Plastic surgery is a broad field with treatments that can improve, rebuild, or adjust areas of the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to enhance how a person looks. Reconstructive procedures are used to help rebuild form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Canadians may look into plastic surgery for many needs. Many patients simply want to look more rested. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time all help guide the right procedure.
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 medical aesthetics reviews what to consider before booking a consultation.
The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.
Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:
- Refining facial balance
- Softening signs of aging
- Improving body shape
- Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes
Across Canada, cosmetic plastic surgery is usually paid for by the patient. 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. Patients may need reconstructive surgery after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common types of reconstructive surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Burn reconstruction
- Hand repair surgery
- Scar treatment and revision
- Complex wound repair
- Surgery for facial trauma repair
- Congenital reconstruction
Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Purely cosmetic changes are usually paid for privately.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
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 best results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift or rhytidectomy can improve loose tissue in the lower face and jawline. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.
Common facelift concerns include:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Deep smile lines
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- A blurred face and neck transition
Today, facelift surgery often works on deeper support layers below the skin. This can create a smoother, longer-lasting result without a pulled look. A facelift can be part of a larger facial rejuvenation plan that includes a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
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.
Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:
- Muscle bands in the neck
- Sagging neck skin
- An undefined jawline
- Fullness below the chin
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. Others may benefit from liposuction under the chin. Because the face and neck often age together, a facelift and neck lift may be planned together.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Tired-looking eyes may be improved with eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, by adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery may help with:
- Heavy upper eyelids
- Excess eyelid skin
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Functional vision concerns in some patients
Lower blepharoplasty may help with:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Extra skin below the eyes
- Under-eye shadowing
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small eye-area changes can make the face look more rested.
Brow Lift Surgery for a Heavy Brow
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. This can help improve the upper eye area and ease a heavy forehead look.
A brow lift may help with:
- Brow descent
- A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
- Forehead wrinkles
- Frown lines in the glabella area
- A tired, sad, or stern look
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery. The eyelids and brows are different structures, so eyelid surgery treats extra eyelid skin and a brow lift treats brow position. Many patients need one or the other, and some benefit from both.
Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty
A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A bump on the bridge
- Tip droop
- A broad or boxy tip
- A crooked nasal shape
- Nasal size or projection
- Nose asymmetry
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
When breathing is part of the concern, the procedure may include work on the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils. That procedure is known as septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Ear Surgery Procedure (Otoplasty)
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.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Ear asymmetry
- Large cartilage folds in the ears
- Ears that project away from the head
- Earlobe appearance concerns
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. 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 is designed to shorten the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. The procedure can make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
Patients may consider a lip lift for:
- A longer upper lip
- Less visible upper teeth when smiling
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Poor lip balance
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. Lip lift surgery adjusts the position and shape of the upper lip.
Chin, Jawline, and Facial 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.
Facial implant options may include:
- Implants for the chin
- Cheek implant surgery
- Jawline implant surgery
In some cases, chin surgery is combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin both affect facial balance in profile view.
Fat Transfer for Facial Volume
Facial fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to restore volume. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Hollows in the cheeks
- Tear trough hollowing
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Facial imbalance
Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Some patients want more volume, less size, a breast lift, better symmetry, or breast restoration 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. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may address:
- Naturally small breasts
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Weight-related breast volume loss
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- A desire for more breast fullness in clothing
Some patients feel nervous about results that may look too large or unnatural. A careful plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. A lift changes position and shape rather than mainly adding volume. A breast lift is designed to improve where the breasts sit and how they are shaped.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Dropped breasts
- Nipples that face downward
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Breast skin laxity
- Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
A breast lift may be combined with implants when more upper breast fullness is desired. For a natural result without added implant volume, some patients choose a breast lift alone.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction surgery can help improve:
- Chronic neck pain
- Shoulder discomfort
- Back pain
- Grooves from bra straps
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Trouble exercising
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.
Common reasons include:
- A desire to change implant size
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- An implant that has moved out of position
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Some patients choose implant removal with a lift. Others choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery
The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Types of breast reconstruction may include:
- Implant-supported breast reconstruction
- Flap-based reconstruction
- Nipple-areola reconstruction
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Revision surgery to improve symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some patients want reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both options are valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged breast tissue in men. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Nipple puffiness
- Extra tissue beneath the areola
- A fuller male chest
- A chest that looks uneven
- Concern about the chest in fitted shirts, at the gym, or at the beach
The best technique depends on whether the fullness is caused by fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these.
Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring surgery improves shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, can also be repaired during the procedure.
Tummy tuck surgery can help improve:
- Extra abdominal skin
- An overhang in the lower belly
- Stretch-marked skin under the belly button
- Diastasis recti
- Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck should not be viewed as weight-loss surgery. The best candidates are often near a stable weight and want better abdominal contour.
Liposuction Surgery
A cannula, which is a thin tube, is used in liposuction to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- The abdomen
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Outer hip area
- Thigh areas
- Upper arm area
- Back fullness
- Chin and neck
- Chest
- Inner knee area
Firm, elastic skin is important. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is a customized plan for 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
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction surgery
- Fat grafting
The term can be misleading, since a mommy makeover is not only for 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 Surgery, Also Called Brachioplasty
An arm lift or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
Arm lift surgery can help improve:
- Hanging skin under the arms
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Chafing from upper arm skin
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 Contouring Surgery
Thigh lift surgery improves thigh contour by removing loose skin. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.
Patients may consider a thigh lift for:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Poor fit in pants
- Heaviness from extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or weight loss
There are several thigh lift patterns. The right option depends on how much skin needs to be removed and where the looseness is located.
Lower Body Lift
Loose skin around the lower body can be removed with a body lift. Body lift surgery can reshape the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- Significant weight loss
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Pregnancy-related body changes
- Age-related skin laxity
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.
Fat Grafting to the Body
Fat grafting transfers fat from one area of the body to another. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.
Patients may consider fat grafting for:
- The breasts
- Buttock contour
- Hip volume
- Facial contour
- Contour irregularities after surgery or injury
Fat grafting uses your own tissue, but some transferred fat may not survive. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures
Plastic surgeons may also treat scars, skin surface concerns, and soft tissue issues.
Scar Revision Surgery
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
- Scarring after an injury
- Scars from burns
- Scars that feel thick
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that restrict motion
Treatment may involve surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal
Benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps may be removed by plastic surgeons when a precise closure is needed. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Irritated skin
- A growing lesion
- A lesion that bleeds
- Appearance concerns
- A need for diagnosis
- Comfort
A qualified medical professional should assess any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion.
Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer
Reconstruction may be needed after skin cancer removal to close the area and restore appearance. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:
- A direct closure
- Using a skin graft
- Local flaps
- More complex reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. For some patients, non-surgical treatments help soften early aging signs, facial lines, volume loss, and skin concerns. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.
Patients may consider neuromodulators for:
- Frown lines
- Forehead expression lines
- Crow’s feet
- Small nose wrinkles
- Chin texture from muscle movement
- Neck muscle bands in some situations
The results do not last forever and usually need maintenance treatments. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. Dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that supports and shapes soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lip volume
- The cheeks
- Chin
- Lower-face contour
- Tear trough hollowing
- Lines from the nose to the mouth
- Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin
Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peels may help with:
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Fine surface lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Mild acne marks
- Skin texture concerns
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on the type of peel.
Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments
Skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and aging changes may be treated with laser and energy-based treatments.
Patients may consider options such as:
- Resurfacing laser treatment
- Photofacial treatment with IPL
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Hair reduction with laser
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken 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.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Outer skin layers can be removed with dermabrasion, a deeper resurfacing procedure. Microdermabrasion is a lighter, more superficial treatment.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may help with:
- Uneven texture
- Surface-level scars
- Skin dullness
- Uneven surface
- Fine surface lines
The right choice depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
Common examples include:
- A heavy upper eyelid look may come from extra eyelid skin, brow descent, or both.
- A soft jawline may be caused by loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full abdomen may be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- A flat breast appearance may require a lift, implants, fat grafting, or combined treatment.
- Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.
A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:
- What is causing the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What must be accepted with that option?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Patient Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Most patients have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Patients may feel excited, but they may also feel nervous. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural-looking results.
“Will I Look Refreshed or Different?”
This concern comes up often. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
A healthy goal is often improved balance instead of perfection.
“How Long Does Plastic Surgery Recovery Take?”
The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. A tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover is more involved and needs more planning.
In general, recovery planning may include:
- Swelling or bruising
- Temporary activity restrictions
- Time off work
- Appointments after surgery
- Scar care
- A gradual return to exercise
- Results that take time to settle
The body needs time to heal. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.
“Will There Be Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
Scar quality depends on:
- Family scar tendencies
- Skin tone
- The kind of surgery performed
- Incision placement
- Tension along the incision
- Smoking status
- Sun protection during healing
- Scar aftercare
Most scars fade with time, but they do not fully disappear.
“What Are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?”
Every operation has possible risks. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.
Safety depends on many factors, including:
- The patient’s health
- Your current medications
- Nicotine or smoking use
- The planned procedure
- The surgical facility
- How anesthesia is managed
- The surgeon’s training and experience
- Your aftercare and follow-up
A careful consultation should include benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Canadian Plastic Surgery Considerations
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Understanding medical credentials is important because marketing terms can be confusing.
How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, look for proper training and credentials. Proper plastic surgery training includes medical training, surgical training, and specialty certification in plastic surgery.
Patients may want to ask:
- Are you certified as a plastic surgeon?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- What are my personal risks with this procedure?
- What is the plan if there is a complication?
- What follow-up care is included?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
Asking questions is not being difficult. It is about making an informed choice.
What Affects Plastic Surgery Fees in Canada
Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada can differ greatly. 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.
If a very low price means less attention to safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare, it can be a warning sign.
Surgery Abroad vs. Plastic Surgery in Canada
Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.
Medical tourism concerns may include:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Long travel after surgery
- Infection risk
- Different facility or safety standards
- Challenges getting procedure records
- Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
- Language or translation issues
- Additional costs if revision surgery is needed
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
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:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
- Prepare to discuss 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 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.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
The best candidates for plastic surgery are often healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You are generally healthy
- You have a clear concern
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You can avoid smoking and nicotine before and after surgery
- You understand the recovery process
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- You want the procedure for yourself
- Your expectations are realistic
Surgery may need to wait if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by another person.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
It may be safe to combine some procedures. Others should be staged. A combined plan may save recovery time, but it also needs careful planning because surgery time and healing demands may increase.
Common combined surgery plans include:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
- Profile balancing with rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Mastopexy with augmentation
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- A customized mommy makeover
- Post-weight-loss contouring with body lift and limb contouring
- Fat grafting with facial surgery
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures
In Canada, plastic surgery covers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive options. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Others repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments may also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
Every plastic surgery plan should put safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care first. Before choosing eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, it helps to understand what each option can and cannot do.