Plastic surgery is a broad field with treatments that can enhance, restore, or reshape areas of the face and body. Cosmetic procedures are usually chosen to improve appearance. Others are reconstructive, which means they help restore form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
Canadians may look into plastic surgery for many reasons. Many patients simply want to look more rested. Some want to restore their body after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Others want help after trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Choosing the right procedure depends on anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery needs.
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. You will also learn what to think about before scheduling a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures
Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.
Common goals include:
- Supporting better facial harmony
- Reducing signs of aging
- Refining body shape
- Restoring fullness after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging
- Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping clothing fit better
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
What Is 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 a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Repair of cleft lip and palate
- Burn injury reconstruction
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar improvement surgery
- Wound reconstruction
- Facial trauma reconstruction
- Repair of congenital differences
Some reconstructive plastic surgery may qualify for provincial coverage if it is considered medically necessary. Changes done only for cosmetic reasons are usually not covered.
Types of Facial Plastic Surgery
Many facial plastic surgery procedures focus on balance, aging changes, and a refreshed appearance. Most patients do not want to look “different.” Good facial plastic surgery should often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, improves sagging in the lower face and jawline. A facelift can address jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
Facelift surgery can address concerns such as:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Lower-face loose skin
- Deep smile lines
- Drooping cheek tissue
- Reduced definition from the jawline into the neck
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. This approach may help produce a smoother, longer-lasting result without making the face look pulled. A facelift may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Platysmaplasty and Neck Lift Surgery
Loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin may be improved with a neck lift. The clinical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
Neck lift surgery can help improve:
- Vertical neck bands
- Extra neck skin
- A jawline that looks less defined
- Fullness below the chin
- A “turkey neck” look
For some people, both the skin and neck muscle need tightening. Others 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.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty helps refresh the eyes by removing or repositioning extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Common upper eyelid concerns include:
- Upper lids that feel heavy
- Loose upper eyelid skin
- A more tired or older eye appearance
- Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
- Vision concerns in select medical cases
Common lower eyelid concerns include:
- Under-eye puffiness or bags
- Puffiness
- Loose lower eyelid skin
- 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. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.
Common brow lift concerns include:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- Upper eyelid heaviness caused by a low brow
- Forehead wrinkles
- Frown lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern look
A brow lift should not be confused with eyelid personalized cosmetic surgery 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 for Nose Shape and Breathing
Rhinoplasty is nose surgery that can change nasal shape, size, or structure. Depending on the patient, rhinoplasty can be cosmetic, functional, or a combination.
Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:
- A bump on the bridge
- A lowered nose tip
- Tip width or boxiness
- A nose that looks crooked
- The size or projection of the nose
- Uneven nasal shape
- Nasal breathing concerns linked to anatomy
When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Ear surgery or otoplasty is used to adjust ear shape, position, or size. This procedure is often used when the ears project away from the head.
Otoplasty may address:
- Protruding ears
- Uneven ears
- Overdeveloped ear cartilage folds
- Ears with too much projection
- Earlobe appearance concerns
Otoplasty is common in adults and children. When otoplasty is considered for a child, timing is based on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
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.
Patients may consider a lip lift for:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Limited upper tooth show when smiling
- A thin-looking upper lip
- Uneven lip balance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
A lip lift is not the same as lip filler. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Facial Implants for Balance
Implants can be used to improve facial 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 options may include:
- Chin augmentation implants
- Implants for the cheeks
- Jawline implant surgery
In some cases, chin surgery may be combined with rhinoplasty because the nose and chin affect facial balance in profile view.
Facial Volume Restoration With Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to restore volume. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.
Facial fat grafting may help with:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Under-eye hollowing
- Volume loss after aging
- Thin facial soft tissue
- Imbalance in facial volume
Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Types of Breast Plastic Surgery
Breast surgery is one of the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Implants or fat transfer may be used in breast augmentation to increase breast size and improve shape. Saline and silicone gel are common breast implant options. Choosing an implant depends on the patient’s body type, breast tissue, goals, and guidance from the surgeon.
Common breast augmentation goals include:
- Naturally small breasts
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Uneven breast size or shape
- 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)
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
A breast lift may address:
- Lower breast position
- Nipples that face downward
- Stretched nipple-areola areas
- Extra breast skin
- Breast changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
Some patients choose 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 for Comfort and Shape
Breast reduction surgery makes the breasts smaller and lighter by removing extra breast tissue, fat, and skin.
Breast reduction may address:
- Neck discomfort
- Shoulder pain
- Back strain
- Bra strap grooves
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Problems staying active
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
In certain Canadian cases, breast reduction may qualify as medically necessary. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.
Revision Breast Implant Surgery
Existing breast implants may be adjusted or replaced with breast implant revision. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common breast implant revision concerns include:
- A desire to change implant size
- A ruptured implant
- Firm scar tissue around an implant, called capsular contracture
- Implant position changes
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- Aging changes after breast augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. Some patients replace their implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. The procedure may be done with implants, natural tissue, or a combined approach.
Types of breast reconstruction may include:
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Natural tissue flap reconstruction
- Nipple-areola reconstruction
- Fat transfer as part of reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction revision for symmetry
Choosing reconstruction is deeply personal. Some patients want reconstruction. Others choose to remain flat. Either choice can be valid.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Enlarged male breast tissue may be treated with gynecomastia surgery. It may include liposuction, gland removal, or both.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Puffy-looking nipples
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- Chest fullness
- An uneven male chest shape
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
The right technique depends on whether the fullness comes from fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a combination.
Types of Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring focuses on improving shape through skin removal, fat reduction, or tissue tightening. Many patients consider body contouring after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Surgery, Also Called Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes loose abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
Patients may consider a tummy tuck for:
- Loose abdominal skin
- A hanging lower abdomen
- Lower abdominal skin with stretch marks
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Loose abdominal tissue after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck should not be viewed as weight-loss surgery. It is best for patients who are near a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Liposuction may treat:
- Belly area
- Flank areas
- The hips
- Thigh contours
- Arm fullness
- The back
- Chin and neck
- Male or female chest area
- Knees
Good skin elasticity helps improve results. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. When skin laxity is significant, surgery to remove skin may be a better option.
Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover is tailored to the patient and may treat changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. It often combines breast and abdominal procedures.
Common mommy makeover procedures include:
- A tummy tuck procedure
- Breast lift
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction
- Fat grafting for contouring
The name can be misleading because the procedure is not only for mothers. It is really a custom body contouring plan for patients with similar concerns. The right plan depends on health, goals, recovery time, and whether future pregnancy is planned.
Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery
Loose upper arm skin can be removed with an arm lift, also called brachioplasty.
Patients may consider an arm lift for:
- Loose skin along the upper arms
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Upper arm changes from aging
- Avoiding sleeveless clothing
- Skin rubbing and irritation
A scar along the inner or back arm is the key trade-off with brachioplasty. Because the scar is permanent, patients should carefully discuss whether the improved shape is worth it.
Thigh Lift Surgery
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
- Trouble with pants fit
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Changes after bariatric surgery or major weight loss
Several surgical patterns are available for thigh lift surgery. The best thigh lift pattern depends on skin amount and the location of the looseness.
Body Lift After Weight Loss
Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. It can improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
A body lift may be considered after:
- Major weight loss
- Surgery for weight loss
- Body changes related to pregnancy
- Age-related skin laxity
A body lift is a larger procedure and usually has a longer recovery. A stable weight and good overall health are important before body lift surgery.
Body Contouring With Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. This procedure may improve contour or add volume using the patient’s own fat.
Fat grafting may be used in areas such as:
- Breast volume
- Buttock contour
- Hip volume
- Facial volume
- Surface irregularities after surgery or injury
Although fat grafting uses your own fat, not all transferred fat will survive. The result can shift over time, and some patients may need more than one session.
Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments
Plastic surgery also includes treatments for the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Surgical Scar Revision
Scar revision surgery is used to improve how a scar looks or feels. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Patients may consider scar revision for:
- Scarring after surgery
- Injury scars
- Scarring after burns
- Bulky scars
- Tight or pulling scars
- Movement-limiting scars
Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Skin Lesion, Mole, and Cyst Removal
When careful closure is important, plastic surgeons may remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps. Some lesions require medical assessment to rule out skin cancer.
Removal may be done for:
- Irritation
- Growth or change
- Recurrent bleeding
- Appearance concerns
- Medical diagnosis
- Comfort in daily life
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. Common areas include the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Reconstruction after skin cancer may include:
- Direct closure
- Using a skin graft
- Reconstruction with local flaps
- More complex reconstruction
The goal is to remove the cancer safely while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic 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. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
Neuromodulator Injections
BOTOX and similar neuromodulators are used to relax targeted facial muscles. They are commonly used for expression lines.
Patients may consider neuromodulators for:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Lines across the forehead
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Lines on the sides of the nose
- Dimpling in the chin
- Mild neck bands in certain cases
Results are temporary and usually need repeat treatments. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers may improve facial volume and contour. Dermal fillers often contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that supports and shapes soft tissue.
Dermal filler treatment may involve:
- Lip enhancement
- Midface fullness
- Chin contour
- Jawline definition
- Under-eye volume loss
- Nasolabial folds
- Mouth-corner lines
Dermal filler results depend on product choice, injection technique, facial anatomy, and treatment goals. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Chemical peels may address:
- Skin tone irregularity
- Skin dullness
- Small fine lines
- Photoaging
- Mild post-acne marks
- Rough skin texture
The strength of a peel may be light, medium, or deeper depending on the goal. Recovery depends on peel type.
Energy-Based Aesthetic Skin Treatments
Laser and energy-based treatments may improve skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Laser and energy-based options may include:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency-based treatments
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Laser-based hair reduction
- Vascular laser treatment for redness or broken vessels
Skin type, skin tone, and the concern being treated should guide the choice of treatment. Patients with darker skin tones need careful treatment planning because pigment changes can be a concern.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.
Patients may consider these treatments for:
- Uneven texture
- Mild scarring
- Skin dullness
- An uneven skin surface
- Early fine lines
Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
A good plastic surgery plan starts by identifying the concern instead of choosing a procedure name first. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
For instance:
- A heavy upper eyelid look may come from extra eyelid skin, brow descent, or both.
- Jawline softness may be related to skin laxity, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- A full abdomen can be caused by fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight.
- Flat-looking breasts may be improved with a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
A helpful treatment plan should answer these three questions:
- What is causing the concern?
- Which treatment is most likely to correct the cause?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
These trade-offs may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Common Questions and Concerns Before Plastic Surgery
Before plastic surgery, many patients feel both excited and nervous. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural-looking results.
“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”
This concern comes up often. Most people want to look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like someone else. Good plastic surgery should respect the patient’s natural features, body frame, age, and style.
Plastic surgery should often improve balance rather than chase perfection.
“What Is the Recovery Like?”
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. More extensive surgeries like tummy tuck, body lift, and mommy makeover require a more detailed recovery plan.
Plastic surgery recovery often involves:
- Bruising and swelling
- Activity limits
- A break from work
- Follow-up visits
- Scar care
- A gradual return to exercise
- Final results that develop over time
Surgical healing is gradual. Many procedures look better over weeks and months.
“Can Plastic Surgery Scars Be Hidden?”
Any procedure with an incision creates a scar. A good plan places scars as carefully as possible and supports healing.
Many factors affect scar quality, including:
- How your body naturally scars
- Natural skin tone
- Surgical procedure type
- Where the incision is placed
- Pulling on the healing incision
- Smoking or nicotine use
- How much sun the scar gets
- How the scar is cared for
Scars tend to soften and fade, but they usually remain to some degree.
“Is Plastic Surgery Safe?”
Every operation has possible risks. Complications can include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, or disappointment with the result.
A safe procedure depends on factors such as:
- Your medical condition
- Your medications
- Whether you smoke or use nicotine
- The planned procedure
- Where the procedure takes place
- The type of anesthesia
- Surgeon training and experience
- Your aftercare and follow-up
A careful consultation should include benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
What Canadians Should Know About Plastic Surgery
In Canada, plastic surgery is regulated through medical licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Patients should not rely only on marketing terms, because recognized medical training matters.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
Proper training and credentials matter when researching plastic surgery in Canada. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Patients should ask:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed by the provincial medical college?
- Do you commonly perform this type of surgery?
- What facility will be used for the procedure?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What risks apply to my specific case?
- What happens if a complication occurs?
- What does post-operative follow-up include?
- May I see before-and-after examples for similar procedures?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. 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.
Overhead and demand may increase fees in major Canadian centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.
A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.
Medical Tourism for Plastic Surgery
Some Canadians consider travelling outside the country for lower-cost surgery. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Travelling before healing is complete
- Infection risk
- Different health care standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Complications that are harder to manage back in Canada
- Communication barriers
- Possible costs for corrective surgery
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
Getting Ready for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation is your chance to learn what is possible, what is safe, and what is realistic. It should not feel rushed or pressured.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare:
- Make notes about your main concerns.
- 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.
- Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.
Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. A responsible plan may involve waiting, starting with a smaller treatment, improving health, or deciding against surgery.
Plastic Surgery Candidate Guidelines
Good candidates for plastic surgery are typically healthy, informed, and realistic. A good candidate understands that surgery may improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or fix every life problem.
You may be ready for plastic surgery if:
- Your overall health is good
- Your goals are based on a clear concern
- Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
- You are nicotine-free or can stop before and after surgery
- You understand what recovery involves
- You accept the risks and trade-offs
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- You have realistic goals
You may need to postpone surgery if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing an unstable medical condition, or feeling pressured by someone else.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
Combining procedures can be appropriate in selected cases. Other procedures should be staged. Combined surgery can reduce overall downtime, but it can also increase surgical time and recovery demands.
Common procedure combinations include:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Blepharoplasty with brow lift
- Rhinoplasty with chin surgery
- Breast lift with augmentation
- Abdominal contouring with tummy tuck and liposuction
- Mommy makeover surgery combinations
- Body lift with thigh lift or arm lift
- Combining facial rejuvenation and fat grafting
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Summary of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery includes many procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Other procedures focus on repair after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Non-surgical treatments can also help with wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes.
The best procedure is not always the procedure people ask about first. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
Every plastic surgery plan should put safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care first. 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.