Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

Across Canada, plastic surgery includes a wide range of procedures that can refine, repair, or support the face and body. When surgery is chosen mainly to improve appearance, it is often called cosmetic surgery. Others are reconstructive, which means they help rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many different goals. Some want to look more rested. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The best procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and available 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. It also covers key questions to consider before a plastic surgery consultation.

The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

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

Cosmetic Surgery

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 reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:

Improving facial balance
Reducing signs of aging
Improving body shape
Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
Enhancing areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Improving the way clothing fits
Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking

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

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada

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

Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:

Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
Surgical treatment for burn-related changes
Reconstructive hand surgery
Scar revision
Wound repair
Repair after facial trauma
Correction of congenital concerns

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.

Types of Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. The goal is often not to look “different.” Strong results usually look natural, balanced, and personal to the patient.

Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.

A facelift may help with:

Softness or jowling at the jawline
Loose skin in the lower face
Deeper folds around the mouth
Drooping cheek tissue
A blurred face and neck transition

A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned 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. Tightening the neck muscle may be described medically as platysmaplasty.

Neck lift surgery can help improve:

Vertical neck bands
Loose skin on the neck
An undefined jawline
Submental fullness
A “turkey neck” appearance

Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. The face and neck often change at the same time, so facelift and neck lift surgery may be combined.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

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

Patients may choose upper eyelid surgery for:

Upper lids that feel heavy
Redundant upper eyelid skin
A tired-looking or aged appearance
Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
Vision blockage in certain medical cases

Lower eyelid surgery can address:

Lower eyelid bags
Puffiness
Lower eyelid skin laxity
Shadowing beneath the lower lids
A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep

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 known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. This can help improve the upper eye area and ease a heavy forehead look.

Common brow lift concerns include:

Eyebrows that sit too low
Heavy upper lids from brow descent
Horizontal forehead lines
Creases between the eyebrows
A tired, sad, or stern expression

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. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.

Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is nose surgery that can change nasal shape, size, or structure. It may be cosmetic, functional, or both.

Rhinoplasty may help with:

A nasal bridge bump
A nasal tip that droops
A broad or boxy tip
Nasal crookedness
How far the nose projects
Uneven nasal shape
Breathing problems related to nasal structure

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.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.

Common otoplasty concerns include:

Ears that sit far from the head
Asymmetry between the ears
Prominent ear cartilage folds
Ears that sit far from the head
Earlobe concerns

Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.

Upper Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. That space is often described as the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.

Common lip lift concerns include:

Upper lip length that looks long
Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
An upper lip that looks thin
Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
Aging in the lip and mouth area

A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.

Facial Implants for Balance

Facial implant surgery can refine the chin, cheeks, or jawline for better balance. A chin implant may be considered when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.

Facial implant surgery may include:

Surgical chin implants
Cheek implant surgery
Jawline augmentation implants

In some cases, chin surgery is combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin both affect facial balance in profile view.

Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat grafting uses a patient’s own fat to restore 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:

Hollow cheeks
Hollows beneath the eyes
Facial volume loss from aging
Soft tissue volume loss
Facial volume imbalance

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

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts

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 Augmentation

Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. Implant choice depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.

Patients may consider breast augmentation for:

Breasts that are naturally small
Volume loss after pregnancy
Less breast fullness after weight change
Asymmetry between the breasts
Improved breast shape in fitted clothing

A common concern is whether breast augmentation will look too large or unnatural. A careful plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.

Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. It does not mainly add volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.

Breast lift surgery can help improve:

Breasts that sag
Downward-pointing nipples
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. For a natural result without added implant volume, some patients choose a breast lift alone.

Breast Reduction Surgery

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

Common breast reduction concerns include:

Neck discomfort
Shoulder discomfort
Pain in the back
Bra strap grooves
Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
Difficulty exercising
Difficulty finding clothing that fits

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

Breast Implant Revision

Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. This surgery may address cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both.

Patients may consider revision for:

Changing breast implant size
An implant that has ruptured
Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
An implant that has shifted
Uneven breast appearance
Age-related changes after breast augmentation
A desire for implant removal

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

Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery

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

Breast reconstruction may involve:

Breast reconstruction with implants
Flap-based reconstruction
Rebuilding the nipple and areola
Fat grafting
Revision surgery for symmetry

Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Some patients want reconstruction. Others choose to remain flat. Either choice can be valid.

Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.

Gynecomastia surgery may help with:

Puffy nipples
Extra tissue under the areola
Extra chest volume
Uneven male chest shape
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 Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures

Body contouring surgery improves body shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Body contouring is common after changes from pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.

A tummy tuck may address:

Abdominal skin laxity
A lower stomach apron
Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
Diastasis recti
Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss

A tummy tuck should not be viewed as weight-loss surgery. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.

Liposuction

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

Liposuction may be used on areas such as:

Abdominal area
Flanks, also called love handles
Outer hip area
Thigh contours
The upper arms
Back fullness
The chin and neck
Chest
Knee area

Firm, elastic skin is important. If the skin is loose, liposuction by itself may not be enough. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.

Mommy Makeover Surgery

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

A customized mommy makeover may involve:

A tummy tuck procedure
Breast lift
Breast augmentation surgery
Surgical breast size reduction
Surgical fat removal
Fat transfer for volume

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.

Upper Arm Lift Procedure

Loose upper arm skin can be removed with an arm lift, also called brachioplasty.

Common arm lift concerns include:

Hanging skin under the arms
Extra skin after major weight loss
Arm skin changes over time
Avoiding sleeveless clothing
Irritation from loose 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 Procedure

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 skin on the inner thighs
Skin friction between the thighs
Trouble with pants fit
Heaviness from extra skin
Changes 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

A body lift improves lower-body contour by removing excess skin. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

Patients may consider a body lift after:

Major weight loss
Weight-loss surgery
Post-pregnancy body changes
Aging changes with loose skin

A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.

Fat Grafting for Body Contouring

With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.

Patients may consider fat grafting for:

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

Although fat grafting uses your own fat, not all transferred fat will survive. Fat grafting results can evolve, so repeat treatment may be needed for some patients.

Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures

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

Scar Revision

A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. Scar revision cannot guarantee an erased scar, but it may make the scar less raised, tight, wide, or visible.

Scar revision may address:

Scarring after surgery
Injury-related scars
Burn scars
Bulky scars
Scars that feel tight
Scars that restrict motion

Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.

Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions

When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be done for:

Irritation
Growth or change
A lesion that bleeds
A cosmetic concern
Diagnosis
Improved comfort

Changing moles or suspicious skin lesions should be reviewed by a qualified medical professional.

Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedures

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:

Simple direct closure
Using a skin graft
Reconstruction with local flaps
More advanced reconstruction

The aim is to remove the cancer safely and preserve function and appearance as much as possible.

Injectable and Skin Treatments

Not every patient requires surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.

Wrinkle Relaxing Injections

BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.

Common treatment areas include:

Glabellar frown lines
Horizontal forehead lines
Lines at the outer corners of the eyes
Bunny lines on the nose
Dimpling in the chin
Neck muscle bands in some situations

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.

Facial 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.

Common filler areas include:

Lips
Cheek volume
Chin contour
Lower-face contour
Hollows beneath the eyes
Nasolabial folds
Mouth-corner lines

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

Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone

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

Chemical peel treatments can help improve:

Patchy skin tone
Skin dullness
Fine surface lines
Sun damage
Acne-related marks
Surface texture issues

Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on peel type.

Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments

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

Patients may consider options such as:

Skin laser resurfacing
Photofacial treatment with IPL
Radiofrequency treatments
Energy-based skin tightening
Hair reduction with laser
Vascular laser for redness or broken vessels

The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, where pigment changes can be a risk.

Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion

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

These resurfacing treatments can improve:

Rough texture
Mild scarring
Dull-looking skin
Surface irregularity
Small fine lines

Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.

Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option

A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.

Examples include:

Upper lid heaviness may be related to eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
A full abdomen may be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
A flat breast appearance may require a lift, implants, fat grafting, or combined treatment.
Under-eye concerns may come from fat pads, hollows, loose skin, or pigmentation.

The best plan usually starts with three questions:

What anatomy is causing the issue?
Which procedure treats that cause best?
What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?

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

Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. Excitement is common, but nervousness is common too. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

Many patients ask this question. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. 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.

“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”

Downtime varies by procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.

In general, patients should plan for:

Temporary swelling and bruising
Reduced activity
Time away from work
Surgical follow-up care
Scar healing support
A staged return to physical activity
Results that take time to settle

Healing is not instant. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.

“Will I Have Scars?”

Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.

Scar healing depends on:

Genetics
Skin tone
Surgical procedure type
Scar location
Tension along the incision
Smoking and vaping status
Exposure to the sun
How the scar is cared for

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

“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”

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

Safety depends on many factors, including:

Your medical condition
Your medications
Nicotine or smoking use
The planned procedure
The accredited surgical setting
How anesthesia is managed
The qualifications of the surgeon
Follow-up after surgery

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

Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations

Canadian plastic surgery is regulated through medical 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 the specialty of plastic surgery.

Patients may want to ask:

Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
Are you licensed to practise in this province?
How often do you perform this procedure?
Where will the procedure take place?
Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
What are the risks for my specific case?
What happens if I have a complication?
What follow-up care is included?
May I see before-and-after examples for similar procedures?

This is not about being difficult. It is about understanding your options.

Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada

Cosmetic surgery costs in Canada can vary 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.

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

Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada

Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.

Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:

Limited post-surgery follow-up
Long travel after surgery
Possible infection
Different facility or safety standards
Hard-to-get records
Trouble getting complications treated after returning to Canada
Difficulty communicating clearly
Cost of revision surgery

Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.

Preparing for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

Your consultation is the time to understand what can be done safely and realistically. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.

Before your visit, it helps to prepare:

List your main concerns before the visit.
Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Be ready to share your medical history.
Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
If photos make your goals clearer, bring them to the consultation.
Ask about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.

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

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

Good candidates for plastic surgery are typically healthy, informed, and realistic. A good candidate understands that surgery may improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or fix every life problem.

Good candidate signs include:

Your overall health is good
Your goals are based on a clear concern
You are near a stable weight for body procedures
You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
You understand what recovery involves
You understand the risks and can accept them
Your decision is for you, not someone else
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.

Planning More Than One Plastic Surgery Procedure

Certain procedures can be safely combined. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.

Examples of combined procedures include:

Facelift with neck lift
Eyelid surgery with brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Mastopexy with augmentation
Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
Combined mommy makeover procedures
Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery

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

Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Injectable and skin treatments may help with wrinkles, volume loss, texture concerns, and early signs of aging.

The best procedure is not always the most popular one. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.

Every plastic surgery plan should put safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care first. 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.