Page Updated: March 13, 2024
Cosmetic Surgery Procedures at a Glance
‘The pertinent facts on our most popular procedures’
Breast Enhancement Procedures
Breast Augmentation
What the procedure does
Enhances breast volume (size and fullness), and shape
Duration of the result
Permanent, but implants may need replacement in the future (10-20 years)
Length of time to perform the procedure
1-1.5 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
General anesthesia
Length of time off of work
5 – 7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Over dissection of pocket leading to ‘bottoming out’ or ‘lateral drift’
inappropriate implant size selection
Learn more about Breast augmentation
View the Breast augmentation before and after photos with patient stories
Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
What the procedure does
Lifts drooping breasts, improving shape, nipple size and position
Duration of the result
Usually permanent but breast may sag with weight gain, aging
Length of time to perform the procedure
2-3 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general
Length of time off of work
5-7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
nipples placed too high
not re-arranging the tissue to improve fullness and longevity
Learn more about Breast lift
View the breast lift before and after photos with patient stories
Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift
What the procedure does
Makes the breast fuller and rounder, lifts the breast, lifts the nipple position and reduces nipple size
Duration of the result
Usually permanent although breast may sag with weight gain, aging, implants may need replacement (10-20 years)
Length of time to perform the procedure
3.5-4.5 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
General anesthesia
Length of time off of work
5-7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
failing to appreciate complexity of procedure
ending up with the ‘long breast’ look
nipples placed too high
Learn more about Breast augmentation with Breast lift
View the Breast augmentation with breast lift before and after photos with patient stories
Breast Reduction
What the procedure does
Reduces breast size and weight, lifts breasts, elevates nipple position
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
3 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
General anesthesia
Length of time off of work
4-7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
placement of nipples too high
asymmetry
Learn more about Breast Reduction
View the Breast Reduction before and after photos with patient stories
Male Breast Reduction
What the procedure does
Contours the chest to be smooth and flat
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
30 min – 3 hours, depends on extent of problem
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
Local only, IV sedation, general; depends on extent of problem
Length of time off of work
2-7 days; depends on extent of problem
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Over resection of breast tissue leading to an inverted nipple region
Learn more about Male Breast Reduction
Nipple Inversion Correction
What the procedure does
Corrects inverted nipple to normal protruding nipple
Duration of the result
Usually permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
Local only, IV sedation
Length of time off of work
3-5 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Recurrence of nipple inversion
Learn more about Inverted Nipple Correction
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Body Enhancement Procedures
Mommy Makeover
What the procedure does
A combination of body or facial procedures tailored to restore your pre-pregnancy appearance
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
Depends on area(s)
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia, local anesthesia for smaller areas (depends on specific procedure)
Length of time off of work
Varies according to specific procedure(s)
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Trying to do too much at one surgery
Learn more about Mommy Makeovers Toronto
Liposuction
What the procedure does
Removes fat selectively from targeted areas
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
Depends on area(s); usually 45 minutes to 1 hour per area
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia, local anesthesia for smaller areas
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
1 week for heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Poor candidates (loose skin, scars, significant obesity)
Over removal causing contour irregularity
Learn more about Liposuction Toronto
View Liposuction before and after photos with patient stories
Tummy Tuck
What the procedure does
Slims and tightens the abdomen by removing excess skin, fat, stretch marks, and repairing loose abdominal muscles
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
2-3 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
10-14 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Placing the scar too high
Performing the procedure on someone who has significant internal abdominal fat
Learn more about Tummy Tuck Toronto
View Tummy Tuck before and after photos with patient stories
Mini Tummy Tuck
What the procedure does
Slims the abdomen, tightens the skin and tightens the lower abdominal wall
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
1.5- 2 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Trying to use a mini tummy tuck for a patient that needs a regular tummy tuck
Learn more about Mini Tummy Tuck Toronto
Arm Lift
What the procedure does
Slims the arm by removing excess fat and/or skin through liposuction and direct removal
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
2.5 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Removing too much skin, resulting in wider scars
Not educating patients about potential scar visibility
Learn more about Arm Lift Toronto
Thigh Lift/ Mini Thigh Lift
What the procedure does
Tightens skin and removes fat of the inner thigh
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
Thigh Lift: 3 hours
Mini Thigh Lift: 2 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Removing too much skin, resulting in wider scars
Not educating patients about potential scar visibility
Performing a mini thigh lift when a regular thigh lift is needed
Learn more about Thigh Lift Toronto
View Thigh Lift before and after photos with patient stories
Lower body Lift
What the procedure does
A procedure that gives a result equivalent to undergoing a combination of Tummy Tuck, Buttock Lift, Lateral Thigh Lift, and Flank Liposuction
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
6 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
10-14 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Poor scar placement (too high on back and front)
Insufficient contouring of the waistline
Learn more about Lower Body Lift Toronto
Brazilian Butt Lift
What the procedure does
Improves the volume and shape of the buttocks by transferring fat from one area of the body to the buttock region
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
3 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Insufficient fat harvest for augmentation
Augmentation placed too low on buttocks
Learn more about Brazilian Butt Lift Toronto
View the Brazilian Butt Lift before and after photos with patient stories
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Facial Enhancement Procedures
Rhinoplasty
What the procedure does
Makes the nose more attractive looking, can make breathing easier if due to deviated septum
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
1.5-3.0 hrs
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Not removing enough nasal hump
Shortening the nose too much (pig nose)
Unnatural appearance
Learn more about Rhinoplasty
View the rhinoplasty before and after photos with patient stories
Mini Facelift
What the procedure does
Restores youthful facial features by elevating the jowls and cheeks, softening the marionettle lines and nasolabial folds (does not improve neck directly)
Duration of the result
7-10 years, face may gradually sag with weight changes, aging, smoking, sun exposure
Length of time to perform the procedure
1.5-2.5 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
5-7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Trying to correct the neck with just the Mini Facelift
Unnatural (pixie) ears, unnatural hair shifts
Poor scars
Learn more about Mini Facelift Toronto
Facelift
What the procedure does
Restores youthful facial features by elevating the jowls, cheeks, softening the marionette lines, nasolabial folds AND makes the neck more youthful by removing fat and elevating the skin
Duration of the result
7-10 years, face gradually may sag with weight gain, aging, smoking, sun exposure
Length of time to perform the procedure
3.5-4.5 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Overnight stay
recommended
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Unnatural ‘pulled’ look
Unnatural (pixie) ears
Unnatural hair shifts
Poor scars
Learn more about Facelift
View the Facelift before and after photos with patient stories
Neck Lift
What the procedure does
Makes the neck youthful and slimmer by removing fat, tightening neck muscles, and elevating the skin, (also lifts the jowls if the ‘extended’ Neck Lift option is chosen)
Duration of the result
7-10 years, face gradually may sag with weight gain, aging, smoking, sun exposure
Length of time to perform the procedure
2.5 – 3.0 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
5-7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
‘Operated-on’ look (too tight)
Overly defatted neck (skeletonized appearance)
Poor scars
Learn more about Neck Lift
View the Neck before and after photos with patient stories
Mini Neck lift
What the procedure does
Makes the neck slimmer and smoother by removing fat and tightening the neck muscles
Duration of the result
Usually permanent, neck may sag with weight gain, aging, smoking, sun exposure
Length of time to perform the procedure
30 – 45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia, local anesthetic only in select patients
Length of time off of work
3-5 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Overly defatted neck (skeletonized appearance)
Using a Mini Neck Lift when a regular Neck Lift is needed
Learn more about Mini Neck Lift
Neck and Chin Liposuction
What the procedure does
Makes the neck/area under the chin slimmer by removing fat
Duration of the result
Usually permanent, neck may sag with weight gain, aging, smoking, sun tanning
Length of time to perform the procedure
30 minutes – 45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general, local anesthetic only in select patients
Length of time off of work
3-5 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Overly defatted neck (skeletonized appearance)
Performing Neck Liposuction when a Neck Lift is needed
Learn more about Chin and Neck Liposuction
Chin Augmentation (Chin Implant)
What the procedure does
Augments the chin (makes a ‘weak’ chin stronger), can widen chin, or add length
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
5-7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Implant malposition
Choosing the wrong size implant
Learn more about Chin Implant Surgery
Otoplasty (correction of protruding ears)
What the procedure does
Corrects protruding ears, large earlobes, asymmetry
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
1-2 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
5-7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4-6 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Pinning the ears too flat against the head
Ears not looking symmetric after surgery
Unnatural look with ear cartilage folds ‘too sharp’
Learn more about Otoplasty
Torn Earlobe Repair / Earlobe Reduction
What the procedure does
Repairs torn lobes from earring use/ Reduces large or elongated earlobes
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
15 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
Local anesthesia
Length of time off of work
0 days (patients can go back to work immediately)
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks for heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Asymmetric correction
Visible scars
Notching of the lobes
Learn more about Earlobe repair/reduction
Facial Fat Transfer (Micro Fat Grafting)
What the procedure does
Adds fat to an area to improve volume, soften lines and folds
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
Depends on area(s); usually 1-1.5 hours
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Improper technique leading to increase risk of fat being resorbed
Placing too much fat (puffy face)
Learn more about Fat Grafting Toronto
Lip Lift, Lip Reduction & Lip Augmentation Toronto
What the procedure does
Reduces Lips fullness
Lifts a sagging lip due to age, improves fullness
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
30 minutes to 45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation, general anesthesia, or local anesthesia
Length of time off of work
2-5 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Visible scars
Too much lift/ too much reduction
Learn more about Lip Lift, Lip Reduction & Lip Augmentation Toronto
Chemical Peel
What the procedure does
Improves skin texture (lines and wrinkles), and colour uniformity (sun spots, melasma)
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
Depends on area(s); usually 15 minutes to 1 hour (for full face)
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia, local anesthesia for smaller areas
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Scarring
Bleaching of the skin (when used in inappropriate patients)
Learn more about Chemcal Peels Toronto
Scar Removal / Mole Removal / Cyst Removal
What the procedure does
Removes scars or small growths from the face and body
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
15 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
Local anesthesia
Length of time off of work
Usually no time off needed
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks for heavy exercise
Learn more about mole /Scar / Cyst removal Toronto
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Eyes and Forehead Enhancement Procedures
Blepharoplasty (Upper and Lower Lids)
What the procedure does
Makes the eyes look younger be removing excess skin, fat, eliminating shadows
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
Upper lids: 30 minutes
Lower Lids: 45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia, local anesthesia for select patients (upper lids)
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks light exercise, 4 weeks for heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Removing too much fat (skeletonized look)
Removing too much skin (lids look pulled, unnatural)
Learn more about Blepharoplasty Toronto
View Blepharoplasty before and after photos with patient stories
Endoscopic Brow Lift
What the procedure does
Lifts the brows, reshapes the brow arch, treats frown lines, treats forehead wrinkles
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
90 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks for light exercise, 4weeks for heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Elevating the inner brow too much (surprised look)
Patients often need Blepharoplasty in conjunction with Brow Lift, make sure your plastic surgeon evaluates this
Learn more about Endoscopic Brow Lift Toronto
View Endoscopic Brow Lift before and after photos with patient stories
Lateral Brow Lift
What the procedure does
Lifts the tail of the brow in patients with moderate drooping
Duration of the result
Years to permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
40-45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
7-10 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks for light exercise, 4 weeks for heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Using this procedure for patients with significant brow drooping will not provide a satisfactory result
Learn more about Lateral Brow Lift Toronto
Corrugator Muscle Removal
What the procedure does
Eliminates frown lines (between eyebrows) by removing the muscle that causes the wrinkles
Duration of the result
Permanent
Length of time to perform the procedure
45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia
Length of time off of work
5-7 days
Time to get back to exercise
2 weeks for light excercise, 4 weeks for heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Numbness of the forehead from nerve injury
Contour depression in the area
Learn more about Corrugator Removal Toronto
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Non-invasive Enhancement Procedures
BOTOX®
What the procedure does
Reduces or eliminates wrinkles on a temporary basis
Duration of the result
Average: 4 months
Length of time to perform the procedure
Injections take 2-3 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
No anesthesia is required
Length of time off of work
No time off work is required
Time to get back to exercise
24 hours
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Migration of BOTOX® to adjacent areas
Causing drooping in susceptible patients
Learn more about BOTOX® Toronto
Soft Tissue fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse)
What the procedure does
‘Fill in’ lines or wrinkles
Adds volume to needed areas
Duration of the result
Average: 9 months; depends on the area and filler used
Length of time to perform the procedure
15 – 20 minutes per area
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
local anesthesia with some fillers
many fillers already contain local anesthesia mixed in
Length of time off of work
No time off required
Time to get back to exercise
24 hours for heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
Using a filler when a surgical procedure is needed
Learn more about Soft Tissue fillers Toronto
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Dr. Lawrence Tong
has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.