Common Types of Plastic Surgery in Canada

Plastic surgery is a broad field with treatments that can enhance, rebuild, or adjust areas of the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to enhance appearance. Other procedures are reconstructive, meaning they help restore form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.

Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many individual goals. Many patients simply want to look more refreshed. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Other patients need help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time all help guide the right procedure.

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. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

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

What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.

Common reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:

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

Across Canada, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually paid for by the patient. Costs may vary based on the procedure, surgeon, surgical facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring normal form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.

Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
Skin cancer reconstruction after skin cancer excision
Cleft lip and palate repair
Burn scar reconstruction
Hand repair surgery
Surgical scar revision
Wound reconstruction
Repair after facial trauma
Congenital reconstruction

Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Changes done only for cosmetic reasons 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. The goal is often not to look “different.” The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.

Facelift Surgery for the Lower Face

Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.

Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:

Softness or jowling at the jawline
Skin laxity in the lower face
Prominent smile lines
Drooping cheek tissue
Less clear separation between the face and neck

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

Neck Lift Surgery (Platysmaplasty)

Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. The medical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.

Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:

Visible neck bands
Loose skin on the neck
A soft or undefined jawline
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. A facelift and neck lift are often planned together because the face and neck commonly age as a unit.

Eyelid Surgery, Also Called Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.

Upper eyelid surgery may help with:

Heaviness in the upper eyelids
Extra skin on the upper eyelids
A tired or aged look
Upper eyelid skin that touches the lashes
Vision concerns in some medical cases

Lower blepharoplasty may help with:

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

Blepharoplasty is common because even subtle changes around the eyes can make the face look more rested.

Brow Lift Procedure

Brow lift surgery, or a forehead lift, is used to raise a low or heavy brow. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.

Common brow lift concerns include:

Low or drooping eyebrows
Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
Horizontal forehead lines
Frown lines in the glabella area
A heavy expression that seems tired or stern

Brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery are not the same procedure. Eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift treats the position of the eyebrows. Some patients need only a brow lift or eyelid surgery, while others benefit from both procedures.

Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing

Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.

Common rhinoplasty concerns include:

A bump along the bridge of the nose
A lowered nose tip
A broad or boxy tip
A nose that is not straight
The size or projection of the nose
Nasal asymmetry
Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy

Structural breathing issues may require 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 or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. It is often used to correct ears that stick out.

Ear surgery can help improve:

Noticeably prominent ears
Ears that do not match well
Large cartilage folds in the ears
Ears positioned far from the head
Earlobe shape concerns

Otoplasty is common in adults and children. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, 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. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.

A lip lift may help with:

A lengthened upper lip area
Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
A thin-looking upper lip
Poor lip balance
Age-related changes around the mouth

A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.

Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery

Implants can be used to improve facial 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.

Common facial implant procedures include:

Surgical chin implants
Surgical cheek implants
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

With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. Areas such as the abdomen or thighs are often used as the fat source before the fat is processed and placed into the face.

Fat grafting to the face can help improve:

Hollow cheeks
Hollowing under the eyes
Facial volume loss from aging
Soft tissue thinning
Reduced facial harmony

Depending on the goal, fat grafting may be used alone or as part of a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedure.

Types of Breast Plastic Surgery

In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.

Breast Enlargement Surgery

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

Common breast augmentation goals include:

Breasts that are naturally small
Lost breast volume following pregnancy
Volume loss after weight change
Breast size or shape imbalance
A fuller look in clothing

Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. A natural-looking plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.

Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.

Breast lift surgery can help improve:

Dropped breasts
Nipples that point downward
Enlarged or stretched areolas
Breast skin laxity
Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

Some patients choose 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:

Neck strain
Heavy shoulder pressure
Pain in the back
Grooves from bra straps
Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
Difficulty exercising
Problems with clothing fit

Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.

Breast Implant Replacement or Removal

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

Breast implant revision may be needed for:

Desire to change implant size
Implant rupture
Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
Implant shifting
Breast size or shape imbalance
Natural aging changes after breast implants
Breast implant removal

Some patients choose to remove implants and have 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. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction options may include:

Implant breast reconstruction
Natural tissue flap reconstruction
Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
Fat grafting for contour improvement
Revision surgery to improve symmetry

Choosing reconstruction is deeply personal. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both options are valid.

Male Chest Reduction Surgery

Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. The procedure may use liposuction, gland removal, or both methods.

Common gynecomastia concerns include:

Puffy nipples
Extra tissue under the areola
Fullness in the chest
Uneven shape across the male chest
Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing 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 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

Extra abdominal skin and a weakened abdominal wall may be improved with a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.

Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:

Extra abdominal skin
A hanging lower abdomen
Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
Separated abdominal muscles
Abdominal changes after pregnancy or weight loss

A tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight-loss procedure. The best candidates are often near a stable weight and want better abdominal contour.

Fat Reduction With Liposuction

Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. Liposuction is meant for body contouring, not overall weight loss.

Patients may consider liposuction for:

Belly area
Flank areas
The hips
Thigh contours
Arm fullness
Back rolls
The chin and neck
Male or female chest area
The knees

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

Mommy Makeover Procedure

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

A customized mommy makeover may involve:

A tummy tuck procedure
Breast lift
Surgical breast enhancement
Breast reduction surgery
Body contouring with liposuction
Fat grafting for contouring

Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. It is for anyone with similar body changes. The facial and body plastic surgery best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.

Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin

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

Arm lift surgery can help improve:

Hanging upper arm skin
Loose skin after weight loss
Aging changes in the arms
Avoiding sleeveless clothing
Skin rubbing and irritation

The 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.

Inner Thigh Lift

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

Common thigh lift concerns include:

Loose skin on the inner thighs
Rubbing in the inner thighs
Pants that do not fit well
Heaviness from extra skin
Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery

Different thigh lift incision patterns may be used. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.

Body Lift

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

Patients may consider a body lift after:

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

This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.

Fat Transfer to the Body

With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area and placed in another. The goal may be natural volume, smoother contour, or both.

Patients may consider fat grafting for:

Breast shape
Buttock contour
Hip volume
The face
Contour irregularities 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.

Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns

Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.

Surgical Scar Revision

A scar that is raised, tight, wide, or noticeable may be improved with scar revision. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.

Common scar revision concerns include:

Post-surgical scars
Scars from injury
Scarring after burns
Bulky scars
Tight scars
Scars that affect range of motion

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

Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions

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:

Ongoing irritation
A lesion that is getting larger
Bleeding or crusting
Concern about how it looks
Diagnostic testing
Comfort in daily life

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

Skin Cancer Repair and Reconstruction

Skin cancer reconstruction can help close the treated area and restore appearance after cancer removal. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:

Direct closure
A skin graft
Local flaps
A more complex repair

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

Injectable and Skin Treatments

Surgery is not needed for every patient. 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.

BOTOX and Neuromodulators

BOTOX and other neuromodulators work by relaxing selected facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.

Common treatment areas include:

Expression lines between the brows
Horizontal forehead lines
Crow’s feet
Small nose wrinkles
Dimpling in the chin
Neck bands for some patients

Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. Most patients want a softer, rested look rather than a frozen face.

Dermal Filler Treatments

Dermal fillers restore or add volume. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.

Dermal fillers may treat:

Lip shape
Cheeks
The chin
The jawline
Under-eye hollowing
Lines from the nose to the mouth
Marionette folds

Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.

Medical Chemical Peels

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

Patients may consider chemical peels for:

Uneven skin tone
Dull-looking skin
Small fine lines
Sun-damaged skin
Mild post-acne marks
Rough skin texture

Chemical peels can range from light treatments to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on the type of peel.

Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments

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

Common examples include:

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

A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.

Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion

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

Common concerns include:

Skin texture
Light scarring
Skin dullness
An uneven skin surface
Small fine lines

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

How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure

Choosing the right procedure begins with the concern, not the procedure name. Many patients ask for one treatment and later learn that another option better matches their anatomy.

For example:

Upper lid heaviness may be related to eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
A full abdomen can be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.

A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:

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

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

What Patients Often Worry About Before Surgery

Most patients feel a mix of emotions before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.

“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”

Many patients ask this question. 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.

“How Long Is the Recovery?”

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

Plastic surgery recovery often involves:

Swelling or bruising
Temporary activity restrictions
Time off work
Appointments after surgery
Scar healing support
A gradual return to exercise
A result that improves as swelling settles

Surgical healing is gradual. Many procedures look better over weeks and months.

“How Noticeable Will Scars Be?”

A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.

Scar quality depends on:

Your genetics
Natural skin tone
The kind of surgery performed
Placement of the incision
How much tension is on the wound
Smoking and vaping status
Sun protection during healing
Post-surgery aftercare

Most scars fade with time, but they do not fully disappear.

“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”

No surgery is completely risk-free. Plastic surgery risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia concerns, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction.

A safe procedure depends on factors such as:

Your medical condition
Your medications
Smoking or nicotine use
The procedure being done
The facility where surgery is done
The type of anesthesia
The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
Care after the procedure

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

Plastic Surgery in Canada, What Patients Should Know

In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should understand the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.

Plastic Surgeon Credentials 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.

Patients should ask:

Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
Where will the procedure take place?
Who provides anesthesia?
What complications should I understand for my situation?
How are complications handled?
How many follow-up appointments are included?
Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?

These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.

Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing

The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. 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. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.

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

Medical Tourism Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada

Travelling abroad for lower-cost plastic surgery is something some Canadians consider. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.

Concerns with medical tourism may include:

Limited follow-up care
Flying or travelling soon after surgery
Risk of infection
Medical standards that may differ
Challenges getting procedure records
Difficulty finding care for complications at home
Language barriers
Cost of revision surgery

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

Getting Ready for a Plastic Surgery Consultation

A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.

Before a consultation, consider preparing in these ways:

Make notes about your main concerns.
Bring details about prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Share your medical history.
Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
If photos make your goals clearer, bring them to the consultation.
Ask about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
Talk about realistic results based on your body or face.

A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.

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 good candidate if:

You are generally healthy
You have a specific concern
Your weight has been stable before body surgery
You can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
You are prepared for the recovery process
You understand and accept the trade-offs
Your decision is for you, not someone else
You understand what is realistic

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

Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures

Certain procedures can be safely combined. Other procedures should be staged. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.

Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:

Combining facelift and neck lift
Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
Mastopexy with augmentation
Tummy tuck with liposuction
Mommy makeover procedures
Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
Facial surgery combined with fat grafting

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

Final Thoughts on Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada

In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Many cosmetic procedures focus on the face, breasts, or body. Others repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical cosmetic options can help soften wrinkles, restore volume, improve texture, and address 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.

A responsible approach should be built around 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.