In Canada, plastic surgery covers many surgical options that may change, restore, or support the face and body. A procedure may be cosmetic when the main goal is to improve appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help restore form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Plastic surgery searches in Canada often come from many individual goals. Some want to look more refreshed. Others want to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Plastic surgery may also help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. A safe plan should be based on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery time.
This guide explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is used to improve or refine appearance. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.
Common reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:
- Creating a more balanced face
- Helping the face or body look more refreshed
- Changing body proportions
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping patients feel better in clothing
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
Most cosmetic procedures in Canada are paid for privately. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
Reconstructive Surgery
In reconstructive plastic surgery, the focus is on restoring form, function, or both. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common reconstructive procedures include:
- Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
- Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Reconstruction after burns
- Reconstructive hand surgery
- Scar revision
- Wound repair
- Surgery for facial trauma repair
- Correction of congenital concerns
When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Cosmetic changes are usually not covered.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. 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
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Common facelift concerns include:
- Jowls near the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Deep smile lines
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. Depending on the patient, a facelift may be planned with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery (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.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Prominent neck bands
- Extra neck skin
- A soft or undefined jawline
- Fullness below the chin
- A “turkey neck” look
Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. Other patients may benefit from liposuction under the chin. Since aging often affects both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift may be done in one plan.
Eyelid Surgery, Also Called Blepharoplasty
Tired-looking eyes may be improved with eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, by adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Common upper eyelid concerns include:
- Heavy upper eyelids
- Loose upper eyelid skin
- A more tired or older eye appearance
- Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
- Vision concerns in select medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Visible under-eye bags
- Puffiness
- Lower eyelid skin laxity
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- A fatigued look that remains after sleep
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small changes around the eyes can make the whole face look more rested.
Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift
A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
Brow lift surgery can improve:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- Brow-related upper eyelid heaviness
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Lines between the brows
- An expression that looks tired, sad, or stern
A brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery addresses extra eyelid skin, while a brow lift changes the position of the eyebrows. A consultation can help decide whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or both is the better fit.
Rhinoplasty, Also Called Nose Surgery
A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Depending on the patient, rhinoplasty can be cosmetic, functional, or a combination.
Nose surgery can address concerns such as:
- A bump on the bridge
- A drooping nasal tip
- A wide nasal tip
- Nasal crookedness
- Nasal size or projection
- Asymmetry in the nose
- Breathing issues related to structure
For patients with breathing concerns, rhinoplasty may include work on the septum, which separates the nostrils. This part of surgery is called septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is often used to correct ears that stick out.
Common otoplasty concerns include:
- Protruding ears
- Uneven ear shape or position
- Large ear cartilage folds
- Ears with too much projection
- Stretched or uneven earlobes
This procedure is performed for both adults and children. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. That space is often described as the upper lip length. This surgery may reveal more of the upper lip without using filler.
Patients may consider a lip lift for:
- A lengthened upper lip area
- Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Filler is used to add volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Chin, Jawline, and Facial Implant Surgery
Balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline may be improved with facial implants. A chin implant may be considered when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Types of facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implant surgery
- Implants for the cheeks
- Jawline implant surgery
Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.
Fat Transfer for Facial Volume
With facial fat grafting, fat from the patient’s own body is used to restore facial volume. Fat is usually removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may address:
- Hollow cheeks
- Under-eye volume loss
- Volume changes caused by 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 Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery are common parts of plastic surgery in Canada. Breast procedures may increase volume, reduce size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore breast shape after cancer surgery.
Breast Implants and Fat Transfer Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. 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:
- A naturally small breast shape
- Pregnancy-related breast volume loss
- Less breast fullness after weight change
- Breast asymmetry
- A desire for more breast fullness in clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. Planning should account for chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and future maintenance.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, raises and reshapes breasts that sit lower than desired. A lift changes position and shape rather than mainly adding volume. Instead, the goal is to improve breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Lower breast position
- Nipples that face downward
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Extra breast skin
- Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. A lift without implants may be preferred by patients who do not want added implant volume.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Patients may consider breast reduction for:
- Neck discomfort
- Pain in the shoulders
- Back strain
- Grooves from bra straps
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Problems staying active
- Clothing fit challenges
Breast reduction may be viewed as medically necessary in Canada in certain cases. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.
Breast Implant Revision
Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. Patients may need it for cosmetic goals or medical concerns.
Breast implant revision may be needed for:
- Changing breast implant size
- An implant that has ruptured
- Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around an implant becomes firm
- An implant that has shifted
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction can use implants, natural tissue, or both.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Reconstruction using implants
- Reconstruction using tissue flaps
- Nipple and areola restoration
- Fat grafting
- Symmetry-focused revision surgery
Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Both paths are valid and personal.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Gynecomastia surgery may help with:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- Chest tissue fullness
- Male chest asymmetry
- Discomfort being shirtless, exercising, or wearing fitted shirts
The cause of fullness, whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix, guides the best technique.
Body Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring surgery improves shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Pregnancy, aging, and major weight loss are common reasons people consider body contouring.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may help with:
- Sagging abdominal skin
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch marks on skin below the belly button
- Diastasis recti
- Body changes from pregnancy or weight loss
Abdominoplasty is used for contouring, not for major weight loss. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. The goal is contouring, not general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- Abdominal area
- Flank areas
- Outer hip area
- Thigh contours
- Upper arm area
- Back rolls
- Chin and neck
- Chest fullness
- 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.
Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring
Body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change may be treated with a custom mommy makeover plan. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.
Common mommy makeover procedures include:
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck
- Breast lift surgery
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Breast reduction surgery
- Liposuction
- Fat grafting
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. The procedure can apply to anyone with similar body concerns. The best mommy makeover plan should consider health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is expected.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
Arm lift surgery can help improve:
- Loose skin along the upper arms
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Aging changes in the arms
- Trouble feeling comfortable in sleeveless shirts
- Skin rubbing or irritation
The main trade-off is a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. The scar may be worthwhile for patients who want better arm shape, but it should be reviewed carefully.
Inner Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes loose skin from the thighs. Major weight loss is a common reason for thigh lift surgery.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Inner thigh skin laxity
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Difficulty fitting pants
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Loose thigh skin after bariatric surgery or weight loss
Several surgical patterns are available for thigh lift surgery. How much skin needs removal and where the looseness sits will guide the best option.
Body Contouring Lift
A body lift removes extra loose skin around the lower body. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- A major weight change
- Post-bariatric body changes
- Post-pregnancy body changes
- Aging changes with loose skin
This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. Patients should be at a stable weight and in good overall health.
Fat Grafting to the Body
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. It may be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast contour
- The buttocks
- Hip contour
- Face
- Contour changes after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Results can change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
Plastic surgeons may also treat scars, skin surface concerns, and soft tissue issues.
Scar Improvement Treatment
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:
- Scarring after surgery
- Trauma scars
- Burn scars
- Bulky scars
- Scars that feel tight
- Movement-limiting scars
Scar treatment can include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or several methods best plastic surgery together.
Mole, Cyst, and Skin Lesion Removal
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be done for:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- Noticeable growth
- Recurrent bleeding
- A cosmetic concern
- Diagnostic testing
- Comfort in daily life
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be checked by a qualified medical professional.
Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer
Skin cancer reconstruction can help close the treated area and restore appearance after cancer removal. Skin cancer reconstruction is often needed on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
A skin cancer reconstruction plan may use:
- Direct closure
- Using a skin graft
- Local tissue flaps
- Advanced reconstructive techniques
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Not all cosmetic concerns require surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments may help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. Expression lines are a common reason for BOTOX and neuromodulator treatment.
Common treatment areas include:
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Bunny lines on the nose
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Selected neck bands
Results are temporary and usually require repeat treatments. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are used to restore or add soft tissue volume. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lip volume
- The cheeks
- Chin
- Jawline contour
- Under-eye hollowing
- Nasolabial folds
- Lines below the corners of the mouth
Filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. Overfilling may look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Chemical Peels
The outer layers of skin can be improved with a chemical peel using a controlled solution.
Patients may consider chemical peels for:
- Uneven colour
- Skin dullness
- Small fine lines
- Photoaging
- Mild marks from acne
- Texture concerns
Chemical peels can range from light treatments to deeper treatments. Healing time varies based on the peel depth and type.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based treatments can improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Skin laser resurfacing
- IPL, or intense pulsed light
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Skin tightening treatments
- Laser treatment for unwanted hair
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels
Skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated should guide the choice of treatment. Careful selection matters for darker skin tones, where unwanted pigment changes may be a risk.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes outer skin layers as a deeper resurfacing treatment. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
Patients may consider these treatments for:
- Surface texture
- Mild scarring
- A dull complexion
- An uneven skin surface
- Small fine lines
The right option depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. Many patients come in asking for one treatment, then learn that another option better matches their anatomy.
This can happen in situations such as:
- 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.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
The best plan usually starts with three questions:
- What is behind the concern?
- Which procedure best treats that cause?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the result will look natural.
“Will the Result Still Look Like Me?”
This concern comes up often. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Plastic surgery that looks natural should fit the patient’s facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is often to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“When Can I Return to Normal Activities?”
Downtime varies by procedure. Little or no downtime may be needed after many non-surgical treatments. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Follow-up appointments
- Scar healing support
- Gradual return to exercise
- Final results that take time to settle
Healing takes time. Results often look better as weeks and months pass.
“Will There Be Scars?”
Any surgery that uses an incision creates a scar. The goal is to place scars as carefully as possible and help them heal well.
Many factors affect scar quality, including:
- Genetics
- Skin tone
- The type of procedure
- The incision location
- Tension on the wound
- Whether you smoke
- Exposure to the sun
- Post-surgery aftercare
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Many factors affect plastic surgery safety, including:
- Your medical condition
- Medications you take
- Nicotine or smoking use
- The planned procedure
- The facility where surgery is done
- How anesthesia is managed
- Surgeon training and experience
- Care after the procedure
Benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations should all be discussed during a consultation.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospitals, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.
How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Proper training and credentials matter when researching plastic surgery 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:
- What plastic surgery certification do you hold?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- How often do you perform this procedure?
- Where is the procedure performed?
- Who will provide the anesthesia?
- What risks apply to my specific case?
- What happens if a complication occurs?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- Can I review examples of similar cases?
This is not about being demanding. It is about understanding your options.
Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Canada
Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. 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. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.
If a very low price means less attention to safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare, it can be a warning sign.
Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada
Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. This may seem appealing, but there are added risks to consider.
Medical tourism concerns may include:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Travel during early recovery
- Risk of infection
- Different health care standards
- Less access to surgical records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Language barriers
- Unexpected revision costs
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
Preparing for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
During a consultation, you can learn what is possible, what is safe, and what results are realistic. The process should feel informative, not rushed or pressured.
Before a consultation, consider preparing in these ways:
- Make notes about your main concerns.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements.
- Tell the surgeon about your medical history.
- Do not hide smoking, vaping, cannabis, or nicotine use.
- If photos make your goals clearer, bring them to the consultation.
- Ask about recovery, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.
A good consultation should include a clear discussion of options. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery candidates should usually be healthy, informed, and realistic. A good candidate understands that surgery may improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or fix every life problem.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- You are generally healthy
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- You are near a stable weight for body procedures
- You do not smoke, or you can stop before and after surgery
- You know what to expect during recovery
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- The choice is based on your own goals
- You have realistic goals
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.
Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures
Some procedures may be combined safely. Other procedures should be staged. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Common combinations include:
- Lower face and neck rejuvenation
- Eyelid surgery with brow lift
- Nose surgery with chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- Combined mommy makeover procedures
- Combining body lift with arm or thigh surgery
- Fat grafting with facial surgery
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Understanding Your Plastic Surgery Options in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Some procedures improve the face, breasts, or body. Others help repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments can also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
The right procedure is not always the most popular option. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
A responsible approach should be built around safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. For procedures such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is education about benefits and limits.