Across Canada, plastic surgery includes a wide range of procedures that can refine, repair, or support the face and body. When surgery is chosen mainly to enhance appearance, it is often called cosmetic surgery. When plastic surgery helps restore form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many different needs. For some people, the goal is to look more balanced. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The right procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.
This guide covers the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also reviews what to consider before booking a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures
Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. Elective cosmetic procedures are chosen by the patient and are not usually required for health reasons.
Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:
- Creating a more balanced face
- Softening signs of aging
- Improving body shape
- Replacing volume lost after weight change or pregnancy
- Enhancing areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping patients feel better in clothing
- Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements
In Canada, most cosmetic procedures are paid for privately. Pricing may change based on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, facility costs, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
In reconstructive plastic surgery, the focus is on restoring form, function, or both. Reconstructive procedures may be recommended after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
- Skin cancer reconstruction after removal of a tumour
- Cleft lip or palate repair
- Burn reconstruction
- Reconstructive hand surgery
- Scar revision
- Surgical wound repair
- Repair after facial trauma
- Congenital reconstruction
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Facial plastic surgery can improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and restore a refreshed look. The goal is often not to look “different.” The most pleasing results are often natural-looking and balanced.
Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery
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:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deep facial folds near the mouth
- Lowered cheek tissue
- Loss of definition between the face and neck
Today, facelift surgery often works on deeper support best cosmetic surgery layers below the skin. This may create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled appearance. A facelift can be part of a larger facial rejuvenation plan that includes a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift is used to improve neck skin laxity, muscle bands, and under-chin fullness. When the neck muscle is tightened, the procedure is called platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may address:
- Neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- An undefined jawline
- Fullness below the chin
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Other patients may benefit from 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 (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Patients may choose upper eyelid surgery for:
- Heaviness in the upper eyelids
- Excess eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
- Vision concerns in select medical cases
Common lower eyelid concerns include:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Lower eyelid puffiness
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- Shadowing beneath the lower lids
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
Many patients choose eyelid surgery because small improvements around the eyes can make the whole face look more awake and rested.
Brow Lift Surgery for a Heavy Brow
A forehead lift, commonly called a brow lift, helps lift a low or heavy brow. It can improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may address:
- Eyebrows that sit too low
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Forehead creases
- Frown lines between the brows
- An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern
Brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery are not the same procedure. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes 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. It may be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- A drooping nasal tip
- A wide or boxy tip
- A nose that looks crooked
- Nasal size or projection
- Nose asymmetry
- Breathing problems related to nasal structure
If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Otoplasty for Prominent Ears
Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. Otoplasty is often chosen for ears that stick out.
Otoplasty may help with:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Asymmetry between the ears
- Large ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit 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 shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. That space is often described as the upper lip length. By changing lip position, a lip lift can make the upper lip more visible without adding volume with filler.
Lip lift surgery can help improve:
- A lengthened upper lip area
- Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Poor balance between the upper and lower lips
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Lip filler mainly adds fullness. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
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.
Facial implant options may include:
- Chin implants
- Surgical cheek implants
- Jawline implants
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Fat Transfer for Facial Volume
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. Areas such as the abdomen or thighs are often used as the fat source before the fat is processed and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may address:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Age-related facial volume loss
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Reduced facial harmony
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts
Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape 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 filled with saline or silicone gel. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Breast augmentation may address:
- Naturally smaller breast volume
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Breast volume loss after weight change
- Breasts that do not match well
- A desire for more breast fullness in clothing
A common concern is whether breast augmentation will look too large or unnatural. A careful surgical 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. It does not mainly add volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Breasts that sag
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Areola stretching
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
A lift and implants may be combined to improve position and add upper breast fullness. Other patients prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Common breast reduction concerns include:
- Neck discomfort
- Shoulder discomfort
- Back discomfort
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Skin irritation under the breasts
- Limited comfort during physical activity
- Problems with clothing fit
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision
Breast implant revision surgery is used to change, adjust, or replace current breast implants. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.
Common reasons include:
- Wanting smaller or larger implants
- Rupture of an implant
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- An implant that has shifted
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Aging changes after breast augmentation
- Breast implant removal
A breast lift may be done when implants are removed. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
The breast reconstruction process may involve:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Flap-based reconstruction
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Breast fat grafting
- Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. For some patients, reconstruction feels right. Other people prefer to remain flat. Both choices are valid.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Gynecomastia surgery is used to reduce enlarged male breast tissue. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Nipple puffiness
- Fullness under the areola
- Extra chest volume
- Uneven male chest shape
- Feeling self-conscious at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
A surgeon chooses the technique based on whether the chest fullness is due to fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or more than one factor.
Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra 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
- A lower belly overhang
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Changes after pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. A tummy tuck is most suitable for patients at a stable weight who want a flatter, better-shaped abdomen.
Liposuction for Body Contouring
Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- Abdomen
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Outer hip area
- Thigh areas
- Arm fullness
- Back fullness
- Chin and neck
- Chest fullness
- The knees
Good skin tone matters. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.
Customized Mommy Makeover
Body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change may be treated with a custom mommy makeover plan. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.
A mommy makeover may include:
- Tummy tuck
- A breast lift procedure
- Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Surgical fat removal
- Fat transfer for volume
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It may be suitable for anyone with similar body changes. The best plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Arm Lift Surgery, Also Called Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty, commonly called an arm lift, removes extra skin from the upper arms.
An arm lift may help with:
- Loose hanging skin on the upper arms
- Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Avoiding sleeveless clothing
- Skin rubbing or irritation
The improved arm shape comes with a scar along the inner or back portion of the arm. Many patients feel the improved arm contour is worth the scar, but careful discussion is important.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is used to remove loose skin and improve thigh shape. It is often considered after major weight loss.
Patients may consider a thigh lift for:
- Inner thigh skin laxity
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Pants that do not fit well
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
Several surgical patterns are available for thigh lift surgery. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.
Body Lift Surgery
A body lift removes extra loose skin around the lower body. It may improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- Large weight loss
- Surgery for weight loss
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Aging with major skin laxity
This is a more involved surgery with a longer recovery. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Body Fat Grafting
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. It can be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Body fat grafting can involve:
- Breast contour
- Buttock volume
- Hips
- The face
- Contour irregularities after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Results can change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Scar Revision
Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Scarring after surgery
- Scars from injury
- Scarring after burns
- Thickened scars
- Tight scars
- Scars that restrict motion
Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be considered for:
- Ongoing irritation
- A growing lesion
- Bleeding from the lesion
- 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.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
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.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- A direct closure
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Moving nearby tissue with a local flap
- 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
Not every patient requires surgery. For some patients, non-surgical treatments help soften early aging signs, facial lines, volume loss, and skin concerns. Non-surgical care often means less recovery time, but the results are usually temporary.
Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
Common neuromodulator treatment areas include:
- Glabellar frown lines
- Forehead wrinkles
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Bunny lines on the nose
- Dimpling in the chin
- Neck bands in some cases
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Facial Fillers
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lip enhancement
- The cheeks
- Chin projection
- Lower-face contour
- Under-eye volume loss
- Smile line folds
- Marionette folds
Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Medical Chemical Peels
The outer layers of skin can be improved with a chemical peel using a controlled solution.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Patchy skin tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Early fine lines
- Skin changes from sun exposure
- Light acne marks
- Texture concerns
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. The type of peel affects recovery time.
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.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Laser resurfacing
- IPL, or intense pulsed light
- Radiofrequency-based treatments
- Treatments for mild skin laxity
- Laser hair reduction
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels
The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.
Common concerns include:
- Surface texture
- Surface-level scars
- Skin dullness
- Surface irregularity
- Mild 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 come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Heavy upper lids may 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 may be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may need a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye bags can be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A good treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is creating the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
Those 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. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural-looking results.
“Will the Result Still Look Like Me?”
This is a very common worry. Many patients want to look refreshed rather than changed. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
Recovery depends on the procedure. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Bruising and swelling
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Follow-up visits
- Care for scars
- Slow return to workouts
- Final results that develop over time
Recovery does not happen instantly. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
Many factors affect scar quality, including:
- How your body naturally scars
- Skin colour and tone
- The kind of surgery performed
- Where the incision is placed
- Tension along the incision
- Smoking status
- Sun protection during healing
- How the scar is cared for
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
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:
- The patient’s health
- Medications you take
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- Which surgery is performed
- The accredited surgical setting
- The anesthesia approach
- The surgeon’s skill, training, and experience
- Your follow-up care
A careful consultation should include benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery
Canadian plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. It is important to understand the difference between marketing language and recognized medical training.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, look for proper training and credentials. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in plastic surgery.
Important consultation questions include:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- What facility will be used for the procedure?
- Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
- What risks apply to my specific case?
- How are complications handled?
- What follow-up care is included?
- Can I see examples of similar cases?
This is not about being difficult. It is about protecting your health and making an informed decision.
What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada
The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Pricing may depend on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
In major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, fees may be higher because of overhead and demand. Smaller cities may have different fees, 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 Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada
Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Less access to follow-up care
- Flying or travelling soon after surgery
- Possible infection
- Different facility or safety standards
- Harder access to records
- Difficulty finding care for complications at home
- Language or translation issues
- Revision surgery costs
Having surgery closer to home may make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Prepare your medication and supplement list.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help show your goals.
- Discuss recovery, scarring, risks, and other options.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
Plastic surgery candidates should usually be healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
Good candidate signs include:
- You are in good general health
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
- You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand the recovery process
- You accept the risks, scars, and trade-offs
- You are choosing the procedure for yourself
- You have realistic goals
It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Certain procedures can be safely combined. 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:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Upper facial rejuvenation with eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Nose surgery with chin surgery
- Breast lift plus volume enhancement
- Combining tummy tuck and liposuction
- Mommy makeover surgery combinations
- Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
- Facial surgery combined with fat grafting
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada
Canadian plastic surgery includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Others repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Injectable and skin treatments may help with wrinkles, volume loss, texture concerns, and early signs of aging.
The most popular procedure is not always the best fit. The right option should match your 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.