Many plastic surgery procedures are designed to support, repair, or change 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 repair form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many different needs. For some people, the goal is to look more refreshed. Body changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging may lead some people to consider surgery. Plastic surgery may also 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 page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Understanding Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is commonly divided into two main categories, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
What Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.
Cosmetic plastic surgery may be used for goals such as:
- Supporting better facial harmony
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Improving body shape
- Restoring lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Supporting a better fit in clothing
- Creating natural-looking changes that may support confidence
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.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In reconstructive plastic surgery, the focus is on restoring form, function, or both. This type of surgery may help after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or other medical conditions.
Common types of reconstructive surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Reconstruction after burns
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar improvement surgery
- Complex wound repair
- Surgery for facial trauma repair
- Congenital difference repair
In Canada, some medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be covered by provincial health plans. Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Plastic surgery for the face can help improve balance, reduce visible aging, and create a more refreshed appearance. In many cases, the goal is not a dramatic change. The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Surgery, Also Called Rhytidectomy
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten surgical aesthetic procedures loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.
Patients often consider facelift surgery for:
- Softness or jowling at the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Prominent smile lines
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the 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. 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. The medical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Neck bands
- Loose neck skin
- An undefined jawline
- Fullness below the chin
- A loose “turkey neck” appearance
Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. Some patients may only need liposuction under the chin. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.
Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery
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 can address:
- Heavy upper lids
- Redundant upper eyelid skin
- A more tired or older eye appearance
- Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Lower blepharoplasty may help with:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffiness beneath the eyes
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Hollow shadows under the eyes
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
Because small changes around the eyes can refresh the whole face, eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures.
Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift
Brow lift surgery, or a forehead lift, is used to raise a low or heavy brow. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Drooping eyebrows
- A heavy upper eyelid look caused by brow position
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern look
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. 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, Also Called Nose Surgery
The shape, size, or structure of the nose can be changed with rhinoplasty, often called a nose job. The procedure can address cosmetic goals, functional concerns, or both.
Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- A drooping nasal tip
- A wide nasal tip
- Nasal crookedness
- Nose size or projection
- Uneven nasal shape
- Structural breathing concerns
Structural breathing issues may require work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. Surgery on the septum is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Ear Surgery Procedure (Otoplasty)
Otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, can change the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is often used to correct ears that stick out.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Prominent ears
- Ears that do not match well
- Large cartilage folds in the ears
- Ears that project away from the head
- Stretched or uneven earlobes
This procedure is common for adults and children. In children, timing depends on ear development, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. The distance is called the upper lip length. This surgery may reveal more of the upper lip without using filler.
A lip lift may help with:
- A long space between the nose and upper lip
- Upper teeth that show less when smiling
- Limited visible upper lip
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Mouth-area aging changes
A surgical lip lift and lip filler are different treatments. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Facial Implant Surgery for the Chin, Cheeks, and Jawline
Implants can be used to improve facial balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery may be used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Cheek implants
- Jawline implant surgery
In some cases, chin surgery is combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin both affect facial balance in profile view.
Facial Fat Transfer
With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. The process usually involves taking fat from the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and placing it into selected facial areas.
Patients may consider facial fat grafting for:
- Hollow cheeks
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Volume loss after aging
- Thin facial soft tissue
- Facial volume imbalance
Fat grafting can be used alone or with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Breast Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
In Canada, breast surgery is one of the most common forms of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Patients may want to increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation in Canada
Breast augmentation improves breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- Breasts that are naturally small
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Volume loss after weight change
- Breast asymmetry
- A fuller look 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.
Mastopexy, or Breast Lift Surgery
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. It does not primarily add volume. Instead, it improves breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Sagging breasts
- Nipple descent
- Areolas that have stretched
- Stretched breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. For a natural result without added implant volume, some patients choose a breast lift alone.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Extra breast tissue, fat, and skin can be removed with breast reduction to create smaller, lighter, more balanced breasts.
Common breast reduction concerns include:
- Pain in the neck
- Heavy shoulder pressure
- Back strain
- Grooves from bra straps
- Irritated skin under the breasts
- Trouble exercising
- Difficulty fitting bras or clothes
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Whether coverage applies depends on the province, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Revision Breast Implant Surgery
Breast implant revision is surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.
Common reasons include:
- Wanting smaller or larger implants
- An implant that has ruptured
- Capsular contracture, which means firm scar tissue around an implant
- Implant position changes
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Age-related changes after breast augmentation
- Desire to remove implants
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Types of breast reconstruction may include:
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Tissue flap reconstruction
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry
The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Others choose to stay flat. Both choices are valid.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Puffy nipples
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- Fullness in the chest
- Uneven shape across the male chest
- Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts
Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.
Types of Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. It is common after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. The procedure may also repair diastasis recti, which means separated abdominal muscles.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Loose abdominal skin
- An overhang in the lower belly
- Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It is usually best for patients near a stable weight who want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat with a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- Belly area
- Side waist areas, often called love handles
- Hips
- Thigh areas
- Upper arm area
- Back
- The chin and neck
- Chest fullness
- The knees
Good skin elasticity helps improve results. Loose skin may limit what liposuction alone can achieve. In those cases, skin removal surgery may be needed.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is a custom plan that treats body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.
Common mommy makeover procedures include:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- Breast lift
- Breast implants or fat transfer augmentation
- Breast reduction surgery
- Liposuction
- Fat transfer for volume
Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Upper Arm Lift Procedure
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
Common arm lift concerns include:
- Upper arm skin that hangs
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Skin rubbing and irritation
The main 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 removes loose skin from the thighs. Thigh lift surgery is common after significant weight loss.
A thigh lift may address:
- Loose inner thigh skin
- Chafing from loose thigh skin
- Poor clothing fit around the thighs
- Extra skin that feels heavy
- Loose thigh skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss
Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. The best thigh lift pattern depends on skin amount and the location of the looseness.
Body Lift Surgery
A body lift improves lower-body contour by removing excess skin. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be considered after:
- Significant weight loss
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Changes in body shape after pregnancy
- Aging with major skin laxity
Body lift surgery is more extensive, so recovery is usually longer. Before a body lift, patients should be healthy overall and close to a stable weight.
Body Contouring With Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.
Patients may consider fat grafting for:
- Breast contour
- The buttocks
- Hip contour
- Facial soft tissue
- Surface irregularities after surgery or injury
Fat grafting is natural in the sense that it uses your own tissue, but not all of the fat remains long term. Because transferred fat can change over time, more than one session may be needed.
Skin, Scar, and Surface Procedures
Plastic surgery also includes treatments for the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may address:
- Post-surgical scars
- Injury scars
- Burn-related scars
- Raised or thick scars
- Scars that limit comfort
- Scars that affect range of motion
Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal
Benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps may be removed by plastic surgeons when a precise closure is needed. Some lesions need medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Skin lesion removal may be done for:
- Irritated skin
- Growth or change
- Bleeding
- A cosmetic concern
- Diagnosis
- Comfort
A qualified medical professional should assess any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
After skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be needed to close the area and restore appearance. Reconstruction is especially common on visible or delicate areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction may involve:
- Simple direct closure
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Local tissue flaps
- More complex reconstruction
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Surgery is not needed for every patient. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX reduce movement in selected facial muscles. These treatments are often used to soften expression lines.
Common areas include:
- Frown lines between the brows
- Lines across the forehead
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Expression lines on the nose
- A dimpled chin appearance
- Neck muscle bands in some situations
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. The goal is often a softer, rested look, not a frozen face.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Dermal fillers can restore or add volume. Hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue, is common in dermal fillers.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lip shape
- Midface fullness
- Chin
- The jawline
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Lines from the nose to the mouth
- Mouth-corner lines
Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Medical Chemical Peels
A chemical peel applies a controlled solution to improve the surface layers of the skin.
Patients may consider chemical peels for:
- Patchy skin tone
- Tired-looking skin
- Small fine lines
- Photoaging
- Light acne marks
- Texture concerns
Peel strength may range from light to deeper treatments. Recovery depends on peel type.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
These treatments may improve concerns such as uneven tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and visible aging.
Common treatment options may include:
- Resurfacing laser treatment
- IPL skin treatment
- Radiofrequency-based treatments
- Treatments for mild skin laxity
- Laser hair removal or reduction
- Laser treatment for small visible vessels
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion Treatments
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
These treatments may help with:
- Rough texture
- Mild scarring
- Dullness
- Rough or uneven skin
- Small fine lines
The best treatment depends on the patient’s skin quality, goals, available downtime, and comfort with risk.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both may cause heavy upper lids.
- A soft jawline can come from 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 shape may be treated with a breast lift, breast augmentation, fat grafting, or a combined plan.
- Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.
A strong treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which procedure treats that cause best?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
Trade-offs can include scars, recovery time, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Plastic Surgery Fears and Questions
It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.
“Will Plastic Surgery Change My Face Too Much?”
This is one of the most common concerns. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is often to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“How Long Does Plastic Surgery Recovery Take?”
Recovery depends on the procedure. Non-surgical options often involve minimal downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.
In general, recovery planning may include:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Activity limits
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Follow-up appointments
- Scar care
- A gradual return to exercise
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Recovery does not happen instantly. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
The final scar can depend on:
- Genetic healing patterns
- Your skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Scar location
- Pulling on the healing incision
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Exposure to the sun
- How the scar is cared for
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”
All surgical procedures carry some risk. 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
- Medications you take
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- Which surgery is performed
- The facility where surgery is done
- The planned anesthesia
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your follow-up care
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
Canadian plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should understand the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Plastic Surgeon Credentials in Canada
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise in this province?
- Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
- What complications should I understand for my situation?
- How are complications handled?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- May I see before-and-after examples for similar procedures?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about being informed.
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.
Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Smaller cities may have different pricing, but cost should not be the only factor.
A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.
Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada
Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Medical tourism can seem attractive, but it adds risks that should be reviewed.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Limited post-surgery follow-up
- Travel soon after surgery
- Infection-related complications
- Medical standards that may differ
- Difficulty accessing medical records
- Difficulty managing complications 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. It should not feel rushed or high-pressure.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare:
- Write down the main concerns you want to discuss.
- Take a list of all medications and supplements you use.
- Tell the surgeon about your medical history.
- Share whether you smoke, vape, use cannabis, or use nicotine.
- Reference photos can be helpful if they explain your goals.
- Ask questions about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what can realistically be achieved for your face or body.
A strong consultation includes clear discussion of treatment options. In some cases, the best recommendation is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
Good candidates for plastic surgery are usually healthy, informed, and realistic. Realistic patients understand that surgery can help appearance, but it cannot make life perfect or solve every issue.
Good candidate signs include:
- You are generally healthy
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
- You understand healing takes time
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- You are choosing the procedure for yourself
- Your goals are realistic
You may need to delay surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.
Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures
It may be safe to combine some procedures. Some procedures are safer when staged. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Common combined surgery plans include:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Abdominoplasty with liposuction
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift plus thigh or arm contouring
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
A Final Word on Canadian Plastic Surgery Procedures
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. Injectable and skin treatments may help with wrinkles, volume loss, texture concerns, and early signs of aging.
The best procedure is not always the most popular one. The right option should match your anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
A responsible approach should be built around safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. 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.