Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSCDr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSC — Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgeon with a practice limited to facial plastic surgery, 8 West Clinic, Vancouver, BC.
Published August 7, 2026·Medically reviewed by Dr. Buonassisi
KEY TAKEAWAYS — IN THIS VIDEO
Realistic expectations are crucial for successful rhinoplasty outcomes.
Family support can enhance the rhinoplasty experience, but the patient's goals remain central.
Dr. Buonassisi uses computer imaging to align patient and surgeon expectations.
The patient's desires are prioritized over external influences in surgical planning.
Collaborative consultations reduce stress and improve satisfaction with results.
Dr. Buonassisi · Holly's Rhinoplasty Consultation Journey
Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSCAuthor · Reviewer
Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSC — Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgeon with a practice limited to facial plastic surgery, 8 West Clinic, Vancouver, BC.
Dr. Buonassisi is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS), and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). He co-founded 8 West Clinic — a rhinoplasty-focused practice in Vancouver, BC — with his wife Angie Buonassisi, with two locations in Vancouver and North Vancouver, with patient education as a founding principle of the practice.
Dr. Buonassisi has been educating patients on rhinoplasty for over 15 years and has published hundreds of educational videos across YouTube and Instagram — with content going back over a decade. Every article and video in the Knowledge Hub is written or reviewed directly by Dr. Buonassisi.
Understanding the dynamics of a successful rhinoplasty consultation can be enlightening for prospective patients. In this video, Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSC — Specialist in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, with a practice limited to facial plastic surgeries — shares insights from Holly's consultation journey. Holly, at fifteen, approached her rhinoplasty with realistic expectations, a crucial factor in achieving satisfactory outcomes.
Dr. Buonassisi emphasizes the importance of aligning the patient's desires with the surgeon's professional assessment. Holly's case illustrates this well; her specific concerns about her nasal tip and dorsal hump were in sync with Dr. Buonassisi's observations, setting a strong foundation for a successful surgical plan.
Why Are Realistic Expectations Crucial in Rhinoplasty?
Realistic expectations are a cornerstone of successful rhinoplasty outcomes. Holly's approach to her consultation was marked by a desire for conservative changes, which Dr. Buonassisi found both reasonable and achievable. This alignment between patient and surgeon expectations can significantly reduce stress and enhance satisfaction with the final results.
Dr. Buonassisi's use of computer imaging during consultations helps patients visualize potential changes, fostering a shared understanding of the surgical goals. For Holly, this tool was instrumental in confirming that her desired changes were both feasible and aesthetically pleasing.
The Role of Family Support in Rhinoplasty Decisions
Family support can play a vital role in the rhinoplasty journey, especially for younger patients. Holly's consultation was a collaborative effort involving her mother, who appreciated the conservative nature of Holly's requests. Dr. Buonassisi highlights the importance of ensuring that the patient's voice remains central in the decision-making process, even when family members are involved.
Having family members on board with the surgical plan can provide emotional support and reassurance, making the experience more comfortable for the patient. In Holly's case, her mother's understanding and agreement with the proposed changes contributed to a positive consultation experience.
How Does Dr. Buonassisi Approach Patient Goals?
Dr. Buonassisi prioritizes the patient's goals while ensuring that the proposed changes are realistic and in line with professional standards. He stresses the importance of not altering a patient's nose based on external pressures, such as parental preferences, unless they align with the patient's wishes.
This patient-centered approach ensures that the surgical outcomes are tailored to the individual's desires, leading to natural and satisfactory results. Dr. Buonassisi's commitment to honoring the patient's vision is a key aspect of his practice, fostering trust and confidence in his surgical expertise.
Full Transcript
So Holly is a patient who came to see me for rhinoplasty when she was fifteen. She came with her mom, is very important. Holly had very specific, but also very realistic expectations for what she wanted her nose to look like, and I was impressed by that actually. She wanted to be conservative, she had some particular things about her nose that she didn't love, and what was great about the consult is that the things that she didn't really like about her nose were the things that I didn't really like about her nose. So, for example, she had a tip that was a little bit tautic, it tilted down a little bit, she had a small dorsal hump. Otherwise, a lot of her nasal features I thought were quite good, and so did she. And when we're both on the same page, it really makes a big difference. And I think also what I was really happy about is that when we did her computer imaging, and I showed her the changes that we'd expect with surgery, I think her mom got that too. And I think it was nice for her mom to realize that Holly's ideas were good ones. They were ideas that were reasonable, that were conservative, that made her nose just a little bit less prominent on her face, and Holly wasn't, you know, expecting to make changes to her nose that were particularly dramatic. So I think that was a situation that worked out for everybody. Holly was, I think, happy that her mom was supportive. Her mom was happy that what Holly was requesting was reasonable, and that what I thought looked good also fit the bill. You know, it's important for everybody to be on the same page. Of course, the most important person in the whole conversation is the patient, and if she has or he has particular goals or particular changes that they want to make to the nose, I have to honor that. I can't make changes to the patient's nose based on what the parents want, even if they try and bribe me. So I think it's super important for everybody to be on the same page. It just makes the whole process a lot less stressful.
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