In Canada, plastic surgery covers many procedures that may change, rebuild, or support the face and body. When surgery is chosen mainly to refine appearance, it is often called cosmetic surgery. When plastic surgery helps rebuild form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions, it is called reconstructive surgery.
Canadians may look into plastic surgery for many goals. For some people, the goal is to look more rested. Body changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging may lead some people to consider surgery. Other patients need 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.
Use this guide to understand the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also reviews what to consider before booking a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Compared With Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
The two main types of plastic surgery are usually cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures
Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. Because cosmetic surgery is usually elective, it is planned by choice and is not normally medically required.
Patients often choose cosmetic surgery to help with:
- Creating a more balanced face
- Reducing signs of aging
- Improving body contours
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Changing the shape of the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Making clothing feel or fit better
- Supporting confidence with natural-looking changes
Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. The total fee can depend on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up visits, and location.
Reconstructive Surgery
In reconstructive plastic surgery, the focus is on restoring form, function, or both. It may be used after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction after removal of breast tissue
- Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
- Cleft lip or palate repair
- Surgical treatment for burn-related changes
- Hand reconstruction
- Scar revision
- Repair of wounds
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Congenital reconstruction
Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. In many cases, the goal is not a dramatic change. The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery
Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.
A facelift may address:
- Sagging jowls along the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face
- Deeper smile lines
- Drooping cheek tissue
- A blurred face and neck transition
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. By supporting deeper tissues, the result may look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. A facelift can be part of a larger facial rejuvenation plan that includes a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Procedure (Platysmaplasty)
Neck lift surgery may treat loose skin, visible muscle bands, and fullness below the chin. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.
Common reasons for neck lift surgery include:
- Prominent neck bands
- Neck skin laxity
- Soft jawline definition
- Submental fullness
- A neck that looks loose or heavy
Some patients need skin and muscle tightening. Others may benefit from 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.
Eyelid Surgery for Tired-Looking Eyes
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper blepharoplasty may help with:
- Heavy upper eyelids
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids
- An aged or fatigued look
- Skin that sits on the eyelashes
- Vision blockage in certain medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery may help with:
- Lower eyelid bags
- Puffiness
- Extra skin below the eyes
- Shadowing beneath the lower lids
- Eyes that still look tired after rest
Blepharoplasty is common because even subtle changes around the eyes can make the face look more rested.
Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift
Brow lift surgery, or a forehead lift, is used to raise a low or heavy brow. By lifting the brow, the procedure may improve the upper eyes and soften forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may help with:
- Brow descent
- Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
- Lines across the forehead
- Lines between the brows
- A facial expression that appears tired, sad, or serious
A brow lift is not the same as eyelid surgery. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. Many patients need either one procedure or the other, while some benefit from both.
Nose Surgery Procedure (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Rhinoplasty may focus on appearance, breathing, or both.
Rhinoplasty may cosmetic surgery in canada address:
- A bump along the bridge of the nose
- Tip droop
- A wide or boxy tip
- A crooked nose
- Nose size or projection
- Nasal asymmetry
- Breathing issues related to structure
For patients with breathing concerns, rhinoplasty may include work on the septum, which separates the nostrils. That procedure is known as septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for appearance, while functional nasal surgery is done to improve airflow.
Otoplasty, Also Called Ear Surgery
The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Ear surgery can help improve:
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Uneven ears
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Concerns with the earlobes
Otoplasty is common in adults and children. For children, timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift for Upper Lip Balance
The space between the upper lip and the nose can be shortened with a lip lift. This space is called the upper lip length. The procedure may make the upper lip look more visible without adding filler.
A lip lift may help with:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Reduced tooth show in the upper smile
- Limited visible upper lip
- Poor lip balance
- Aging in the lip and mouth area
Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Dermal filler increases volume. The purpose of a lip lift is to change the upper lip position and shape rather than just add volume.
Facial Implants for Balance
Facial implants can improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. When the chin appears small in relation to the nose or other features, chin surgery may help.
Facial implant surgery may include:
- Chin implants
- Implants for the cheeks
- Implants for the jawline
In some cases, chin surgery is combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin both affect facial balance in profile view.
Fat Grafting to the Face
A patient’s own fat can be used in facial fat grafting to restore volume. Areas such as the abdomen or thighs are often used as the fat source before the fat is processed and placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may address:
- Hollow cheeks
- Under-eye volume loss
- Volume loss after aging
- Loss of soft tissue fullness
- Imbalance in facial volume
Facial fat grafting can be performed by itself or with procedures such as facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial surgery.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
Many patients in Canada consider breast surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. 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 size and shape can be increased with breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Breast augmentation may help with:
- A naturally small breast shape
- Volume loss after pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Uneven breast size or shape
- Improved breast shape in fitted clothing
Patients often worry about looking too large or unnatural. Chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance should all be part of the plan.
Breast Lift Surgery, Also Called Mastopexy
A breast lift or mastopexy improves breast position and shape when the breasts have dropped. It does not mainly add volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
Patients may consider a breast lift for:
- Breast sagging
- Nipples that sit low or point down
- Areolas that have stretched
- Stretched breast skin
- Post-pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight-loss breast 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.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Breast reduction surgery can help improve:
- Chronic neck pain
- Shoulder discomfort
- Upper back pain
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Skin irritation under the breasts
- Problems staying active
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Coverage depends on provincial requirements, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.
Breast implant revision may be needed for:
- Desire to change implant size
- A ruptured implant
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- Implant shifting
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast changes over time after augmentation
- Choosing to remove implants
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Other patients prefer implant replacement with a new size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction surgery helps rebuild the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.
The breast reconstruction process may involve:
- Implant breast reconstruction
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola
- Fat grafting
- Revision surgery for symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some people prefer to have reconstruction. Others choose to remain flat. Both options are valid.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.
Gynecomastia surgery may address:
- Fullness around the nipples
- Gland tissue under the areola
- Chest tissue fullness
- A chest that looks uneven
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
Treatment choice depends on whether fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these is causing the fullness.
Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures
Body contouring surgery improves shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. Body contouring is common after changes from 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.
Tummy tuck surgery can help improve:
- Loose skin on the abdomen
- A hanging lower abdomen
- Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
- Separated core muscles
- Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss
Tummy tuck surgery is not a general weight-loss procedure. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction for Body Contouring
Localized fat can be removed with liposuction using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Liposuction may be used on areas such as:
- Belly area
- Flanks, often called love handles
- Hips
- Inner or outer thighs
- Upper arms
- Back contour areas
- Submental area and neck
- The chest
- The knees
Skin tone is an important factor. If the skin is loose, liposuction by itself may not be enough. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover combines procedures to address body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. Breast and abdominal procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.
A customized mommy makeover may involve:
- A tummy tuck procedure
- Mastopexy
- Breast augmentation
- A breast reduction procedure
- Liposuction
- Body fat grafting
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not limited to mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. Health, goals, recovery time, and future pregnancy plans all help guide the best approach.
Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery
An arm lift or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
Arm lift surgery can help improve:
- Loose skin along the upper arms
- Loose upper arm skin after weight loss
- Upper arm changes from aging
- Trouble wearing sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing or irritation
Arm lift surgery leaves 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.
Thigh Lift Surgery
Loose thigh skin can be removed with a thigh lift. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Sagging skin on the inner thighs
- Rubbing in the inner thighs
- Pants that do not fit well
- Heaviness from extra skin
- Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes
Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. The right option depends on the amount of skin to remove and where the looseness is located.
Body Lift After Weight Loss
A body lift removes loose skin around the lower body. A body lift can address the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be considered after:
- Major weight loss
- Weight-loss surgery
- Pregnancy-related skin looseness
- Age-related skin laxity
This is a larger surgery with a longer recovery. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.
Fat Grafting to the Body
Fat can be moved from one body area to another with fat grafting. Fat grafting can add natural volume or refine body contour.
Common treatment areas include:
- Breast shape
- Buttock shape
- The hips
- Face
- Contour irregularities after injury or surgery
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin and Scar Plastic Surgery Procedures
Plastic surgery also includes procedures that improve the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Revision
Scar revision can improve the appearance or feel of a scar. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may address:
- Post-surgical scars
- Injury-related scars
- Burn-related scars
- Thick scars
- Tight or pulling scars
- Scars that restrict motion
Depending on the scar, treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or combined care.
Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps may be removed by plastic surgeons when a precise closure is needed. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.
Common reasons for removal include:
- A lesion that gets irritated
- A lesion that is getting larger
- Recurrent bleeding
- Cosmetic reasons
- Medical diagnosis
- Improved comfort
If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedures
When skin cancer is removed, plastic surgery reconstruction may help close the area and restore appearance. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Common skin cancer reconstruction methods include:
- Direct surgical closure
- Skin grafts
- Moving nearby tissue with a local flap
- Complex reconstruction
Skin cancer reconstruction aims to support safe cancer removal while protecting function and appearance.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments can 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. Neuromodulators are commonly chosen for lines caused by facial movement.
Common areas include:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Forehead lines
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Nose bunny lines
- Dimpling in the chin
- Neck muscle bands in some situations
Because results are temporary, repeat treatments are usually needed. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.
Dermal Filler Treatments
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lips
- Cheek volume
- The chin
- Jawline contour
- Under-eye hollowing
- Smile line folds
- Mouth-corner lines
Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. Overfilling can look unnatural, so conservative planning is important.
Chemical Peels for Skin Texture and Tone
The outer layers of skin can be improved with a chemical peel using a controlled solution.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Patchy skin tone
- Dull skin
- Fine lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Mild marks from acne
- Skin texture concerns
The strength of a peel may be light, medium, or deeper depending on the goal. Downtime depends on how strong the peel is.
Laser and Energy-Based Skin Treatments
Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common options may include:
- Laser resurfacing for texture
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency skin treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Hair reduction with laser
- Vascular lasers for visible redness
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.
Dermabrasion and Light Skin Resurfacing
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
Common concerns include:
- Surface texture
- Surface-level scars
- Tired-looking skin
- An uneven skin surface
- Early fine lines
Choosing between these treatments depends on skin quality, goals, recovery time, and risk tolerance.
How Patients Can Choose the Best Procedure
A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. A patient may request one procedure, then find out that a different option fits their anatomy better.
This can happen in situations such as:
- Upper lid heaviness may be related to eyelid skin, brow position, or both.
- 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 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.
A good treatment plan should answer three questions:
- What is behind the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What benefits and limits come with that procedure?
Patients should consider trade-offs such as scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
It is common to have mixed feelings before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but nervousness is common too. Many patients worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the outcome will look natural.
“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”
This is a very common worry. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
For many patients, the goal is better balance, not a perfect or unrealistic look.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
Healing time is different for every procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. Procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover usually need more recovery planning.
In general, recovery planning may include:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- Recovery time before returning to work
- Follow-up appointments
- Scar healing support
- Slow return to workouts
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Healing takes time. Many procedures improve over weeks and months.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Scars?”
A scar forms whenever an incision is made. The goal is not scar-free surgery, but careful scar placement and good healing.
Scar healing depends on:
- Your genetics
- Your skin tone
- Which procedure is done
- Scar location
- Tension on the wound
- Whether you smoke
- How much sun the scar gets
- Scar aftercare
A scar often becomes less noticeable over time, but it will not vanish completely.
“What Should I Know About Plastic Surgery Safety?”
Every operation has possible risks. Risks may 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 overall health
- Your medications
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The procedure selected
- The surgical facility
- How anesthesia is managed
- The qualifications of the surgeon
- Your aftercare and follow-up
During consultation, patients should learn about benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery
Canadian plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should know the difference between marketing terms and recognized medical training.
Plastic Surgeon Credentials in Canada
When researching plastic surgery in Canada, patients should look for proper training and credentials. A plastic surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Important consultation questions include:
- Are you certified as a plastic surgeon?
- Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- Who is responsible for anesthesia care?
- What are my personal risks with this procedure?
- How are complications handled?
- How many follow-up visits are included?
- Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?
This is not about being difficult. It is about making an informed choice.
Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada
Cosmetic surgery costs can vary widely across Canada. The final cost may include procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Smaller cities may have different fees, but cost should not be the only factor.
A bargain price is not always a good deal if it comes with weaker safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Choosing Surgery in Canada vs. Abroad
Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. Lower cost may be appealing, but surgery abroad can come with extra risks.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Less access to follow-up care
- Travel during early recovery
- Risk of infection
- Different medical standards
- Less access to surgical records
- Challenges managing post-surgery problems in Canada
- Language barriers
- Cost of revision surgery
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
Preparing for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.
You can prepare for the visit by doing the following:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- Do not hide smoking, vaping, cannabis, or nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help show your goals.
- Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your own body or face.
A good consultation should clearly discuss your options. In some cases, the best recommendation is to wait, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
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.
Plastic surgery may be appropriate if:
- Your overall health is good
- You have a clear concern
- Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
- You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
- You are prepared for the recovery process
- You understand and accept the trade-offs
- You are choosing the procedure for yourself
- Your goals are realistic
It may be better to delay surgery if pregnancy, major weight loss plans, nicotine use, unstable health, or outside pressure are present.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Common combinations include:
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Blepharoplasty with brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Combining breast lift and implants
- Abdominoplasty with liposuction
- Mommy makeover surgery combinations
- Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
- Facial surgery combined with fat grafting
The safest plan depends on 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. Some improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical cosmetic options can help soften wrinkles, restore volume, improve texture, and address early aging changes.
The best procedure is not always the most popular one. A good procedure choice fits the patient’s anatomy, goals, health, and comfort level.
The strongest treatment plan should focus on safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. Whether you are considering eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, the first step is learning what each option can and cannot do.