Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many different procedures that can reshape, rebuild, or enhance the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to improve appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help restore form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many different goals. Some patients want a more natural-looking appearance. For others, the goal is 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.

Use this guide to understand the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.

The Difference Between Cosmetic and 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. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.

Common cosmetic goals may include:

Refining facial balance
Helping the face or body look more refreshed
Improving body shape
Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Helping patients feel better in clothing
Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes

Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Pricing may change based on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, facility costs, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.

Reconstructive Surgery

In reconstructive plastic surgery, the focus is on restoring form, function, or both. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.

Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
Burn reconstruction
Hand surgery
Scar revision
Complex wound repair
Repair after facial trauma
Congenital difference repair

Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.

Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options

Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.

Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face

A facelift or rhytidectomy can improve loose tissue in the lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.

Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:

Sagging jowls along the jawline
Loose skin in the lower face
Deep facial folds near the mouth
Lowered 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, Also Called Platysmaplasty

Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.

A neck lift may address:

Vertical neck bands
Loose neck skin
A soft or undefined jawline
A heavy area under the chin
A “turkey neck” look

Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. Other patients may benefit from liposuction under the chin. Since aging often affects both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift may be done in one plan.

Eyelid Surgery for Tired-Looking Eyes

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.

Upper eyelid surgery may help with:

Upper lids that feel heavy
Redundant upper eyelid skin
A tired-looking or aged appearance
Skin resting on the eyelashes
Functional vision concerns in some patients

Common lower eyelid concerns include:

Under-eye bags
Puffiness beneath the eyes
Loose lower eyelid skin
Under-eye shadowing
Eyes that still look tired after rest

Many patients choose eyelid surgery because small improvements around the eyes can make the whole face look more awake and rested.

Brow Lift Surgery for a Heavy Brow

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

Brow lift surgery can improve:

Eyebrows that sit too low
A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
Forehead creases
Frown lines between the brows
A tired, sad, or stern expression

A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.

Rhinoplasty, Also Called Nose Surgery

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

Nose surgery can address concerns such as:

A nasal bridge bump
A nasal tip that droops
A boxy nasal tip
A nose that looks crooked
Overall nose size or projection
Uneven nasal shape
Structural breathing concerns

Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty refines how the nose looks, while functional nasal surgery focuses on breathing and airflow.

Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is commonly used to correct ears that stick out.

Patients may consider otoplasty for:

Prominent ears
Ear asymmetry
Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
Ears that project away from the head
Concerns with the earlobes

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

Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance

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 may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.

Patients may consider a lip lift for:

A long space between the nose and upper lip
Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
An upper lip that looks thin
Lip imbalance
Mouth-area aging changes

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

Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery

Facial implants may improve 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:

Implants for the chin
Implants for the cheeks
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 Grafting

A patient’s own fat can be used in facial fat grafting to restore volume. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.

Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:

Cheek hollowing
Hollowing under the eyes
Lost facial volume due to aging
Loss of soft tissue fullness
Reduced facial harmony

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

Common Breast Surgery Options

Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Breast plastic surgery can address volume, size, position, symmetry, and reconstruction after cancer surgery.

Breast Enlargement Surgery

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

Common breast augmentation goals include:

Naturally small breasts
Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
Breast volume loss after weight change
Breast size or shape imbalance
A desire for more breast fullness in clothing

Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. It does not primarily add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.

Breast lift surgery can help improve:

Sagging breasts
Nipple descent
Stretched nipple-areola areas
Loose skin on the breasts
Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

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

Reduction Mammoplasty

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

Patients may consider breast reduction for:

Pain in the neck
Shoulder discomfort
Back strain
Bra strap marks
Skin irritation under the breasts
Trouble exercising
Difficulty fitting bras or clothes

Some breast reduction procedures in Canada may be considered medically necessary. Health plan coverage is based on provincial rules, patient symptoms, and medical assessment.

Revision Breast Implant Surgery

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

Patients may consider revision for:

Wanting smaller or larger implants
Rupture of an implant
Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
An implant that has moved out of position
Uneven breast appearance
Aging changes after breast augmentation
Choosing to remove implants

Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction can use implants, natural tissue, or both.

Breast reconstruction options may include:

Implant-based reconstruction
Flap-based reconstruction
Nipple and areola reconstruction
Fat transfer to the breast
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Others choose to stay flat. Both paths are valid and personal.

Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia surgery is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.

Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:

Puffy-looking nipples
Fullness under the areola
Fullness in the chest
Uneven shape across the male chest
Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts

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

Body 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 Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty

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

Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:

Loose abdominal skin
A lower stomach apron
Stretch-marked lower belly skin
Separated core muscles
Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss

Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.

Liposuction Surgery

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 can treat:

Belly area
Love handles or flanks
Outer hip area
Thigh contours
Arm fullness
Back
Chin-neck contour
Chest
Fat around the knees

Good skin tone is important. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.

Customized Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.

Common mommy makeover procedures include:

A tummy tuck procedure
Mastopexy
Breast augmentation surgery
A breast reduction procedure
Fat reduction with liposuction
Fat transfer

Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

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

Patients may consider an arm lift for:

Loose skin along the upper arms
Loose skin after weight loss
Aging changes in the arms
Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
Chafing from upper arm skin

Arm lift surgery leaves a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. The scar may be worthwhile for patients who want better arm shape, but it should be reviewed carefully.

Thigh Lift

Loose thigh skin can be removed with a thigh lift. It is often chosen after major weight loss.

Patients may consider a thigh lift for:

Extra inner thigh skin
Skin rubbing
Pants that do not fit well
Extra skin that feels heavy
Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery

There are different thigh lift patterns. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.

Body Lift

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

Common reasons for body lift surgery include:

A major weight change
Post-bariatric body changes
Post-pregnancy body changes
Age-related skin laxity

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

Body Fat Grafting

With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.

Common areas for fat grafting include:

The breasts
Buttock volume
Hip shape
Facial contour
Contour irregularities after injury or surgery

Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Fat grafting results can evolve, so repeat treatment may be needed for some patients.

Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns

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

Scar Revision

Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.

Scar revision may address:

Post-surgical scars
Injury scars
Burn injury scars
Scars that feel thick
Restrictive scars
Scars that pull during movement

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

Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal

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.

Skin lesion removal may be done for:

Skin irritation
Noticeable growth
Recurrent bleeding
Appearance concerns
Pathology or diagnosis
Relief from discomfort

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

Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal

After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. This is common in areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:

Direct surgical closure
A skin graft
A local flap
Advanced reconstructive techniques

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

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. These treatments usually have less downtime, but results are more temporary.

BOTOX and Other Neuromodulators

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

Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:

Glabellar frown lines
Horizontal forehead lines
Eye-area smile lines
Bunny lines on the nose
Dimpling in the chin
Selected neck bands

Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. The goal is usually a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.

Injectable Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.

Common filler areas include:

The lips
The cheeks
The chin
Jawline definition
Hollows beneath the eyes
Smile line folds
Lines below the corners of the mouth

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

Chemical Peels

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

Common chemical peel concerns include:

Patchy skin tone
Skin dullness
Mild lines
Visible sun damage
Mild post-acne marks
Rough skin texture

Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. The type of peel affects recovery time.

Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments

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

Laser and energy-based options may include:

Laser resurfacing
Intense pulsed light treatment
RF skin treatments
Energy-based skin tightening
Hair reduction with laser
Vascular lasers for visible redness

A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.

Skin Resurfacing With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

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

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:

Surface texture
Mild scars
Dullness
An uneven skin surface
Fine surface lines

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

Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option

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 example:

Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
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.
A baggy under-eye look may be related to fat, hollowing, loose skin, or skin colour changes.

A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:

What is the cause of the concern?
Which option is the best match for 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.

Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

It is common to 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?”

This is one of the most common patient concerns. Many people want to look refreshed, not changed. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.

“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”

The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Non-surgical treatments may require little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.

In general, recovery planning may include:

Swelling and bruising
Restrictions on exercise or lifting
Time off work
Follow-up appointments
Scar healing support
A staged return to physical activity
Final results that take time to settle

Surgical healing is gradual. Many procedures look better over weeks and months.

“How Noticeable Will Scars Be?”

Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.

Many factors affect scar quality, including:

Your genetics
Your skin tone
Surgical procedure type
Scar location
Wound tension
Nicotine exposure
How much sun the scar gets
Aftercare

Scars tend to soften and fade, but they usually remain to some degree.

“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”

All surgical procedures carry some 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:

Your overall health
Medication use
Smoking, vaping, or nicotine exposure
Which surgery is performed
The surgical facility
The type of anesthesia
Surgeon training and experience
Your post-operative care

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

What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery

Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.

How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in plastic surgery.

Important consultation questions include:

Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
Are you licensed to practise in this province?
Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
Where is the procedure performed?
Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
What complications should I understand for my situation?
Who do I contact 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 making an informed choice.

Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada

Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. The final cost may include procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.

In major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, fees may be higher because of overhead and demand. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.

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

Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada

Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.

Possible concerns with surgery abroad include:

Limited post-surgery follow-up
Travelling before healing is complete
Infection risk
Different health care standards
Challenges getting procedure records
Difficulty finding care for complications at home
Difficulty communicating clearly
Possible costs for corrective surgery

When surgery is done closer to home, follow-up may be easier if concerns or complications occur.

How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.

It helps to prepare before your consultation:

List your main concerns before the visit.
Prepare your medication and supplement list.
Share your medical history.
Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
Photos may help explain your goals.
Ask about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Ask what result is realistic for your body or face.

A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.

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 generally healthy
You can explain a clear concern
You are near a stable weight for body procedures
You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
You are prepared for the recovery process
You understand and accept the trade-offs
Your decision is for you, not someone else
You have reasonable expectations

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.

Planning More Than One Plastic Surgery Procedure

It may be safe to combine some procedures. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. A combined plan may save recovery time, but it also needs careful planning because surgery time and healing demands may increase.

Common combined surgery plastic surgery procedures plans include:

Combining facelift and neck lift
Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
Profile balancing with rhinoplasty and chin surgery
Combining breast lift and implants
Tummy tuck and liposuction
Mommy makeover surgery combinations
Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting

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

Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Others repair tissue 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. The best choice is the one that fits your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.

A thoughtful 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.