Facial Plastic Surgery ยท Vancouver, BC

Expert Rhinoplasty in
Vancouver, BC

Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSC, is a specialist in Otolaryngology โ€“ Head & Neck Surgery and a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 2,500 rhinoplasty procedures and more than 25 years of surgical experience. Every result is designed to look natural, balanced, and distinctly yours.

Explore the Knowledge Hub
  • FRCSC โ€” Fellow of the Royal
    College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada
  • Specialist in Otolaryngology โ€“ Head & Neck Surgery
  • ABFPRS โ€” Board Certified by the American
    Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
  • 2,500+ Rhinoplasty Procedures
  • 25+ Years of Surgical Experience
  • 4.8 / 5 ยท 1,700+ Verified Reviews
  • Before & After photo gallery with more than 100
    rhinoplasty cases
Dr. Thomas Buonassisi at 8 West Clinic in Vancouver
RHINOPLASTY OVERVIEW

Rhinoplasty in Vancouver โ€” what it is, who it's for, and what to expect.

Rhinoplasty (also called a nose job or nasal surgery) is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance, proportion, or function. It is one of the most technically demanding procedures in facial plastic surgery โ€” requiring a precise understanding of nasal anatomy, skin type, and how tissue behaves over time.

Patients come to 8 West Clinic from across Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the broader Metro Vancouver area โ€” as well as from Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, and across Canada โ€” to work with Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, a specialist in Otolaryngology โ€“ Head and Neck Surgery with a practice focused on facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Buonassisi has performed over 2,500 rhinoplasty procedures across every technique โ€” open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, ultrasound rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial feminization rhinoplasty. His approach is anatomy-first: the technique is selected based on your specific structure and goals, not a preferred method.

Every rhinoplasty at 8 West Clinic begins with a thorough consultation โ€” a structured conversation about your anatomy, your goals, and what is realistically achievable.

AT A GLANCE
Procedure time
1โ€“3 hours
Depending on complexity and technique
Anaesthesia
IV Sedation & General
Performed in an accredited surgical facility
Social downtime
7โ€“14 days
Splint removed at day 7โ€“10; bruising resolves by week 2
Final result
12โ€“18 months
Tip refinement continues as swelling resolves over time
Techniques available
Open ยท Closed ยท Preservation ยท Ultrasound
Selected based on your anatomy โ€” not a default approach

On this page

Every approach.
One goal: a result
that looks like you.

The sections below cover what matters most when researching rhinoplasty โ€” from patient reviews and before & after results, to understanding the journey and starting your pre-assessment.

Explore the sections below โ†“

Dr. Thomas Buonassisi โ€” Facial Plastic Surgeon, 8 West Clinic Vancouver

8 West Clinic ยท Vancouver

A career built entirely
on the face.

โ€œThe best rhinoplasty is the one that no one can tell you had. My goal is always a result that looks like you โ€” refined, balanced, and natural.โ€

4,000+
Facial Cosmetic Surgeries
25+
Years of Surgical Experience
4.8โ˜…
1,900+ Verified Reviews
100%
Personally Performs Every Case

Board Certifications & Fellowships

  • FRCSC โ€” Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada ยท Otolaryngology โ€“ Head & Neck Surgery
  • ABFPRS โ€” Board Certified, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
  • AAFPRS โ€” American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABFPRS โ€” American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery AAFPRS โ€” American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada RealSelf Verified Doctor
Download Ebook
Patient Voices.

From patients who have been
through it

Patients who choose Dr. Buonassisi for rhinoplasty consistently describe results that look natural and specific to their face โ€” not a template outcome. The consultation is frequently cited as unusually thorough. Recovery is described as smooth and well-supported.

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
4.8 average across 1,700+ verified reviews
RateMDs
Dr. Buonassisi
4.8 520+ reviews
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
RealSelf
Dr. Buonassisi
4.7 231 reviews
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
RealSelf
8 West Clinic
4.8 365 reviews
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Google
8 West Clinic โ€” Vancouver
4.8 554 reviews
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Google
8 West Clinic โ€” North Van
4.8 70 reviews
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
Natural results

Results that look like the face they were born with โ€” not a procedure.

Honest consultation

Thorough, unhurried, and clear about what is and isn't achievable.

Conservative by design

A deliberate philosophy โ€” not a limitation. An expert approach to safe and lasting results.

Smooth recovery

Clear post-op communication and attentive follow-up throughout.

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
"I had my rhinoplasty done by Dr. B and had the best experience. From the beginning he was very knowledgeable and walked me through every step of the process so I knew what to expect. The results turned out exactly how I hoped โ€” natural, balanced, and well suited for my face."
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
"Took my daughter to 8 West Clinic for rhinoplasty. The team and Doctor Buonassisi were beyond helpful and professional. The result of her surgery was fantastic. Can't thank them enough for such an incredible experience."
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
"I can't recommend Dr. Buonassisi and the team at 8 West enough. From my very first consultation all the way through surgery and recovery, every step of the process was excellent. The entire team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive."
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
"I had a rhinoplasty with Dr. Buonassisi in October. I love my results! I asked for a hump reduction with a slight slope. My nose looks natural and fits my face. I have a cute little slope and no more hump. The staff and surgical team were all very friendly and answered all of my many questions."
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
"I've had many positive experiences with 8 West Clinic. Dr. B, Lisa, Sarah and staff have been very friendly and accommodating! I had my Rhinoplasty done in July and could not be happier. Anytime I had a question or concern they were happy to help!"
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
"Dr. B and his team did a fantastic job from start to finish in my rhinoplasty journey. From providing clear expectations to a detailed checklist ahead of surgery, to the team being readily available to answer any questions pre and post op โ€” I felt cared for the whole way through."
A note on fit

Dr. Buonassisi's approach is best suited for patients who want refinement that reads as natural โ€” a nose that improves their face without announcing that surgery occurred. Overly aggressive structural changes can compromise breathing function and long-term nasal integrity. A conservative, anatomy-first approach is not a limitation โ€” it is what produces safe, lasting results. Patients seeking dramatic transformation are typically better matched with a different surgical style. This is discussed openly in the consultation, and it is one reason the practice maintains a high review average across a large volume of cases.

Rhinoplasty consultation at 8 West Clinic
Your Consultation

What to expect when you meet Dr. Buonassisi.

Every consultation is conducted personally by Dr. Buonassisi โ€” not a patient coordinator, not a nurse. He reviews your goals, explains what is technically achievable, and walks you through the process before you make any decision.

No referral required
Computer imaging available at consultation
Meet our incredible team of patient care managers
Why rhinoplasty at 8 West Clinic โ†’
Free ยท 5 Minutes ยท No Obligation

The first step
takes 5 minutes.

Complete our pre-assessment and Dr. Buonassisiโ€™s team will review your submission personally โ€” before you ever step into the clinic.

Strictly confidential ยท Complete in 5 minutes ยท Reviewed personally by Dr. Buonassisiโ€™s patient care team
Before You Decide

Is rhinoplasty right for you?

Not every patient is a candidate for rhinoplastyโ€”and not every goal is achievable in the way patients initially imagine

Most people come in with a specific concern, but what ultimately matters is how your nose fits within your overall facial structure. Even small changes can have a significant impact on balance, while more aggressive changes can sometimes create results that feel unnatural or out of place.

A thorough consultation with Dr. Buonassisi focuses on understanding your anatomy, your goals, and the limits of what your tissues will support. This includes a clear, honest discussion about what is possible, what is not, and where judgment is required to achieve a result that looks natural over timeโ€”not just immediately after surgery.

In many cases, patients are not looking for a โ€œdifferent nose,โ€ but a version of their own nose that is more refined, more balanced, and less distracting. Determining whether that outcome is achievableโ€”and whether surgery is the right pathโ€”is the purpose of the consultation.

The goal isnโ€™t to fit you into a procedureโ€”itโ€™s to determine whether this is the right approach for you.

The information below is a brief overview. Candidacy, risks, and complications are covered in full detail on the consultation page.

Discuss candidacy at your consultation โ†’
Candidacy Criteria
โ—†

Facial growth complete โ€” typically 15+ for girls, 16+ for boys. Assessed individually with parental involvement for patients under 18.

โ—†

Non-smoker or able to quit โ€” smoking significantly increases surgical risk and impairs healing. Cessation is required before and after surgery.

โ—†

Realistic expectations โ€” rhinoplasty improves harmony and balance. It cannot guarantee a specific result or replicate another person's nose.

โ—†

No contraindications to anaesthesia โ€” no active skin infections, uncontrolled medical conditions, or contraindications to anaesthesia.

Risks & Complications
โ—†

Swelling and bruising โ€” expected post-operatively. Most visible swelling resolves within 2โ€“3 weeks; residual swelling can persist up to 12 months.

โ—†

Asymmetry โ€” minor asymmetry is common in healing. Significant asymmetry may require revision, which is discussed at consultation.

โ—†

Revision surgery โ€” a small percentage of patients require a secondary procedure. Dr. Buonassisi performs revision rhinoplasty and will advise on likelihood.

โ—†

Anaesthesia risks โ€” all surgical procedures carry anaesthetic risk. A pre-operative assessment ensures you are a safe candidate.

โ—†

Healing variation โ€” individual healing rates vary. Final results are not visible until 12 months post-surgery as residual swelling fully resolves.

Surgical Approaches

Rhinoplasty Techniques & Goals

Dr. Buonassisi performs every rhinoplasty technique โ€” from preservation and ethnic approaches to ultrasonic bone reshaping and facial feminization. Each procedure is planned individually: the technique is selected to suit your anatomy and goals, not a preferred method.

Precision ยท Faster recovery

Ultrasonic Piezotome Rhinoplasty

Advanced ultrasonic technology for precise bone reshaping with reduced bruising and faster recovery compared to traditional osteotomy techniques.

Learn more โ†’
Natural results ยท Lower revision rate

Preservation Rhinoplasty

Reshaping the nose while preserving the native dorsal anatomy โ€” a modern approach that reduces trauma and produces highly natural results.

Learn more โ†’
Tip ยท Definition

Tip Refinement

Reshaping and refining the nasal tip for improved definition and proportion, tailored to your facial anatomy and skin thickness.

Learn more โ†’
Bridge ยท Profile

Hump Reduction Rhinoplasty

Smoothing the nasal bridge for a refined, balanced profile. One of the most common goals in rhinoplasty.

Learn more โ†’
Tip ยท Angle ยท Projection

Tip Rotation

Adjusting the angle and projection of the nasal tip โ€” correcting a drooping or over-projected tip to restore balance with the rest of the face.

Learn more โ†’
Identity ยท Heritage

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Enhancing your features while honouring your cultural identity and preserving your heritage โ€” not imposing an external standard.

Learn more โ†’
Feminisation ยท Facial harmony

Facial Feminization Rhinoplasty

Subtle nasal refinements โ€” reducing projection, softening the bridge, refining the tip โ€” as part of a comprehensive facial feminization approach.

Learn more โ†’
Breathing ยท Function

Septoplasty

Correcting a deviated septum to restore natural airflow and improve breathing function โ€” often combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty in a single procedure.

Learn more โ†’
Under 18 ยท Candidacy

Teen Rhinoplasty

A carefully considered process for patients under 18. Parental involvement is required, and candidacy is assessed individually once facial growth is complete.

Learn more โ†’
Knowledge Hub

Understand rhinoplasty before
your consultation.

Surgeon-authored guides covering technique selection, recovery, candidacy, and what to expect โ€” written for patients who want to make an informed decision.

Knowledge Hub โ†’
Recently published
Recently published
Real Results

Before & After Gallery

Over 2,500 rhinoplasties performed. Every result shown here is a real patient of Dr. Buonassisi โ€” unretouched, unstaged, and published with written consent.

View Full Gallery โ†’
From the Knowledge Hub

Surgeon-authored videos

Dr. Buonassisi has been committed to educating patients about rhinoplasty since he launched his first YouTube video in 2010. Every video in the Knowledge Hub is filmed in clinic, unscripted, and answered by Dr. Buonassisi directly.

Common Questions

Rhinoplasty questions, answered.

How much does rhinoplasty cost in Vancouver?

Rhinoplasty pricing varies depending on a number of factors specific to your procedure โ€” including the type of anaesthesia used, whether implants or grafts are required, and the complexity of the technique involved. All of these are outlined in detail in your customised quote following consultation.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is widely regarded as one of the most technically challenging surgeries to master. Dr. Buonassisi brings over 25 years of surgical experience and has performed more than 2,500 rhinoplasty procedures. That depth of expertise, combined with a dedicated patient care team and a streamlined process built around your experience, is reflected in our pricing. Patients who choose 8 West Clinic are not working with a surgeon in the early stages of learning rhinoplasty โ€” they are working with one of the most experienced rhinoplasty specialists in Canada.

Surgery is performed in a private, accredited cosmetic surgery operating room with a full anaesthesia team and surgical staff.

If you are interested in pricing, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your goals. We will provide a personalised quote based on your specific anatomy and what your procedure involves.

What is the recovery time for rhinoplasty?

Social recovery from rhinoplasty is typically 1โ€“2 weeks. Most patients are back to a desk job within approximately one week, and back to work or school in person within two weeks.

Swelling continues to resolve over 6โ€“12 months, with final results visible at 12โ€“18 months. Dr. Buonassisi will provide a personalised recovery timeline at your consultation.

Our team has supported thousands of patients through the recovery process and is here to answer your questions along the way โ€” many of which are also covered in detail in our Rhinoplasty Knowledge Hub โ†’

Will there be visible scarring?

In open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made at the base of the columella. This heals to a very fine, nearly invisible scar in most patients. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no external scars. Dr. Buonassisi will recommend the most appropriate technique for your anatomy.

How long do rhinoplasty results last?

Rhinoplasty results are considered permanent. The structural changes made during surgery remain stable over time, though some natural aging of the skin and soft tissues should be expected.

Dr. Buonassisi is a rhinoplasty specialist who selects techniques based on your individual anatomy โ€” with an approach designed to help maintain the results of your surgery for years to come. At your consultation, he will explain what changes you might expect over time.

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates are in good general health, have fully developed facial anatomy, have realistic expectations, and are motivated by personal goals rather than external pressure. Facial development is typically complete at around 15+ for girls and 16+ for boys, though this is assessed individually.

Our pre-assessment helps identify whether rhinoplasty is the right path for you.

Do patients travel from outside Vancouver for rhinoplasty?

Yes. Patients travel to 8 West Clinic from across Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, and across Canada to work with Dr. Buonassisi. Our team has extensive experience working with out-of-town patients and a streamlined process to support you from your first enquiry through to recovery โ€” wherever you are coming from.

Learn more about travelling to Vancouver for rhinoplasty โ†’

Our Locations

Two locations. One standard of care

Consultations and post-operative follow-up for rhinoplasty patients take place at our Vancouver location. Many patients also visit our North Vancouver location after surgery to take advantage of recovery optimization technologies โ€” including red light therapy, oxygen room, and IV therapy.

8 West Clinic Vancouver โ€” 300โ€“1788 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver

8 West Clinic
Vancouver

300 โ€“ 1788 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y1

Mon โ€“ Fri: 9:00 am โ€“ 5:00 pm
Sat โ€“ Sun: Closed
Get Directions โ†’
8 West Clinic North Vancouver โ€” 300โ€“221 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC
North Vancouver

8 West Clinic
North Vancouver

300 โ€“ 221 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3J3

Mon โ€“ Fri: 9:00 am โ€“ 5:00 pm
Sat โ€“ Sun: Closed
Get Directions โ†’