A Guide to Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

Plastic surgery includes many procedures that can refine, rebuild, or enhance the face and body. When surgery is chosen mainly to refine appearance, it is often called cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be used after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions to help restore form or function.

In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many different goals. Some patients want a more rested appearance. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Choosing the right procedure depends on anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery needs.

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. 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 in Canada

Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.

Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:

Creating better facial balance
Reducing age-related changes
Refining 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
Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence

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

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures

Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore 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 breast cancer surgery
Skin cancer reconstruction after a skin tumour is removed
Cleft lip and palate repair
Burn injury reconstruction
Hand reconstruction
Scar improvement surgery
Wound reconstruction
Facial injury reconstruction
Surgery for congenital differences

In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.

Types of Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. Most patients do not want to look “different.” Good facial plastic surgery should often look natural and balanced.

Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)

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

Common facelift concerns include:

Jawline jowls
Sagging skin in the lower face
Deeper folds around the mouth
Cheek tissue that has dropped
Poor definition between the face and neck

A modern facelift commonly addresses the deeper support layers beneath the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Neck Lift Surgery (Platysmaplasty)

A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.

Neck lift surgery can help improve:

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

Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. The face and neck often change at the same time, so facelift and neck lift surgery may be combined.

Eyelid Surgery for Tired-Looking Eyes

Tired-looking eyes may be improved with eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, by adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.

Upper eyelid surgery can address:

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

Common lower eyelid concerns include:

Visible under-eye bags
Puffiness beneath the eyes
Loose lower eyelid skin
Hollow shadows under the eyes
Tired-looking eyes that do not improve with rest

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 Procedure

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It can improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.

Patients may consider a brow lift for:

A heavy, lowered brow
Heavy upper lids from brow descent
Forehead lines
Vertical lines between the brows
A heavy expression that seems tired or stern

A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.

Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Depending on the patient, rhinoplasty can be cosmetic, functional, or a combination.

Common rhinoplasty concerns include:

A raised bridge bump
A drooping nasal tip
A wide nasal tip
A crooked nose
Nasal size or projection
An uneven-looking nose
Breathing problems related to nasal structure

When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.

Ear Surgery Procedure (Otoplasty)

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

Ear surgery can help improve:

Ears that sit far from the head
Uneven ears
Ear folds that look large
Ears with too much projection
Earlobe shape concerns

This procedure is performed for both adults and children. When otoplasty is considered for a child, timing is based on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.

Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance

The space between the upper lip and the nose can be shortened with a lip lift. The distance 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.

Common lip lift concerns include:

A long upper lip
Upper teeth that show less when smiling
A thin-looking upper lip
Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
Age-related changes around the mouth

A lip lift is different from lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.

Chin, Jawline, and Facial Implant Surgery

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

Types of facial implant surgery may include:

Implants for the chin
Cheek augmentation implants
Implants for the jawline

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

Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting

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.

Facial fat grafting may help with:

Loss of cheek fullness
Under-eye hollowing
Age-related facial volume loss
Soft tissue thinning
Reduced facial harmony

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

Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures

Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.

Breast Augmentation in Canada

Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.

Patients may consider breast augmentation for:

Small natural breast size
Less breast fullness after pregnancy
Breast volume loss after weight change
Asymmetry between the breasts
More fullness in bras or clothing

Some patients feel nervous about results that may look too large or unnatural. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.

Breast Lift Procedure

Breasts that have dropped can be raised and reshaped with a breast lift, also called mastopexy. A lift changes position and shape rather than mainly adding volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.

A breast lift may help with:

Breasts that sag
Downward-pointing nipples
Stretched areolas
Loose skin on the breasts
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 for Comfort and Shape

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

Breast reduction may address:

Neck strain
Shoulder discomfort
Back strain
Shoulder grooves from bra straps
Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
Exercise discomfort
Clothing fit challenges

Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Health plan coverage is based on provincial rules, patient symptoms, and medical assessment.

Breast Implant Replacement or Removal

Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.

Patients may consider revision for:

A change in preferred implant size
An implant that has ruptured
Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
An implant that has shifted
Breast asymmetry
Natural aging changes after breast implants
Choosing to remove implants

A breast lift may be done when implants are removed. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.

Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery

The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction options may include:

Implant-based reconstruction
Tissue flap reconstruction
Rebuilding the nipple and areola
Breast fat grafting
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

This can be a deeply personal choice. Some patients choose reconstruction. Others choose to stay flat. Both decisions deserve respect.

Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.

Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:

Puffy-looking nipples
Extra tissue beneath the areola
A fuller male chest
A chest that looks uneven
Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts

The right technique depends on whether the fullness comes from fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a combination.

Types of Body Contouring Surgery

Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. It is often considered after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery

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.

Common tummy tuck concerns include:

Abdominal skin laxity
A lower stomach apron
Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
Separated abdominal muscles
Changes after pregnancy or weight loss

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

Liposuction

Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.

Patients may consider liposuction for:

Abdomen
Flank areas
The hips
Inner or outer thighs
The upper arms
Back rolls
Chin-neck contour
The chest
Inner knee area

Good skin tone matters. If the skin is loose, liposuction alone may not be enough. A skin-tightening or skin removal procedure may be needed in that situation.

Mommy Makeover

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

A customized mommy makeover may involve:

Abdominoplasty
Mastopexy
Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
Reduction mammoplasty
Liposuction
Fat transfer

The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

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

An arm lift may address:

Hanging skin under the arms
Extra skin after major weight loss
Aging-related arm laxity
Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
Skin rubbing or irritation

The main trade-off is 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

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

Thigh lift surgery can help improve:

Extra inner thigh skin
Chafing from loose thigh skin
Trouble with pants fit
Heaviness from extra skin
Loose thigh skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss

Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and advanced cosmetic surgery where it is located.

Body Contouring Lift

Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

A body lift may be considered after:

Substantial weight loss
Bariatric surgery
Post-pregnancy body changes
Major loose skin from aging

A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.

Fat Transfer to the Body

Fat can be moved from one body area to another with fat grafting. It may be used to add natural volume or improve contour.

Patients may consider fat grafting for:

Breast shape
Buttock shape
Hip contour
Facial contour
Contour irregularities after surgery or injury

Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. 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 Improvement Treatment

Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. It may not erase the scar, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.

Patients may consider scar revision for:

Surgery-related scars
Scarring after an injury
Scars from burns
Thick scars
Restrictive scars
Scars that restrict motion

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. Some moles or lesions need proper medical review to make sure skin cancer is not present.

Removal may be considered for:

A lesion that gets irritated
Growth
Bleeding from the lesion
Cosmetic reasons
Medical diagnosis
Comfort in daily life

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

Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer

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

Skin cancer reconstruction may involve:

Simple direct closure
Skin graft reconstruction
Local tissue flaps
A more complex repair

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

Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options

Not every patient needs surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.

Neuromodulator Injections

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

BOTOX and neuromodulators may treat:

Glabellar frown lines
Forehead wrinkles
Crow’s feet
Nose bunny lines
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.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

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.

Fillers may treat:

Lip enhancement
Midface fullness
Chin
Jawline contour
Hollows beneath the eyes
Smile lines
Marionette lines

Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Too much filler can look unnatural, which makes conservative planning important.

Medical Chemical Peels

A chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.

Common chemical peel concerns include:

Uneven tone
A dull complexion
Fine lines
Skin changes from sun exposure
Mild marks from acne
Rough skin texture

Peels come in different strengths, from light to deeper options. The type of peel affects recovery time.

Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin

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
IPL, or intense pulsed light
Radiofrequency energy treatments
Skin tightening procedures
Laser treatment for unwanted hair
Laser treatment for small visible 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 and Light Skin Resurfacing

Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.

These treatments may help with:

Skin texture
Minor acne scarring
Dull-looking skin
An uneven skin surface
Fine surface lines

The right choice depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.

How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure

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.

For example:

A heavy upper eyelid look may come from extra eyelid skin, brow descent, or both.
A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
A full abdomen can be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
A flat breast shape may be treated with a breast lift, breast augmentation, fat grafting, or a combined plan.
Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.

A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:

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

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

Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. Patients often have questions about safety, discomfort, scarring, healing, cost, and whether results will look natural.

“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”

This is one of the most common patient concerns. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

For many patients, the goal is better balance, not a perfect or unrealistic look.

“What Is the Recovery Like?”

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, require more planning.

Patients should usually expect:

Post-surgery swelling and bruising
Temporary activity restrictions
Planned time away from work
Surgical follow-up care
Scar management
Slow return to workouts
Final results that develop over time

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

“Will I Have Scars?”

Surgery that involves an incision will create a scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.

Scar quality depends on:

Genetic healing patterns
Natural skin tone
Which procedure is done
Scar location
Pulling on the healing incision
Nicotine exposure
How much sun the scar gets
Post-surgery aftercare

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

“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”

Every operation has possible risks. Possible risks 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 health
Medications you take
Smoking or nicotine use
The planned procedure
The surgical facility
How anesthesia is managed
Surgeon training and experience
Follow-up after surgery

Benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations should all be discussed during a consultation.

Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations

Plastic surgery in Canada is guided by medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should understand the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.

Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.

Helpful questions include:

Are you certified in plastic surgery?
Are you licensed to perform surgery in this province?
Do you perform this procedure often?
Which surgical facility will be used?
Who provides anesthesia?
What risks apply to 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?

These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.

Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada

Plastic surgery pricing in Canada varies widely. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.

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

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

Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada

Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.

Medical tourism concerns may include:

Limited post-surgery follow-up
Travelling before healing is complete
Possible infection
Different medical standards
Difficulty accessing medical records
Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
Difficulty communicating clearly
Cost of revision surgery

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

Getting Ready for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

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

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.
Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
Ask about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.

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

Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines

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 good candidate if:

Your overall health is good
You know what concern you want to address
You are near a stable weight for body procedures
You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
You know what to expect during recovery
You accept the risks, scars, and trade-offs
The choice is based on your own goals
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.

Procedure Combinations in Plastic Surgery

Some procedures may be combined safely. Some procedures are safer when staged. A combined plan may save recovery time, but it also needs careful planning because surgery time and healing demands may increase.

Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:

Facelift and neck lift surgery
Eyelid surgery with brow lift
Nose surgery with chin surgery
Breast lift plus volume enhancement
Tummy tuck with liposuction
Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
Combining body lift with arm or thigh surgery
Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery

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

Understanding Your Plastic Surgery Options 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 help repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes may also be improved with non-surgical treatments.

The best procedure is not always the most popular one. 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. Before choosing eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, it helps to understand what each option can and cannot do.