Best Facelift Surgeons in Canada: 7 Experts in the Field
Choosing a facelift surgeon in Canada is a big call. You want natural results, a safe setting, and someone who actually listens to your goals. This guide spotlights trusted Canadian surgeons, starting with McRae Plastic Surgery in Toronto and Burlington, then compares other standouts so you can make a confident decision.
How We Chose
We evaluated board certifications, academic roles and teaching, facelift case focus and techniques used, published education resources, gallery quality, anesthesia and facility standards, and clarity around fees and recovery. Inclusion isn’t paid. Individual results vary, so an in-person consultation is still the final step.
Dr. Mark McRae is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training at top centers and an academic appointment at the University of Toronto. Patients choose him for a measured approach that prioritizes structure, balance, and natural facial movement.
Quick facts
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with international credibility and faculty at the University of Toronto.
- Patient-focused consult process. Bespoke care with pre and post care primarily with Dr McRae.
- Deep plane and SMAS-based facelift expert, often combined with neck refinement
- Special expertise in eyelid surgery.
What to expect
- A thorough consultation that maps goals to the right technique instead of a one-size approach.
- Planning that minimizes visible tension on the skin and supports deeper tissues for longevity
- Post-op guidance focused on comfort and minimizing recovery time
Good fit for
- Patients who want natural, age-appropriate results and an academic-grade standard of care
- Facelifts that combine face and neck cases, and staged plans that avoid an “overdone” look. Also great for those seeking eyelid surgery.
Where to learn more
Dr. Matthew McRae pairs strong reconstructive and cosmetic expertise with a calm, detail-first planning style. As an academic surgeon at the University of Toronto, he brings the highest standards into private practice.
Quick facts
- Board-certified plastic surgeon and University of Toronto faculty
- Focus on balanced facial rejuvenation and conservative skin tension
- Techniques include deep plane and SMAS approaches, with mini or targeted lifts when that’s the smarter route
What to expect
- A candid discussion about goals, downtime, and whether to combine a neck lift or eyelid work
- Prioritizes patient goals
- Technique selection based on anatomy and tissue quality for a result that looks like you, just fresher
- Clear follow-up milestones and practical recovery tips.
Good fit for
- Patients who value thoughtful planning, natural contours, and steady, supportive aftercare with their physician.
- Those weighing mini vs full facelift or considering combined procedures in one window
Where to learn more
3) Dr Jamil Ahmed
Dr. Ahmed is one of Canada’s leading cosmetic surgeons with an international reputation. His clinic blends surgical precision with non-surgical artistry for balanced, age-appropriate results.
Quick facts
- Certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Has been a leader at the international level for cosmetic plastic surgery in Canada over the past decade.
- Offers full surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation, including PRP, laser, and filler-based adjuncts
What to expect
- Personalized facelift – early intervention for subtle tightening or full deep plane rejuvenation
- A comfortable, private surgical facility with a focus on discretion and patient care
- Long-term maintenance strategies that combine injectables and laser resurfacing
Good fit for
- Patients who want a luxury clinic experience with a physician known for blending surgical and non-surgical expertise
- Those seeking natural outcomes with a smoother transition between the lower face and neck
4) Dr. Mike Roskies (Toronto, ON)
Why he’s on this list: A facial plastic specialist recognized for balanced, long-lasting results.
Quick facts
- Royal College–certified; specializes only in facial cosmetic surgery
- Known for deep plane and preservation facelift methods
- Regularly featured in national publications
What to expect
- Results that refresh rather than transform, with natural muscle repositioning instead of surface tightening
- Strong aftercare structure and realistic recovery timelines
Good fit for
- Patients seeking highly personalized facial work from a surgeon focused on head and neck and nose surgery.
- Ideal for complex revision or high-precision facial rejuvenation, and those considering nasal surgery.
5) Dr. Derek Ford: Ford Plastic Surgery (Toronto & Oshawa, ON)
Why they’re on this list: Dr. Derek Ford brings facial and reconstructive plastic surgery, teaching at the University of Toronto while running a high-end private practice. He offers advanced deep-plane and endoscopic techniques.
Quick facts
- Royal College–certified; academic affiliations with UofT
- Offer full, deep plane, mini, and endoscopic mid-facelift options
What to expect
- A teaching-based approach that includes detailed education on risks, benefits, and realistic timelines
- Option to combine with eyelid or brow lift for full rejuvenation
Good fit for
- Patients wanting academic-level surgical care with modern technology and minimal incision techniques
6) Dr. Peter Lennox: Lennox Plastic Surgery (Vancouver, BC)
Why he’s on this list: Based in Vancouver, Dr. Peter Lennox is a Royal College–certified plastic surgeon known for his skill in complex facial rejuvenation and his role as a clinical professor at the University of British Columbia.
Quick facts
- Over 20 years of surgical experience; clinical educator at UBC
- Offers full and mini facelifts with SMAS and deep-plane techniques
What to expect
- In-depth pre-op evaluation with attention to facial proportions and lifestyle goals
- Long-lasting, natural results designed to age gracefully rather than dramatically
Good fit for
- Patients in Western Canada seeking a surgeon with strong academic grounding and subtle aesthetic outcomes
- Men and women wanting understated, professional facial enhancement.
7) Dr. Ryan Frank: Ryan Frank Plastic Surgery (Calgary, AB)
Why he’s on this list: Dr. Ryan Frank is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Calgary with expertise in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. His facelift work emphasizes natural structure, skin health, and patient comfort throughout recovery.
Quick facts
- Royal College–certified; trained in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery
- Focus on midface and neck rejuvenation, often combining facelift with fat grafting for volume restoration
- Operates at fully accredited surgical centers in Calgary
What to expect
- Straightforward consultations and clear explanations of technique options
- Conservative yet effective lifting for midface, jowl, and neck concerns
Good fit for
- Patients in Alberta seeking accessible, transparent facelift care without traveling to Toronto or Vancouver
Not everyone who wants a facelift actually needs one. The best facelift candidates share a few common traits. Not just in appearance, but in health and mindset. A qualified surgeon will evaluate these factors carefully before recommending surgery.
Ideal Candidates
- Visible facial laxity: Sagging skin around the jawline, cheeks, or neck that fillers or threads can’t fix anymore.
- Good skin elasticity: Some natural bounce in the skin helps ensure smooth, even healing.
- Stable weight: Significant weight fluctuations can stretch tissues again after surgery.
- Good overall health: Non-smokers or those who can pause smoking before and after surgery tend to heal faster and with fewer complications.
- Realistic expectations: A facelift can refresh your features, but it won’t change who you are—it should simply make you look like a well-rested version of yourself.
When to Consider a Facelift
Most patients start thinking about surgical options in their 40s to 60s, when skin laxity and volume loss become more visible. Younger candidates (30s and early 40s) may benefit from mini or mid-facelifts, while older patients may need deep-plane or full face and neck lifts for lasting definition.
Who May Need to Wait
If you have uncontrolled medical conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes), are currently smoking, or have unrealistic expectations about outcome and recovery, your surgeon may recommend delaying surgery until conditions improve.
Once you know you’re a strong candidate, the next question is which facelift method fits your needs. The key is matching the right surgical depth and approach to your anatomy, which is where your surgeon’s experience truly shows.
Facelift Cost in Canada: What to Expect
Facelift surgery is an investment, and pricing depends on the depth of the lift, surgeon expertise, and anesthesia setup. Below is a realistic national overview (CAD), based on 2025 clinic averages.
Key Pricing Drivers
- Surgeon experience: Board certification and specialization can raise costs but improve longevity and safety.
- Facility type: Accredited private surgical centers typically charge more than hospital-based suites.
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia adds $1,000–$2,000 to total costs; local with sedation is less.
- Combination procedures: Eyelid lifts, brow lifts, or fat grafting usually add $3,000–$15,000.
- Post-op care: Garments, medications, and follow-up visits can total another few hundred dollars.
How to Choose Your Facelift Surgeon
Your surgeon’s skill, experience, and communication style matter as much as the surgical technique. The best facelift surgeons in Canada share one thing: they prioritize natural structure over surface pull. Here’s how to evaluate your options before committing.
Quick Tips Before You Book
- Bring old photos: Surgeons use these to assess your natural facial proportions.
- Ask about deep vs. SMAS lifts: Each has pros and cons depending on your anatomy.
- Check academic or teaching roles: These are the surgeons that have the highest level of training and must pass the most rigorous vetting process to be chosen for these roles. Surgeons who teach stay current with the safest and most advanced methods.
- Plan recovery time: Two to three weeks is typical before major social events.
Conclusion
Facelift surgery in Canada has evolved far beyond skin tightening. The country’s leading surgeons approach facial rejuvenation as structural artistry, combining advanced deep-plane and SMAS techniques with personalized planning and clear recovery guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a board-certified surgeon with a facelift-focused practice.
- Expect realistic fees between $15,000 and $40,000 CAD, depending on complexity and add-ons.
- Look for natural results in before-and-after galleries—no pulled or over-tight skin.
- A great facelift should make you look refreshed, not different.
If you’re considering facial rejuvenation, McRae Plastic Surgery offers expert care in Toronto and Burlington with a patient-first approach and results designed to look effortless.