Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

Plastic surgery is a broad field with surgical options that can improve, restore, or change areas of the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to improve appearance. When plastic surgery helps repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.

There are many goals why people in Canada search for plastic surgery. Many patients simply want to look more rested. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The best procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and available recovery time.

This page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also explains what to think about before booking a consultation.

The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Canada

Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. These procedures are usually elective, which means they are planned by choice and are not medically required.

Common cosmetic goals may include:

Improving facial balance
Improving visible signs of aging
Creating a more balanced body shape
Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Supporting a better fit in clothing
Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking

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

What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?

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

Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:

Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
Cleft lip and palate repair
Reconstruction after burns
Hand repair surgery
Surgical scar revision
Repair of wounds
Reconstruction after facial trauma
Congenital difference repair

Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. In many cases, the goal is not a dramatic change. The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.

Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery

Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. Patients may choose facelift surgery for jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds near the mouth.

A facelift may address:

Jowls along the jawline
Sagging skin in the lower face
Deeper folds around the mouth
Descent of cheek tissue
Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck

Modern facelift surgery often treats deeper support layers below 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 Procedure (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:

Muscle bands in the neck
Extra neck skin
Reduced jawline sharpness
Submental fullness
A “turkey neck” look

In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. Others 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.

Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery

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

Upper blepharoplasty may help with:

A weighted upper eyelid look
Redundant upper eyelid skin
An aged or fatigued look
Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
Functional vision concerns in some patients

Common lower eyelid concerns include:

Under-eye puffiness or bags
Puffiness beneath the eyes
Lower eyelid skin laxity
Under-eye shadowing
A fatigued look that remains after sleep

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

Forehead Lift and Brow Lift Surgery

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

Common brow lift concerns include:

Brow descent
Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
Forehead creases
Frown lines in the glabella area
A heavy expression that seems tired or stern

Although they can affect a similar area, 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.

Nose Surgery (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 bump on the bridge
A lowered nose tip
Tip width or boxiness
A nose that looks crooked
Nose size or projection
An uneven-looking nose
Airflow issues caused by nasal structure

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

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.

Otoplasty may help with:

Ears that sit far from the head
Uneven ears
Prominent ear cartilage folds
Ears that sit far from the head
Stretched or uneven earlobes

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

A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. The distance is called the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.

Lip lift surgery can help improve:

Upper lip length that looks long
Limited upper tooth show when smiling
An upper lip that looks thin
Lip imbalance
Changes around the mouth from aging

A lip lift is different from lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.

Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline

Facial implants may improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. A chin implant may be considered when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.

Facial implants may involve:

Chin augmentation implants
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 Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to restore volume. Fat is usually taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.

Facial fat grafting may address:

Hollow cheeks
Hollowing under the eyes
Lost facial volume due to aging
Thin facial soft tissue
Facial volume imbalance

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

Common Breast Surgery Options

In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Breast plastic surgery can address volume, size, position, symmetry, and reconstruction after cancer surgery.

Breast Enlargement Surgery

Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. The right implant option is based on body type, breast tissue, goals, and professional surgical guidance.

Patients may consider breast augmentation for:

Naturally smaller breast volume
Less breast fullness after pregnancy
Volume loss after weight change
Uneven breast size or shape
A desire for more breast fullness in clothing

Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.

Breast Lift Surgery, Also Called Mastopexy

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. It does not primarily add volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.

Patients may consider a breast lift for:

Lower breast position
Downward-pointing nipples
Areolas that have stretched
Extra breast skin
Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

A breast lift may be combined with implants when more upper breast fullness is desired. Others prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.

Breast Reduction for Comfort and Shape

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

Breast reduction may address:

Pain in the neck
Shoulder strain
Upper back pain
Shoulder grooves from bra straps
Under-breast skin irritation
Problems staying active
Difficulty finding clothing that fits

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

Breast Implant Revision Procedure

Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. It may be done for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.

Common breast implant revision concerns include:

Wanting smaller or larger implants
Rupture of an implant
Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
Breast implant movement
Breast asymmetry
Aging changes after breast augmentation
Breast implant removal

Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

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

Types of breast reconstruction may include:

Reconstruction using implants
Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
Nipple and areola reconstruction
Breast fat grafting
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

This can be a deeply personal choice. Some patients want reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both options are valid.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)

Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.

Common gynecomastia concerns include:

Fullness around the nipples
Extra tissue under the areola
Extra chest volume
Male chest asymmetry
Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts

Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.

Body Plastic Surgery Procedures

Body contouring procedures can improve shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, 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 help with:

Loose abdominal skin
A lower abdominal overhang
Stretch-marked lower belly skin
Separated abdominal muscles
Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss

A tummy tuck should not be viewed as weight-loss surgery. A tummy tuck is most suitable for patients at a stable weight who want a flatter, better-shaped abdomen.

Liposuction Surgery

Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.

Common liposuction areas include:

Stomach area
Love handles or flanks
Hips
The thighs
Upper arm area
Back fullness
Under the chin and neck
The chest
Fat around the knees

Good skin elasticity helps improve results. 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 Procedure

Body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change may be treated with a custom mommy makeover plan. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.

A mommy makeover aesthetic transformation can include:

Abdominoplasty
Surgical breast lifting
Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
Reduction mammoplasty
Body contouring with liposuction
Fat transfer for volume

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

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

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

An arm lift may address:

Loose hanging skin on the upper arms
Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
Age-related changes in the arms
Difficulty wearing sleeveless tops
Skin rubbing or irritation

The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. For many patients, better shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.

Common thigh lift concerns include:

Loose inner thigh skin
Skin friction between the thighs
Trouble with pants fit
Heaviness in the thighs from loose skin
Changes after bariatric surgery or weight loss

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

Body Lift

A body lift removes extra loose skin around the lower body. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.

A body lift may be chosen after:

A major weight change
Surgery for weight loss
Post-pregnancy body changes
Major loose skin from aging

This is a more involved surgery with a longer recovery. Patients should have a stable weight and good overall health.

Fat Transfer to the Body

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 treatment areas include:

Breasts
Buttock shape
Hip contour
Face
Surface irregularities after surgery or injury

Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but not all transferred fat survives. Results may change over time, and more than one session may be needed.

Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments

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

Surgical Scar Revision

The look or feel of a scar 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 surgery can help improve:

Surgery-related scars
Scars from injury
Burn injury scars
Raised or thick scars
Scars that limit comfort
Scars that affect range of motion

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

Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions

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

Common reasons for removal include:

Irritation
Growth
A lesion that bleeds
Concern about how it looks
A need for diagnosis
Comfort in daily life

If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.

Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer

When skin cancer is removed, plastic surgery reconstruction may help close the area and restore appearance. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:

A direct closure
Using a skin graft
A local flap
More advanced reconstruction

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

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Not every patient needs surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments may help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually temporary.

Neuromodulator Injections

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

Patients may consider neuromodulators for:

Frown lines between the brows
Forehead wrinkles
Crow’s feet
Small nose wrinkles
Peau d’orange chin texture
Mild neck bands in certain cases

Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers may improve facial volume and contour. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.

Patients may consider fillers for:

Lip shape
Cheek volume
Chin
Jawline definition
Hollows beneath the eyes
Lines from the nose to the mouth
Mouth-corner lines

Product choice, technique, anatomy, and goals all affect filler results. Too much filler can look unnatural, which makes conservative planning important.

Chemical Peel Treatments

Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.

Common chemical peel concerns include:

Uneven skin tone
A dull complexion
Mild lines
Visible sun damage
Light acne marks
Uneven texture

Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.

Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures

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

Laser and energy-based options may include:

Skin laser resurfacing
Intense pulsed light treatment
RF skin treatments
Energy-based skin tightening
Laser-based hair reduction
Laser treatment for small visible vessels

These treatments should be matched to the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.

Skin Resurfacing With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a deeper skin resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.

These resurfacing treatments can improve:

Rough texture
Light scarring
Dull-looking skin
An uneven skin surface
Fine lines

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

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure

A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.

Examples include:

Heavy upper lids can be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
An undefined jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck muscle bands, fat, or the position of the chin.
A full abdomen can be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
Flat-looking breasts may be improved with 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 clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:

What is creating the concern?
Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
What benefits and limits come with that procedure?

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

Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.

“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”

This concern comes up often. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. Good plastic surgery should respect the patient’s natural features, body frame, age, and style.

The goal is usually to improve balance, not 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. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.

Plastic surgery recovery often involves:

Temporary swelling and bruising
Temporary activity restrictions
Planned time away from work
Follow-up appointments
Scar management
Gradual return to exercise
A result that improves as swelling settles

Healing takes time. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.

“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”

Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. The goal is to place scars as carefully as possible and help them heal well.

Scar quality depends on:

Family scar tendencies
Skin tone
The kind of surgery performed
Placement of the incision
Tension on the wound
Smoking status
Sun exposure
Scar aftercare

A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.

“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.

Surgical safety depends on several factors, including:

The patient’s health
Medication use
Whether you smoke or use nicotine
The planned procedure
The accredited surgical setting
The planned anesthesia
The qualifications of the surgeon
Your follow-up care

During consultation, patients should learn about 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.

Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

When researching plastic surgery in Canada, look for proper training and credentials. Plastic surgeons should be trained in medicine, surgery, and the specialty of plastic surgery.

Patients should ask:

Are you certified in plastic surgery?
Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
Do you perform this procedure often?
Where will the procedure take place?
Who manages anesthesia during the procedure?
What complications should I understand for my situation?
What is the plan if there is a complication?
What does post-operative follow-up include?
Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?

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

Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada

The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. 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. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.

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

Choosing Surgery in Canada vs. Abroad

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

Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:

Difficulty getting follow-up care
Travel soon after surgery
Risk of infection
Different health care standards
Challenges getting procedure records
Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
Possible language barriers
Cost of revision surgery

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

Plastic Surgery Consultation Preparation

A plastic surgery consultation helps clarify what is possible, safe, and realistic for your case. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.

Before your visit, it helps to prepare:

Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
Share your health and medical history honestly.
Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
Reference photos can be helpful if they explain your goals.
Ask questions about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.

A helpful consultation should explain your options clearly. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.

You may be a suitable candidate if:

Your overall health is good
You have a specific concern
You are at a stable weight for body contouring
You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
You are prepared for the recovery process
You understand the risks and can accept them
You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
Your expectations are realistic

A safer plan may involve waiting if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing unstable health, or feeling pressured.

Planning More Than One Plastic Surgery Procedure

Some procedures can be combined safely. 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.

Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:

A facelift with a neck lift
Blepharoplasty with brow lift
Nose surgery with chin surgery
Breast lift with augmentation
Tummy tuck with liposuction
A customized mommy makeover
Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
Facial surgery with fat grafting

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

Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada

Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Some procedures restore 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.

A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.

A good 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.