Many people who are considering plastic surgery or live near the border ask us if it’s cheaper in Canada than in the US. The short answer is that prices are pretty much the same. Some procedures are a bit cheaper in Canada, some are a bit more. We get asked this a lot at Beber Plastic Surgery and we want to give you the facts about how prices differ around the world.
In both countries, the cost of plastic surgery depends on many things. Exchange rates have a big impact on how procedures look to patients from other countries. When the Canadian dollar is worth less than the US dollar, American patients may think procedures in Canada are cheaper. But exchange rates change all the time so that benefit can disappear soon. And when the Canadian dollar gets stronger, it may cost Americans more to have surgery here than in their own country.
The cost of living and running a medical business is very different depending on where you are, not just what country you’re in. Prices are higher in big cities like Toronto than in smaller ones, whether they’re in Canada or the US. A breast augmentation in Toronto might cost the same as the same procedure in New York or LA, but more than in a smaller American city. It’s the location within each country that’s more important than the border itself.
The experience and qualifications of a surgeon affect prices on both sides of the border. Surgeons with a lot of training and a good reputation who are in high demand charge a lot of money no matter where they work. In both countries you can find both expensive and less expensive surgeons. Instead of just picking a surgeon based on price, make sure they have the right credentials, board certification and a history of safe successful surgeries.
There are some differences in costs due to differences in the healthcare system. Canada’s universal healthcare system pays for medically necessary procedures but people still have to pay for cosmetic procedures. In the US insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures but the healthcare system is different. These system changes can change the overhead costs for surgical procedures but not the cost of cosmetic procedures.
Costs are similar when it comes to facility fees. Accredited surgical centres in both countries have the same safety standards and spend the same on equipment, sterilization, staff training and following the rules. You should expect to pay for using a good facility that meets high safety standards whether you have surgery in Canada or the US.
The cost of anesthesia is also about the same in both countries. Because their training, experience and duties are almost the same, board certified anesthesiologists and certified nurse anesthetists charge about the same in both places. The cost of keeping patients safe during surgery doesn’t change much from one country to the next.
Travel costs can make surgery across borders more expensive in the long run. If you want to come to Toronto from the US for a procedure like Breast Augmentation you need to think about the cost of travel, accommodation, food and time off work. You may need to make more than one trip for a consultation, surgery and follow-up appointments. These extra costs can add up quickly and eat into any savings you may have made on the procedure itself.
Another important thing to consider is follow-up care. After plastic surgery you need to go for follow-up appointments to check on your healing and talk about any problems. It’s hard and expensive to go back for these appointments if you have surgery far from home. If problems arise you may have to see a local surgeon who isn’t familiar with your situation or go back to your original surgeon. These situations can be tough on your health and your wallet.
International payment processing and currency conversion fees can add charges you didn’t expect. Many clinics charge foreign patients in their own currency which means they have to pay fees to change their money. Banks and credit card providers usually impose extra fees for transactions outside of the US. When you’re dealing with several thousand dollars these small percentages add up.
There are different rules and requirements in each country although both Canada and the US have high medical standards. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has strict certification criteria that all Canadian plastic surgeons must meet. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is where American surgeons go to get certified. Both boards have high criteria so when you choose a properly certified surgeon you should get the same level of care.
The final cost can also be affected by taxes. In Canada cosmetic procedures are subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) which adds a percentage to the total cost. The tax rates vary in each province. Most of the time American patients can’t get these taxes back. In the US each state has its own rules about sales tax on medical procedures. Some states don’t charge sales tax on medical services while others do.
We sometimes meet American patients at Beber Plastic Surgery who choose Toronto for their procedures but not just because it’s cheaper. Some people have family nearby which makes healing easier. Some people like a certain surgeon’s style or level of skill no matter where they are. We are happy to see patients from other countries but we always tell them to think carefully about the whole cost which includes travel and follow-up care.
It’s much more important to get good outcomes than to pay a little more or less in different countries. In the long run a procedure that’s a little less expensive but has bad results or difficulties ends up costing more because of revision surgeries and emotional pain. We tell patients to put the qualifications of their surgeon, the certification of the facility and their comfort with their provider ahead of little cost savings.
Another thing to consider is whether or not your insurance will cover complications. Your health insurance may not cover complications that arise after surgery if the surgery was done outside of the US. Before agreeing to have surgery in another country it’s important to know what your insurance coverage says about overseas medical treatment.
In the end it’s all the same. Instead of choosing a place based on price, choose a qualified, experienced surgeon you can trust who works in an accredited facility. Medical tourism will save you a few hundred dollars but your safety, happiness and great results are worth much more. Dr. Brett Beber, MD, FRCS, is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in Toronto known for his dedication to achieving natural, refined results through advanced surgical techniques and personalized patient care.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Beber Plastic Surgery is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or a guaranteed cost estimate. Surgical pricing and treatment outcomes vary for each individual based on anatomy, procedure complexity, surgeon expertise, and other medical or facility-related factors.
All prices and ranges mentioned are approximate estimates meant to help patients understand general cost expectations in Toronto. Final treatment plans, surgical recommendations, and exact fees can only be determined during a personal consultation after a thorough medical assessment.
Beber Plastic Surgery encourages all prospective patients to discuss their goals, medical history, and budget directly with a qualified surgeon. We are committed to transparency, patient safety, and delivering the highest standard of care—but no information on this page constitutes a binding quote or medical guarantee.
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