Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

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

People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many personal goals. Some patients want a more natural-looking appearance. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Some people seek care after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The right procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.

Use this guide to understand the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

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

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.

Common cosmetic goals may include:

Refining facial balance
Improving visible signs of aging
Improving body shape
Restoring lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
Helping patients feel better in clothing
Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements

Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures

Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring 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 following tumour removal
Cleft lip or palate repair
Burn injury reconstruction
Hand surgery
Scar revision
Complex wound repair
Facial trauma reconstruction
Correction of congenital concerns

Provincial health plans may cover some reconstructive procedures when they are medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.

Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Face

Plastic surgery for the face can help improve balance, reduce visible aging, and create a more refreshed appearance. The goal is usually not to look “different.” The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.

Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)

Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. 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
Prominent smile lines
Sagging cheek tissue
Poor definition between the face and neck

Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.

Neck Lift Procedure (Platysmaplasty)

A neck lift is used to improve neck skin laxity, muscle bands, and under-chin fullness. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.

Neck lift surgery can help improve:

Visible neck bands
Loose neck skin
A jawline that looks less defined
A heavy area under the chin
A hanging neck appearance

For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. For patients with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction under the chin may help. The face and neck often change at the same time, so facelift and neck lift surgery may be combined.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

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

Upper eyelid surgery may help with:

Upper lids that feel heavy
Redundant upper eyelid skin
A more tired or older eye appearance
Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
Visual field concerns in some medical situations

Common lower eyelid concerns include:

Under-eye puffiness or bags
Lower eyelid puffiness
Extra skin below the eyes
Shadowing under the eyes
Tired-looking eyes that do not improve with rest

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

Brow Lift Procedure

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

Brow lift surgery can improve:

Brow descent
Heavy upper lids from brow descent
Forehead creases
Lines between the brows
An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern

A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. Some patients need only a brow lift or eyelid surgery, while others benefit from both procedures.

Nose Surgery Procedure (Rhinoplasty)

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

Nose surgery can address concerns such as:

A raised bridge bump
A lowered nose tip
A boxy nasal tip
A nose that looks crooked
Overall nose size or projection
An uneven-looking nose
Structural breathing concerns

When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. This is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.

Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery

The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. Otoplasty is often chosen for ears that stick out.

Otoplasty may help with:

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

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

Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. This space is called the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.

Common lip lift concerns include:

A longer upper lip
Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
A less visible upper lip
Poor balance between the upper and lower lips
Aging changes around the mouth

A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.

Chin, Cheek, and Jawline Implants

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

Facial implants may involve:

Implants for the chin
Surgical cheek implants
Implants for the jawline

Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.

Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.

Facial fat grafting may address:

Hollow cheeks
Hollows beneath the eyes
Lost facial volume due to aging
Soft tissue thinning
Facial volume imbalance

Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined 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 volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast 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. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.

Breast augmentation may help with:

Naturally smaller breast volume
Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
Less breast fullness after weight change
Breast size or shape imbalance
More fullness in bras or clothing

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

Breast Lift Surgery, Also Called Mastopexy

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.

A breast lift may address:

Breast sagging
Downward-pointing nipples
Areolas that have stretched
Extra breast skin
Post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight-loss breast changes

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 Surgery

Breast reduction surgery makes the breasts smaller and lighter by removing extra breast tissue, fat, and skin.

Breast reduction may address:

Neck pain
Shoulder discomfort
Pain in the back
Shoulder grooves from bra straps
Rashes under the breasts
Trouble exercising
Clothing fit challenges

In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.

Breast Implant Replacement or Removal

Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.

Patients may consider revision for:

A desire to change implant size
Implant rupture
Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
Implant position changes
Asymmetry between the breasts
Natural aging changes after breast implants
Breast implant removal

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

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may involve implants, natural tissue, or a combination.

The breast reconstruction process may involve:

Implant breast reconstruction
Reconstruction using tissue flaps
Nipple-areola reconstruction
Fat grafting for contour improvement
Surgery to refine breast symmetry

This can be a deeply personal choice. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Others choose to stay flat. Both options are valid.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

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

Patients may consider gynecomastia surgery for:

Puffy-looking nipples
Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
Chest fullness
Uneven shape across the male chest
Self-consciousness at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts

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

Plastic Surgery Procedures for Body Shape

Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.

Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, which are known as diastasis recti.

A tummy tuck may help with:

Extra abdominal skin
An overhang in the lower belly
Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
Diastasis recti
Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss

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

Surgical Liposuction

A cannula, which is a thin tube, is used in liposuction to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.

Patients may consider liposuction for:

Abdominal area
Love handles or flanks
Outer hip area
Inner or outer thighs
Upper arms
Back rolls
Under the chin and neck
Chest fullness
Fat around the knees

Good skin elasticity helps improve results. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.

Mommy Makeover Surgery

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

Common mommy makeover procedures include:

Abdominoplasty
Breast lift surgery
A breast augmentation procedure
Reduction mammoplasty
Surgical fat removal
Fat transfer for volume

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 right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

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

An arm lift may help with:

Hanging upper arm skin
Loose skin after weight loss
Aging-related arm laxity
Difficulty wearing sleeveless tops
Skin rubbing and irritation

Arm lift surgery leaves 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 Lift

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

Common thigh lift concerns include:

Sagging skin on the inner thighs
Skin rubbing
Trouble with pants fit
A heavy feeling from extra skin
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 After Weight Loss

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

A body lift may be considered after:

Significant weight loss
Post-bariatric body changes
Body changes related to pregnancy
Major loose skin from aging

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

Body Fat Grafting

Fat can be moved from one body area to another with fat grafting. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.

Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:

Breast contour
Buttocks
The hips
Facial soft tissue
Uneven contours after surgery or injury

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

Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures

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

Scar Revision

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.

Scar revision may help with:

Surgical scars
Injury-related scars
Burn injury scars
Scars that feel thick
Scars that limit comfort
Scars that affect range of motion

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

Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions

When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. A medical assessment may be needed for some lesions to rule out skin cancer.

Removal may be done for:

Irritated skin
A growing lesion
Recurrent bleeding
Cosmetic concern
Medical diagnosis
Relief from discomfort

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

Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedures

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

Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:

Direct surgical closure
Skin graft reconstruction
Local tissue flaps
Advanced reconstructive techniques

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

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

Not every patient requires surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments may 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.

Neuromodulator Injections

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

Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:

Expression lines between the brows
Lines across the forehead
Crow’s feet around the eyes
Bunny lines on the nose
Dimpling in the chin
Mild neck bands in certain cases

Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.

Dermal Filler Treatments

Dermal fillers restore or add volume. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.

Patients may consider fillers for:

Lip shape
Midface fullness
Chin contour
Lower-face contour
Tear trough hollowing
Nasolabial folds
Marionette 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 chemical solution to improve the outer layers of skin.

Patients may consider chemical peels for:

Uneven skin tone
Dull-looking skin
Fine surface lines
Skin changes from sun exposure
Mild post-acne marks
Surface texture issues

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

Laser and Energy Treatments for Skin

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

Common options may include:

Laser skin resurfacing
IPL skin treatment
Radiofrequency treatments
Treatments for mild skin laxity
Laser treatment for unwanted hair
Vascular laser treatment for redness or 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.

Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing

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

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:

Texture
Light scarring
Tired-looking skin
Uneven skin feel
Mild 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. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.

Examples include:

Upper lid heaviness may be related to eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
An undefined jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck muscle bands, fat, or the position of the chin.
A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
A flat breast appearance may require a lift, implants, fat grafting, or combined treatment.
Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.

The best plan usually starts with three questions:

What is creating the concern?
Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?

Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.

Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery

It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.

“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”

Many patients ask this question. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. Plastic surgery that looks natural should fit the patient’s facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.

Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.

“What Is the Recovery Like?”

Recovery depends on the procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.

Most patients should prepare for:

Swelling or bruising
Activity limits
A break from work
Surgical follow-up care
Scar healing support
Slow return to workouts
Final results that develop over time

Healing is not instant. The appearance often improves over time as swelling settles.

“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”

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

Scar quality depends on:

Genetic healing patterns
Your skin tone
Which procedure is done
The incision location
Tension along the incision
Smoking and vaping status
Sun exposure
Post-surgery aftercare

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

“How Safe Is 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.

Safety depends on many factors, including:

Your medical condition
Your medications
Nicotine or smoking use
The type of procedure
The facility where surgery is done
The type of 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.

Important Plastic Surgery Information for Canadian Patients

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.

Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

When researching plastic surgery in Canada, look for proper training and credentials. The cosmetic surgery near me 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 medicine in this province?
Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
Which surgical facility will be used?
What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
What complications should I understand for my situation?
Who do I contact if I have a complication?
How often will I be seen after surgery?
Can I see examples of similar cases?

These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about being informed.

Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada

Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.

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

A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.

Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery

Travelling abroad for lower-cost plastic surgery is something some Canadians consider. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.

Possible concerns with surgery abroad include:

Difficulty getting follow-up care
Flying or travelling soon after surgery
Infection-related complications
Medical standards that may differ
Difficulty accessing medical records
Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
Communication barriers
Cost of revision surgery

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

How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.

It helps to prepare before your consultation:

List your main concerns before the visit.
Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
Be ready to share your medical history.
Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
Bring photos if they help show 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. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

Plastic surgery candidates should usually be healthy, informed, and realistic. Plastic surgery can improve appearance, but good candidates know it cannot create perfection or solve every concern.

You may be ready for plastic surgery if:

You have good general health
You can explain a clear concern
Your weight has been stable before body surgery
You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
You know what to expect during recovery
You understand the risks and can accept them
You are choosing the procedure for yourself
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.

Procedure Combinations in Plastic Surgery

Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Some procedures are safer when staged. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.

Examples of combined procedures include:

A facelift with a neck lift
Eyelid surgery with brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Breast lift plus volume enhancement
Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
Mommy makeover surgery combinations
Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery

The safest plan depends on your 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 procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments can also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.

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

A thoughtful 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.