loose upper eyelid skin
A tired or aged look
Skin resting on the eyelashes
Visual field concerns in some medical situations

Common lower eyelid concerns include:

Lower eyelid bags
Puffiness beneath the eyes
Loose skin under the eyes
Under-eye shadowing
Tired-looking eyes that do not improve with rest

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

Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift

A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.

A brow lift may help with:

A heavy, lowered brow
Heavy upper lids from brow descent
Forehead lines
Creases between the eyebrows
An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern

A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.

Rhinoplasty, Also Called Nose Surgery

Rhinoplasty is nose surgery that can change nasal shape, size, or structure. The procedure can address cosmetic goals, functional concerns, or both.

Rhinoplasty may help with:

A dorsal hump on the nose
A downward-pointing nasal tip
A wide nasal tip
A nose that looks crooked
Nasal size or projection
Uneven nasal shape
Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy

When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.

Common otoplasty concerns include:

Protruding ears
Ear asymmetry
Ear folds that look large
Ears that project away from the head
Earlobe shape concerns

Otoplasty is common in adults and children. When otoplasty is considered for a child, timing is based on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.

Lip Lift Procedure

A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.

Patients may consider a lip lift for:

Upper lip length that looks long
Limited upper tooth show when smiling
A thin upper lip appearance
Uneven lip balance
Age-related changes around the mouth

A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.

Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline

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 options may include:

Chin augmentation implants
Cheek augmentation implants
Jawline augmentation implants

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

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.

Facial fat grafting may help with:

Hollow cheeks
Hollowing under the eyes
Age-related facial volume loss
Loss of soft tissue fullness
Imbalance in facial volume

Depending on the goal, fat grafting may be used alone or as part of a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedure.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts

Breast surgery is 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

Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. Implants used for breast augmentation may be saline or silicone gel. Implant choice depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.

Common breast augmentation goals include:

A naturally small breast shape
Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
Weight-related breast volume loss
Breasts that do not match well
More fullness in bras or clothing

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

Breast Lift Surgery, Also Called Mastopexy

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. It does not mainly add volume. Instead, the goal is to improve breast position and shape.

A breast lift may help with:

Breasts that sag
Nipple descent
Enlarged or stretched areolas
Extra breast skin
Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes

For patients who want more fullness, implants may be added to a breast lift. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.

Breast Reduction

Extra breast tissue, fat, and skin can be removed with breast reduction to create smaller, lighter, more balanced breasts.

Common breast reduction concerns include:

Chronic neck pain
Shoulder strain
Back discomfort
Indentations from bra straps
Irritated skin under the breasts
Trouble exercising
Clothing fit challenges

In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.

Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.

Patients may consider revision for:

Changing breast implant size
Rupture of an implant
Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
Implant shifting
Breast asymmetry
Age-related changes after breast augmentation
Desire to remove implants

A breast lift may be done when implants are removed. 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. It may involve implants, natural tissue, or a combination.

The breast reconstruction process may involve:

Implant-based reconstruction
Tissue flap reconstruction
Nipple-areola reconstruction
Fat grafting for contour improvement
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

This can be a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Either choice can be valid.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

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

Common gynecomastia concerns include:

Puffy nipples
Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
Chest tissue fullness
Uneven shape across the male chest
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.

Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures

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

Tummy Tuck Procedure

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

Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:

Abdominal skin laxity
An overhang in the lower belly
Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
Abdominal muscle separation
Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss

Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.

Liposuction Surgery

A cannula, which is a thin tube, is used in liposuction to remove localized fat. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.

Liposuction can treat:

The abdomen
Flank areas
The hips
The thighs
Upper arm contours
Back fullness
Chin-neck contour
Male or female chest area
The knees

Good skin tone matters. If the skin is loose, liposuction alone may not be enough. In that case, skin removal surgery may be needed.

Mommy Makeover

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

A customized mommy makeover may involve:

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

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.

Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery

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

Arm lift surgery can help improve:

Hanging skin under the arms
Extra skin after major weight loss
Age-related changes in the arms
Avoiding sleeveless clothing
Skin rubbing and irritation

The main trade-off is a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, better shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.

Thigh Contouring Surgery

A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. It is often chosen after major weight loss.

Thigh lift surgery can help improve:

Loose inner thigh skin
Thigh skin rubbing
Pants that do not fit well
Heaviness from extra skin
Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss

Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.

Body Lift Surgery

A body lift removes loose skin around the lower body. It may improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

A body lift may be chosen after:

Major weight loss
Bariatric surgery
Pregnancy-related skin looseness
Aging-related lower-body skin looseness

Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. Patients should have a stable weight and good overall health.

Fat Grafting for Body Contouring

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

Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:

Breasts
Buttock contour
Hip volume
Facial volume
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 and Scar Plastic Surgery Procedures

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

Surgical Scar Revision

Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.

Scar revision may address:

Surgical scars
Injury-related scars
Burn injury scars
Bulky scars
Scars that limit comfort
Scars that restrict motion

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

Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions

Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. A medical assessment may be needed for some lesions to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be considered for:

A lesion that gets irritated
Growth or change
Bleeding
Cosmetic concern
Medical diagnosis
Improved comfort

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

Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer

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.

Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:

Closing the area directly
Reconstruction with a skin graft
Local tissue flaps
More complex reconstruction

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

Injectable and Skin Treatments

Not every patient needs surgery. For some patients, non-surgical treatments help soften early aging signs, facial lines, volume loss, and skin concerns. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually temporary.

Neuromodulator Injections

Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. They are often used for expression lines.

Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:

Lines between the eyebrows
Horizontal forehead lines
Eye-area smile lines
Lines on the sides of the nose
Peau d’orange chin texture
Neck bands in some cases

Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.

Injectable Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers restore or add volume. Dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that supports and shapes soft tissue.

Fillers may treat:

Lip enhancement
Cheek volume
Chin projection
The jawline
Under-eye volume loss
Smile lines
Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin

Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.

Skin Peels

A cosmetic plastic surgery near you chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.

Patients may consider chemical peels for:

Uneven skin tone
Tired-looking skin
Early fine lines
Photoaging
Acne-related marks
Surface texture issues

Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.

Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments

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

Laser and energy-based options may include:

Laser resurfacing for texture
IPL skin treatment
Radiofrequency treatments
Energy-based skin tightening
Laser hair reduction
Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels

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

Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.

Common concerns include:

Rough texture
Minor acne scarring
Skin dullness
An uneven skin surface
Early fine lines

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

How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure

Choosing the right procedure starts 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:

Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
A soft jawline can come from loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
Fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight may cause abdominal fullness.
Flat-looking breasts may need a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.

The best plan usually starts with three questions:

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

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

What Patients Often Worry About Before 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 I Look Natural After Surgery?”

This is one of the most common patient concerns. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Plastic surgery that looks natural should fit the patient’s facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

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

“What Is the Recovery Like?”

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, require more planning.

Most patients should prepare for:

Swelling and bruising
Activity limits
Planned time away from work
Follow-up appointments
Scar management
Slow return to workouts
Gradual settling before final results are seen

The body needs time to heal. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.

“How Noticeable Will Scars Be?”

Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. The goal is to place scars as carefully as possible and help them heal well.

Scar healing depends on:

Genetics
Pigment response in the skin
Surgical procedure type
The incision location
Pulling on the healing incision
Nicotine exposure
Exposure to the sun
Scar aftercare

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

“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”

All surgery has risk. Risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.

Surgical safety depends on several factors, including:

Your health
Prescription and non-prescription medications
Whether you smoke or use nicotine
The type of procedure
Where the procedure takes place
The anesthesia plan
The training and experience of the surgeon
Your follow-up care

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

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. It is important to understand the difference between marketing language and recognized medical training.

How to Choose 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.

Important consultation questions include:

Are you formally certified in the specialty of plastic surgery?
Are you licensed to practise in this province?
Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
Where would my surgery be done?
Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
What risks apply to my specific case?
What happens if I have a complication?
What follow-up care is included?
Can I see results from similar cases?

This is not about challenging the surgeon. It is about being informed.

Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada

The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.

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

A very low price can be a warning sign if it means corners are being cut on safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.

Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery

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:

Reduced follow-up access
Travelling before healing is complete
Possible infection
Medical standards that may differ
Challenges getting procedure records
Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
Possible language barriers
Possible costs for corrective surgery

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

Getting Ready for 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 your visit, it helps to prepare:

Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Prepare to discuss your medical history.
Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
Ask questions about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.

A good consultation should include a clear discussion of options. In some cases, the best recommendation is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

Plastic surgery candidates should usually be healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.

Good candidate signs include:

You are generally healthy
Your goals are based on a clear concern
Your weight is stable for body surgery
You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
You understand healing takes time
You accept the risks and trade-offs
The choice is based on your own goals
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

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

Common combinations include:

Facelift and neck lift surgery
Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Combining breast lift and implants
Abdominal contouring with 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.

Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments may also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.

The most popular procedure is not always the best fit. 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. 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.