Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, FRCSC, is one of Canada's most experienced facial plastic surgeons — with over 2,500 rhinoplasty procedures and 20 years of specialised practice. Every result is designed to look natural, balanced, and distinctly yours.
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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 — 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 — as well as from Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, and internationally — to work with Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, one of Canada’s most experienced rhinoplasty surgeons.
Dr. Buonassisi has performed over 2,500 rhinoplasty procedures across every technique — open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, preservation 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 begins with a thorough consultation — a structured conversation about your anatomy, your goals, and what is realistically achievable. Patients who understand what rhinoplasty can and cannot do have better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
FRCSC · Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
"The best rhinoplasty is the one that no one can tell you had. My goal is always a result that looks like you — refined, balanced, and natural."
Results that look like the face they were born with — not a procedure.
Thorough, unhurried, and clear about what is and isn't achievable.
A deliberate philosophy, not a technical limitation.
Clear post-op communication and attentive follow-up throughout.
Dr. Buonassisi's approach is best suited for patients who want refinement that reads as natural — a nose that improves their face without announcing that surgery occurred. Patients seeking dramatic structural 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.
Every consultation is conducted personally by Dr. Buonassisi — 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.
Complete our pre-assessment and Dr. Buonassisi’s team will review your submission personally — before you ever step into the clinic.
Not every patient is a candidate for rhinoplasty—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 time—not just immediately after surgery.
In many cases, patients are not looking for a “different nose,” but a version of their own nose that is more refined, more balanced, and less distracting. Determining whether that outcome is achievable—and whether surgery is the right path—is the purpose of the consultation.
The goal isn’t to fit you into a procedure—it’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.
Facial growth complete — typically 18+ for women, 19–21 for men. Teens assessed on a case-by-case basis with parental involvement.
Non-smoker or able to quit — smoking significantly increases surgical risk and impairs healing. Cessation is required before and after surgery.
Realistic expectations — rhinoplasty improves harmony and balance. It cannot guarantee a specific result or replicate another person's nose.
Good general health — no active skin infections, uncontrolled medical conditions, or contraindications to general anaesthesia.
Swelling and bruising — expected post-operatively. Most visible swelling resolves within 2–3 weeks; residual swelling can persist up to 12 months.
Asymmetry — minor asymmetry is common in healing. Significant asymmetry may require revision, which is discussed at consultation.
Revision surgery — a small percentage of patients require a secondary procedure. Dr. Buonassisi performs revision rhinoplasty and will advise on likelihood.
Anaesthesia risks — all surgical procedures carry anaesthetic risk. A pre-operative assessment ensures you are a safe candidate.
Healing variation — individual healing rates vary. Final results are not visible until 12 months post-surgery as residual swelling fully resolves.
Dr. Buonassisi performs every rhinoplasty technique — 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.
Smoothing the nasal bridge for a refined, balanced profile. One of the most common goals in rhinoplasty.
Reshaping the nose while preserving the native dorsal anatomy — a modern approach that reduces trauma and produces highly natural results.
Reshaping and refining the nasal tip for improved definition and proportion, tailored to your facial anatomy and skin thickness.
Adjusting the angle and projection of the nasal tip — correcting a drooping or over-projected tip to restore balance with the rest of the face.
Enhancing your features while honouring your cultural identity and preserving your heritage — not imposing an external standard.
Subtle nasal refinements — reducing projection, softening the bridge, refining the tip — as part of a comprehensive facial feminization approach.
Correcting a deviated septum to restore natural airflow and improve breathing function — often combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty in a single procedure.
Advanced ultrasonic technology for precise bone reshaping with reduced bruising and faster recovery compared to traditional osteotomy techniques.
A carefully considered process for patients under 18. Parental involvement is required, and candidacy is assessed individually once facial growth is complete.
Surgeon-authored guides covering technique selection, recovery, candidacy, and what to expect — written for patients who want to make an informed decision.
Knowledge Hub →Our Locations
Both locations are staffed by the same surgical team and operate under the same clinical protocols. Your care is consistent regardless of which clinic you attend.
300 – 1788 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y1
(604) 256-7299
Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat – Sun: Closed
300 – 221 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3J3
(778) 557-2310
Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat – Sun: Closed
