At The Ottawa Clinic, refinement begins long before the first incision. Under the leadership of Dr. Sean Smith, his practice has become a cornerstone of patient-focused plastic surgery in the capital, where precision, safety, and natural results take precedence over passing trends.
Dr. Smith’s philosophy is guided by both technical excellence and genuine empathy for his patients. A board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of The Ottawa Clinic, he operates at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, Almonte Hospital and Carleton Place Hospital, combining reconstructive expertise with aesthetic vision. For him, the goal is simple: to help patients feel like themselves again.
“Most of my patients just want to feel like themselves again,” he says. “They want to feel comfortable in their own skin after major life changes such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.”
Raised in Wakefield, Quebec, Dr. Smith grew up surrounded by both creativity and logic. His father taught physics, and his mother taught art. That mix of influences shaped his way of thinking and continues to guide his work today. After earning his medical degree and completing his plastic-surgery residency at the University of Ottawa, he pursued advanced fellowships in aesthetic, breast, and craniofacial surgery at the University of British Columbia and The University of Ottawa, which included work at The Ottawa Hospital and the Children’s Hospital. He later returned to Ottawa to establish his practice and, in time, launch The Ottawa Clinic in Ottawa’s west end.
At his clinic, Dr. Smith focuses on helping patients reconnect with their confidence. “Each procedure is personalized to restore balance and harmony, and I’m always working to perfect my technique to deliver the most natural results possible,” he says. His practice offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments, including facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and body contouring. Each plan is tailored to the individual, designed to achieve results that are subtle, natural, and long-lasting.
Dr. Sean Smith, co-founder of The Ottawa Clinic, pictured in the clinic’s main hallway. The practice has grown to include 6 consult rooms and 5 treatment rooms, providing full-spectrum aesthetic and reconstructive care.
That patient-first mindset shapes every stage of care. Consultations at Dr. Sean Smith Plastic Surgery are unhurried and collaborative. Dr. Smith often spends an hour or more discussing a patient’s goals, reviewing 3D simulations with CRISALIX imaging software, and mapping out realistic outcomes. “Communication is everything,” he explains. “If risks are too high or expectations aren’t realistic, we take a step back. Cosmetic surgery is elective, so there’s never a reason to proceed unless it’s safe and likely to deliver a satisfying result.”
At The Ottawa Clinic, where Dr. Smith serves as co-founder and co-director, collaboration is at the heart of the practice. “We’ve built a true team environment,” he says. “Our nurses not only support patients after surgery but also provide non-surgical treatments like injectables, lasers, and skincare. It’s a comprehensive model that ensures continuity of care.” With a highly compassionate and dedicated team of Patient Care Coordinators, the result is a seamless patient experience that feels professional, personal, and deeply supportive.
As a clinical instructor at the University of Ottawa’s Division of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Smith is equally committed to education. At the Queensway Carleton Hospital, he mentors residents in reconstructive procedures, providing hands-on experience in a real-world surgical setting. He also lectures at the University seminar series “Teaching keeps me sharp,” he says. “Explaining why you do something strengthens your own technique. Teaching reminds me why I love surgery.”
Dr. Smith with his multidisciplinary team at The Ottawa Clinic, which includes nurses, medical aestheticians, and patient care coordinators.
While technology and techniques continue to evolve, Dr. Smith believes the most significant shift in plastic surgery has been cultural. “The pendulum has moved away from overdone looks to refined, timeless enhancements,” he says. “When surgery is done well, it should be invisible. People should notice you look great without knowing why.”
He also cautions patients to approach cosmetic trends with care. “Injectables and energy-based treatments are often a great option for our patients, but not always,” he says. “Having board-certified professionals, cosmetic nurses and aestheticians under one roof ensures patients receive the right treatment for their goals, not just what’s popular online.”
Outside of surgery, Dr. Smith lives in Ottawa’s west end with his wife and two children. He finds balance through skiing, cycling, golf, and coaching young athletes. “Teaching them feels a lot like mentoring residents,” he says. “It keeps me grounded and reminds me that growth is a lifelong process.”
At its core, his philosophy remains simple and human. Whether reconstructing after trauma or refining through elective surgery, his purpose is the same: to restore confidence and comfort. “Every patient is unique,” he says. “My job is to understand their vision and help them see the best version of themselves.”
In a field often associated with transformation, Dr. Sean Smith and The Ottawa Clinic stand apart for their authenticity. Through a thoughtful mix of skill, compassion, and care, they continue to redefine what modern plastic surgery can be in Ottawa—measured, meticulous, and deeply human.
