Common Types of Plastic Surgery in Canada

Plastic surgery is a broad field with surgical options that can refine, restore, or adjust areas of the face and body. When surgery is chosen mainly to enhance appearance, it is often called cosmetic surgery. Other procedures are reconstructive, meaning they help repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many personal reasons. For some people, the goal is to look more refreshed. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The right procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.

Below, you will find a clear overview of the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, from facial surgery and breast surgery to body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is often divided into two main categories, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.

Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:

Creating better facial balance
Reducing signs of aging
Improving body contours
Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Making clothing feel or fit better
Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements

Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures

Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.

Common types of reconstructive surgery include:

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
Cleft lip and palate repair
Burn reconstruction
Hand repair surgery
Surgical scar revision
Repair of wounds
Surgery for facial trauma repair
Repair of congenital differences

Some reconstructive procedures may be covered by a provincial health plan when they are medically necessary. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

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, also known as rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. It may help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.

Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:

Softness or jowling at the jawline
Loose skin in the lower face
Deep facial folds near the mouth
Drooping cheek tissue
Poor definition between the face and neck

Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. A facelift is often combined 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.

Patients may consider a neck lift for:

Neck bands
Loose neck skin
An undefined jawline
Submental fullness
A hanging neck appearance

For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Other patients may benefit from liposuction under the chin. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

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

Upper blepharoplasty may help with:

Upper lids that feel heavy
Redundant upper eyelid skin
A tired-looking or aged appearance
Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
Visual field concerns in some medical situations

Lower blepharoplasty may help with:

Lower eyelid bags
Lower eyelid puffiness
Loose skin under the eyes
Shadowing under the eyes
Eyes that still look tired after rest

Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small eye-area changes can make the 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:

Low or drooping eyebrows
Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
Lines across the forehead
Lines between the brows
A tired, sad, or stern look

A brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.

Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty

The shape, size, or structure of the nose can be changed with rhinoplasty, often called a nose job. It can be cosmetic, functional, or both.

Nose surgery can address concerns such as:

A raised bridge bump
A downward-pointing nasal tip
Tip width or boxiness
A crooked nasal shape
Nasal size or projection
Nose 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. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. Appearance is the focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty, while airflow is the focus of functional nasal surgery.

Otoplasty for Prominent Ears

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.

Common otoplasty concerns include:

Ears that sit far from the head
Uneven ear shape or position
Prominent ear cartilage folds
Ears that stand out from the head
Stretched or uneven earlobes

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

Lip Lift Procedure

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.

Common lip lift concerns include:

A lengthened upper lip area
Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
A thin upper lip appearance
Poor lip balance
Age-related changes around the mouth

Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes upper lip position and shape.

Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants

Facial implants may improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery is often used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.

Types of facial implant surgery may include:

Chin augmentation implants
Cheek implant surgery
Jawline implants

For profile balance, chin surgery and rhinoplasty may be combined in select cases.

Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting

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

Fat grafting to the face can help improve:

Cheek hollowing
Under-eye volume loss
Lost facial volume due to aging
Loss of soft tissue fullness
Uneven facial fullness

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

Types of Breast Plastic Surgery

Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. Breast implants may be filled with saline or silicone gel. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.

Breast augmentation may address:

Breasts that are naturally small
Lost breast volume following pregnancy
Lost breast volume after weight changes
Breast asymmetry
A fuller look in 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.

Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. The main purpose is not to add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.

A breast lift may address:

Dropped breasts
Nipples that face downward
Stretched areolas
Loose breast skin
Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

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

Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape

Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.

Breast reduction may help with:

Chronic neck pain
Shoulder discomfort
Upper back pain
Grooves from bra straps
Skin irritation under the breasts
Trouble exercising
Trouble finding clothing that fits

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

Breast Implant Revision Surgery

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

Common reasons for breast implant revision include:

Wanting smaller or larger implants
Breast implant rupture
Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
An implant that has shifted
Breasts that look uneven
Breast changes over time after augmentation
Breast implant removal

Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

After mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can rebuild the breast. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.

Breast reconstruction may involve:

Breast reconstruction with implants
Reconstruction using tissue flaps
Rebuilding the nipple and areola
Fat transfer to the breast
Revision surgery for symmetry

Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Others choose to stay flat. Both choices are valid.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. The procedure may use liposuction, gland removal, or both methods.

Gynecomastia surgery may help with:

A puffy nipple appearance
Fullness under the areola
Chest fullness
A chest that looks uneven
Self-consciousness at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts

The best technique depends on whether the fullness is caused by fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape

Body contouring surgery improves body shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Pregnancy, aging, and major weight loss are common reasons people consider body contouring.

Abdominoplasty for Abdominal Contouring

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. The procedure may also repair diastasis recti, which means separated abdominal muscles.

Tummy tuck surgery can help improve:

Sagging abdominal skin
A lower stomach apron
Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
Separated core muscles
Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss

Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.

Surgical Liposuction

A cannula, which is a thin tube, is used in liposuction to remove localized fat. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method, it is a contouring procedure.

Liposuction may treat:

Abdomen
Flanks, also called love handles
Hips
Thigh areas
Upper arm area
Back contour areas
Submental area and neck
Chest fullness
The knees

Good skin tone matters. When 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 Surgery

A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.

A mommy makeover can include:

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

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. A safe plan depends on the patient’s health, goals, recovery time, and plans for future pregnancy.

Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin

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

Arm lift surgery can help improve:

Hanging skin under the arms
Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
Upper arm changes from aging
Trouble wearing sleeveless tops
Skin friction in the upper arms

The main trade-off is a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.

Thigh Contouring Surgery

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

Patients may consider a thigh lift for:

Sagging skin on the inner thighs
Skin rubbing
Trouble with pants fit
Extra skin that feels heavy
Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery

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

A body lift removes loose skin around the lower body. 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
Aging-related lower-body skin looseness

Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.

Body Contouring With Fat Transfer

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

Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:

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

Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Results can change over time, and more than one session may be needed.

Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns

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

Scar Revision Surgery

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.

Patients may consider scar revision for:

Post-surgical scars
Injury scars
Scars from burns
Thick scars
Restrictive scars
Scars that affect range of 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 careful closure matters. A medical assessment may be needed for some lesions to rule out skin cancer.

Skin lesion removal may be done for:

A lesion that gets irritated
Growth or change
Bleeding
Appearance concerns
Pathology or diagnosis
Improved comfort

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

Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction

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

A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:

Closing the area directly
Skin graft reconstruction
Local tissue flaps
More advanced reconstruction

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

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures

Surgery is not needed for every patient. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.

BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments

BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.

Patients may consider neuromodulators for:

Lines between the eyebrows
Horizontal forehead lines
Crow’s feet
Lines on the sides of the nose
Dimpling in the chin
Mild neck bands in certain cases

The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. Most patients want a softer, rested look rather than a frozen face.

Dermal Filler Treatments

Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.

Dermal fillers may treat:

Lips
Cheek volume
Chin contour
The jawline
Hollows beneath the eyes
Lines from the nose to the mouth
Marionette folds

Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.

Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone

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

Patients may consider chemical peels for:

Skin tone irregularity
Tired-looking skin
Fine lines
Sun-damaged skin
Mild acne marks
Uneven texture

Chemical peels can range from light treatments to deeper treatments. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.

Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments

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

Patients may consider options such as:

Laser resurfacing for texture
Intense pulsed light treatment
Radiofrequency-based treatments
Skin tightening treatments
Laser-based hair reduction
Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels

The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.

Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments

Outer skin layers can be removed with dermabrasion, a deeper resurfacing procedure. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:

Skin texture
Minor acne scarring
A dull complexion
Uneven skin feel
Fine lines

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

How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure

A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit 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 belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.

The best plan usually starts with three questions:

What anatomy is causing the issue?
Which procedure best treats that cause?
What benefits and limits come with that procedure?

Those trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.

Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

Most patients feel a mix of emotions before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the result will look natural.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

This is a surgical aesthetic procedures very common worry. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. A natural result should match your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

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

“How Long Does Plastic Surgery Recovery Take?”

The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. 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:

Swelling and bruising
Temporary activity restrictions
Planned time away from work
Post-operative follow-up visits
Scar healing support
Slow return to workouts
A result that improves as swelling settles

The body needs time to heal. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.

“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”

A scar forms whenever an incision is made. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.

Scar healing depends on:

Genetic healing patterns
Skin colour and tone
Surgical procedure type
Incision placement
Tension along the incision
Smoking and vaping status
UV exposure
Post-surgery aftercare

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

“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.

Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:

Your medical condition
Medications you take
Use of tobacco or nicotine
Which surgery is performed
The facility where surgery is done
The planned anesthesia
The training and experience of the surgeon
Your aftercare and follow-up

A good consultation should explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and what is realistic.

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. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada

When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. 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 by the provincial medical college?
How often do you perform this procedure?
Where would my surgery be done?
Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
What complications should I understand for my situation?
How are complications handled?
How many follow-up appointments are included?
Can I see results from similar cases?

This is not about being demanding. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.

Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing

Plastic surgery pricing in Canada varies widely. Many factors affect pricing, including procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.

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.

A bargain price is not always a good deal if it comes with weaker safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.

Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery

Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.

Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:

Less access to follow-up care
Travel soon after surgery
Infection risk
Different facility or safety standards
Hard-to-get records
Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
Language barriers
Cost of revision surgery

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

Getting Ready 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.

Before a consultation, consider preparing in these ways:

Write down your main concerns.
Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
Tell the surgeon about your medical history.
Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.

A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment 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. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.

You may be a suitable candidate if:

You are medically well enough for surgery
Your goals are based on a clear concern
Your weight has been stable before body surgery
You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
You know what to expect during recovery
You are comfortable with the risks and limits
You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
Your expectations are realistic

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.

Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?

Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Other procedures should be staged. A combined plan may save recovery time, but it also needs careful planning because surgery time and healing demands may increase.

Common combined surgery plans include:

Facelift and neck lift surgery
Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
Breast lift plus volume enhancement
Tummy tuck with liposuction
A customized mommy makeover
Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
Fat grafting with facial surgery

The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.

A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Others help 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. 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. Whether the procedure is eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is understanding what each option can and cannot do.