Primary Rhinoplasty

About Rhinoplasty in Vancouver

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to change the size and/or shape of the nose. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi is a highly trained and specialized Vancouver rhinoplasty surgeon. He has been in practice for over ten years and has performed thousands of nasal surgeries. He has the skill and expertise to leverage a variety of techniques which he tailors to each patient. You can view a small sample of before and after photos or see an extensive library during your consultation.

About Dr. Buonassisi

Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi carefully evaluates each patient’s nasal features, facial features, and objectives before choosing which of the various techniques to most effectively achieve the optimal result. Dr. Buonassisi has a specific philosophy when it comes to rhinoplasty. His objectives are:

• Perform safe and lasting repairs to the nasal framework
• Create a nasal shape that is in keeping with the patient’s gender, ethnic background and other facial features
• Have an informative open dialogue with patients about their specific goals
• Give an honest assessment of what can realistically be achieved with surgery

Benefits of Primary Rhinoplasty

The nose is one of the most noticeable facial features. People who have a well-proportioned nose may not pay much attention to how it influences their overall appearance. But for those who think their nose is too large, too small or out of proportion with their other features, they are often bothered by it’s appearance.

Surgical Approaches: Open Vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

With a closed approach rhinoplasty, the underlying nasal framework is exposed through small incisions inside the nose that parallel the nostril rim.  The cartilages and bone of the tip and bridge of the nose are then reshaped to improve the cosmetic appearance of the nose.  Once these modifications are complete the skin settles back onto the reshaped nasal framework and the internal incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. The closed approach allows Dr. Buonassisi limited access to the nasal tip and is not recommend when a significant tip deformity requires correction.

With an open approach rhinoplasty, the underlying nasal framework is exposed through small incisions inside the nose as well as a small incision in the columella (the small strip of skin that separates the nostrils). This allows for unparalleled exposure to the nasal tip cartilages. The cartilages and bone of the tip and bridge of the nose are then reshaped to improve the cosmetic appearance of the nose.  Once these modifications are complete the skin settles back onto the reshaped nasal framework and the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. The open approach allows Dr. Buonassisi improved access to the nasal tip in cases where significant deformity must be corrected.  The resultant external scar is usually imperceptible once it heals. Once Dr. Buonassisi has access to the nasal framework, he chooses from a range of techniques to achieve the desired result. Some of the common corrections requested from patients, include:

Typical Changes to the nose

• Hump Reduction
• Deviated Septum Correction
• tip rotation

• tip de-rotation
• tip projection
• tip de-projection
• tip refinement
• bride or tip augmentation

Our patient care coordinator has worked with hundreds of Dr. Buonassisi’s rhinoplasty patients and can answer your questions. Please call 604 733 1669 or request a consult to schedule a complementary consultation that includes computer imaging