Common Types of Plastic Surgery in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery includes a wide range of procedures that can change, repair, or improve the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to improve appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many reasons. Some people are looking for a more refreshed look. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Other patients need 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. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.

Understanding Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

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

What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

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.

Common cosmetic goals may include:

Improving facial balance
Helping the face or body look more refreshed
Creating a more balanced 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 clothing fit better
Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence

Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. The total fee can depend on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up visits, and location.

Reconstructive Surgery

The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to help restore normal form and function. It may be used after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.

Common types of reconstructive surgery include:

Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
Cleft lip and palate surgery
Reconstruction after burns
Hand surgery
Surgical scar revision
Surgical wound repair
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.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Face

Plastic surgery for the face can help improve balance, reduce visible aging, and create a more refreshed appearance. In many cases, the goal is not a dramatic change. Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.

Facelift Surgery (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.

A facelift may address:

Jowls along the jawline
Sagging skin in the lower face
Deep facial folds near the mouth
Drooping 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. Many patients combine facelift surgery with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Neck Lift Surgery for Jawline and Neck Definition

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

A neck lift may help with:

Neck bands
Sagging neck skin
An undefined jawline
A heavy area under the chin
A neck that looks loose or heavy

In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. For patients with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction under the chin may help. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.

Eyelid Surgery, Also Called Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, can improve tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra eyelid skin, fat, or tissue.

Upper eyelid surgery may help with:

Heavy upper eyelids
Redundant upper eyelid skin
A tired or aged look
Skin resting on the eyelashes
Visual field concerns in some medical situations

Lower eyelid surgery may help with:

Under-eye bags
Puffiness beneath the eyes
Loose lower eyelid skin
Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
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 Surgery for a Heavy Brow

A forehead lift, commonly called a brow lift, helps lift a low or heavy brow. This can help improve the upper eye area and ease a heavy forehead look.

A brow lift may address:

A heavy, lowered brow
Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
Lines across the forehead
Creases between the eyebrows
A tired, sad, or stern expression

Although they can affect a similar area, a brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. Many patients need either one procedure or the other, while some benefit from both.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

The shape, size, or structure of the nose can be changed with rhinoplasty, often called a nose job. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.

Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:

A bump on the bridge
A drooping nasal tip
A wide or boxy tip
A crooked nose
How far the nose projects
Nasal asymmetry
Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy

When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.

Otoplasty may address:

Protruding ears
Uneven ear shape or position
Large cartilage folds in the ears
Ears with too much projection
Stretched or uneven earlobes

This procedure is common for adults and children. For younger patients, ear growth, maturity, and family goals help guide timing.

Lip Lift Procedure

A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. By changing lip position, a lip lift can make the upper lip more visible without adding volume with filler.

A lip lift may address:

A long space between the nose and upper lip
Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
Limited visible upper lip
Lip imbalance
Mouth-area aging changes

A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.

Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants

Implants can be used to improve facial balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. 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 implant surgery
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 transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.

Fat grafting to the face can help improve:

Hollows in the cheeks
Under-eye volume loss
Facial volume loss from aging
Thinning soft tissue
Facial imbalance

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

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts

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

Breast augmentation surgery can help improve:

Breasts that are naturally small
Lost breast volume following pregnancy
Less breast fullness after weight change
Uneven breast size or shape
Improved breast shape in fitted clothing

Many people worry about looking too large, obvious, or unnatural after breast augmentation. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.

Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery

Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. It does not mainly add volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.

Common breast lift concerns include:

Lower breast position
Nipples that sit low or point down
Areolas that have stretched
Loose skin on the breasts
Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes

Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.

Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape

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

Breast reduction may help with:

Chronic neck pain
Shoulder discomfort
Back discomfort
Bra strap grooves
Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
Problems staying active
Clothing fit challenges

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

Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.

Common reasons include:

Changing breast implant size
Rupture of an implant
Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
An implant that has moved out of position
Breasts that look uneven
Aging changes after breast augmentation
Breast implant removal

A breast lift may be done when implants are removed. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

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

Breast reconstruction may involve:

Implant-based reconstruction
Flap-based reconstruction
Nipple and areola reconstruction
Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
Revision surgery for symmetry

The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Some patients decide not to rebuild the breast and remain flat. Both choices are valid.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)

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

Male breast reduction can help improve:

Puffy nipples
Extra tissue under the areola
A fuller male chest
An uneven male chest shape
Concern about the chest in fitted shirts, at the gym, or at the beach

The cause of fullness, whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix, guides the best technique.

Common Body Contouring Options

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

Tummy Tuck Procedure

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, which are known as diastasis recti.

A tummy tuck may help with:

Loose abdominal skin
A lower belly overhang
Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
Separated core muscles
Changes after 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.

Fat Reduction With Liposuction

Liposuction removes localized fat 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:

The abdomen
Side waist areas, often called love handles
Outer hip area
Thighs
Upper arm contours
Back contour areas
Chin-neck contour
Chest fullness
Inner knee area

Skin tone is an important factor. When personalized plastic surgery loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.

Mommy makeover options may include:

Tummy tuck
Breast lift surgery
Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
Breast reduction surgery
Fat reduction with liposuction
Fat grafting for contouring

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It may be suitable for anyone with similar body changes. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.

Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery

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

Patients may consider an arm lift for:

Hanging upper arm skin
Loose skin after weight loss
Age-related changes in the arms
Trouble wearing sleeveless tops
Skin rubbing and irritation

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

Thigh Contouring Surgery

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

Common thigh lift concerns include:

Sagging skin on the inner thighs
Chafing from loose thigh skin
Difficulty fitting pants
Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes

Several surgical patterns are available for thigh lift surgery. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.

Body Contouring Lift

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

Patients may consider a body lift after:

Large weight loss
Bariatric surgery
Pregnancy-related skin looseness
Aging changes with loose skin

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

Fat Grafting for Body Contouring

Fat grafting moves fat from one area of the body to another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.

Common areas for fat grafting include:

Breast contour
Buttock volume
Hip shape
The face
Contour changes after surgery or injury

Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.

Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns

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

Surgical Scar Revision

A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.

Scar revision may help with:

Surgical scars
Scarring after an injury
Burn-related scars
Raised or thick scars
Scars that feel tight
Movement-limiting scars

Scar treatment can include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or several methods together.

Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal

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

Skin lesion removal may be done for:

A lesion that gets irritated
Growth
Bleeding
A cosmetic concern
Diagnostic testing
Comfort

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

Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction

After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:

Direct closure
A skin graft
Moving nearby tissue with a local flap
Complex reconstruction

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

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

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. These treatments usually have less downtime, but results are more temporary.

Neuromodulator Injections

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

Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:

Lines between the eyebrows
Forehead lines
Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
Bunny lines on the nose
A dimpled chin appearance
Mild neck bands in certain cases

Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.

Dermal Filler Treatments

Dermal fillers can restore or add volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that shapes and supports soft tissue.

Fillers may treat:

The lips
Cheeks
Chin contour
The jawline
Under-eye hollowing
Smile lines
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.

Medical Chemical Peels

The outer layers of skin can be improved with a chemical peel using a controlled solution.

Common chemical peel concerns include:

Uneven skin tone
Skin dullness
Small fine lines
Photoaging
Mild marks from acne
Skin texture concerns

Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.

Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments

Laser and energy-based treatments may improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.

Patients may consider options such as:

Laser resurfacing
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Radiofrequency treatments
Non-surgical skin tightening
Laser-based hair reduction
Vascular lasers for visible redness

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

Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

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

These resurfacing treatments can improve:

Rough texture
Minor acne scarring
Tired-looking skin
Uneven surface
Fine surface 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

The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.

For instance:

Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, 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.
Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.

A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:

What is causing the concern?
Which option is the best match for that cause?
What must be accepted with that option?

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

Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

Most patients have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Patients may feel excited, but they may also feel nervous. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

Many patients ask this question. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect 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?”

Downtime varies by procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.

Most patients should prepare for:

Bruising and swelling
Reduced activity
Recovery time before returning to work
Appointments after surgery
Care for scars
A staged return to physical activity
Gradual settling before final results are seen

The body needs time to heal. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.

“Will I Have Scars?”

Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.

Scar quality depends on:

Genetic healing patterns
Skin colour and tone
Surgical procedure type
Incision placement
Tension on the wound
Smoking and vaping status
UV exposure
How the scar is cared for

Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.

“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”

All surgery has risk. 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
Your medications
Nicotine or smoking use
The type of procedure
The surgery facility
The planned anesthesia
The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
Care after the procedure

A careful consultation should include benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.

Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations

In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Understanding medical credentials is important because marketing terms can be confusing.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada

If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.

Patients should ask:

Are you certified in plastic surgery?
Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
Do you perform this procedure often?
What facility will be used for the procedure?
What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
What complications should I understand for my situation?
Who do I contact if I have a complication?
What follow-up care is included?
Can I see examples of similar cases?

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

Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada

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

Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.

If a very low price means less attention to safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare, it can be a warning sign.

Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery

Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.

Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:

Limited follow-up care
Travel soon after surgery
Higher concern about infection
Different facility or safety standards
Harder access to records
Trouble getting complications treated after returning to Canada
Difficulty communicating clearly
Cost of revision surgery

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

How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.

You can prepare for the visit by doing the following:

Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
Tell the surgeon about your medical history.
Do not hide smoking, vaping, cannabis, or nicotine use.
Photos may 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 clearly discuss your options. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery altogether.

Good Candidates for Plastic Surgery

Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually 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:

You are medically well enough for surgery
You know what concern you want to address
Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
You are prepared for the recovery process
You accept the risks and trade-offs
You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
Your goals are realistic

It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.

Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures

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

Examples of combined procedures include:

A facelift with a neck lift
Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
Profile balancing with rhinoplasty and chin surgery
Breast lift with augmentation
Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
A customized mommy makeover
Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
Fat grafting with facial surgery

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

A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some procedures 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 most popular procedure is not always the best fit. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.

The strongest treatment plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. For procedures such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is education about benefits and limits.