Out-of-Town Patients · Vancouver, BC

Vancouver is worth the journey.

Dr. Buonassisi's expertise draws patients from across Canada, the United States, and internationally. Vancouver — with its mountains, ocean, and world-class amenities — makes recovery something to look forward to.

Vancouver BC — Stanley Park, English Bay and the Coast Mountains at golden hour
Vancouver, British Columbia
Travel to Vancouver — 8 West Clinic

Vancouver is a destination worth choosing — for the surgeon, and for the city.

8 West Clinic is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Buonassisi regularly performs rhinoplasty for patients who travel from across Canada, the United States, and internationally — drawn by his expertise in preservation rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, and complex revision cases. Vancouver makes the journey worthwhile in its own right.

The process for out-of-town patients is structured to minimise the number of trips required. A virtual pre-consultation call can be arranged before your in-person appointment, and all follow-up appointments after the first post-operative visit can be conducted virtually.

Your dedicated Patient Care Manager coordinates every step — from scheduling your consultation and surgery to providing accommodation recommendations and ensuring you have everything you need before you travel home.

Vancouver itself is one of the world's most liveable cities — ocean, mountains, parks, and exceptional food, all within reach. Patients who plan a few extra days around their recovery often find the experience far more pleasant than anticipated. The recovery timeline for rhinoplasty is well-suited to a stay in Vancouver: the first week requires rest, but by day 7–10 most patients are comfortable exploring the city at a gentle pace.

Your Journey

How the process works for out-of-town patients

02 Before you travel

Virtual Pre-Consultation Call

A 20–30 minute telephone call with our patient care team. We review your goals, answer your questions, and help you determine whether a virtual surgical consultation with Dr. Buonassisi is the right next step for you.

03 Before you travel

Virtual or In-Person Surgical Consultation

Dr. Buonassisi reviews your photos, discusses your anatomy and goals, and performs computer imaging to show you what is achievable. This is where expectations are carefully calibrated — he is direct about what is realistic for your specific anatomy and what is not. Patients may choose to have this consultation virtually or travel to Vancouver for an in-person appointment.

04 Weeks before surgery

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Our team supports you through every pre-operative requirement — medical clearances, pre-op instructions, medication guidance, and travel logistics. Your patient coordinator is your single point of contact and ensures you arrive fully prepared.

05 Trip to Vancouver

Surgery Day

Your procedure is performed at our world-class, brand-new private surgical facility — never at a public hospital. Plan to arrive the day before surgery. You will need a support person with you for the day of your procedure and the first 24 hours post-op.

06 2–7 days post-surgery

Post-Op Stay in Vancouver

How long you stay in Vancouver depends on a few factors — primarily how far you are travelling home and whether you are driving or flying. Patients driving from nearby may be ready to leave within 2–3 days. Those taking a short-haul flight typically stay 5–7 days. Patients travelling long-haul internationally should plan for a longer stay. Your care team will advise you on the right timeline for your specific situation.

07 Approx. 1 week post-surgery

Cast Removal

Your cast is removed approximately one week after surgery. If you are still in Vancouver, this is done at our clinic. If you have already travelled home, we teach you how to remove it yourself — it is straightforward and our team walks you through it step by step.

08 Ongoing after you leave

Virtual Follow-Up Care

All follow-up appointments after your departure can be conducted virtually — unless you prefer to come back to Vancouver. Dr. Buonassisi reviews your healing at key milestones throughout your recovery. You are never without support once you leave Vancouver.

09 Up to 12 months

Your Results Evolve

Rhinoplasty results are not immediate. Swelling resolves gradually over months, and the final result continues to refine for up to a year after surgery. What you see at week two is not what you will see at month six. Dr. Buonassisi prepares you for this timeline so you are never surprised by where you are in your recovery.

Free · 5 Minutes · No Obligation

The first step
takes 5 minutes.

Complete our pre-assessment and Dr. Buonassisi’s team will review your submission personally — before you ever step into the clinic.

Start Your Pre-Assessment →
Strictly confidential · Reviewed by Dr. Buonassisi’s team only
Vancouver Recovery Guide

Recovery in one of Canada's most beautiful cities

Vancouver itself is one of the world's most liveable cities — ocean, mountains, parks, and exceptional food, all within reach. Patients who plan a few extra days around their recovery often find the experience far more pleasant than anticipated. The recovery timeline for rhinoplasty is well-suited to a stay in Vancouver: the first week requires rest, but by day 7–10 most patients are comfortable exploring the city at a gentle pace. If you are comfortable walking around with a cast and a big hat, you may feel well enough to be out doing gentle exploring a couple of days after surgery. Each person recovers differently — learn more about the rhinoplasty recovery timeline.

Day 2–3

Granville Island

Public market, artisan studios, soft food options — a gentle 20-minute stroll from the clinic.

Day 3–4

South Granville

Gallery Row — independent art galleries, designer boutiques, and excellent coffee.

Day 4–5

The Seawall

Vancouver's famous waterfront path — flat, scenic, and perfect for a slow recovery walk.

Day 5–6

Stanley Park

400 hectares of old-growth forest and ocean views, 10 minutes from the clinic.

Day 6–7

UBC Botanical Garden

One of Canada's finest botanical gardens — calm, shaded, and restorative.

Cast Off

West 4th & Kitsilano Beach

Celebrate cast removal with dinner on the beach strip — one of Vancouver's most beloved neighbourhoods.

Getting Here

Direct flights to Vancouver from across Canada

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is one of Canada's busiest hubs, with direct daily flights from every major Canadian city. The clinic is 30–40 minutes from the airport by taxi or transit.

Clinic address: 300–1788 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y1
30 minutes from YVR by taxi · 45 minutes by Canada Line SkyTrain

From Flight Time Airlines
Calgary 1h 20min WestJet / Air Canada daily
Edmonton 1h 30min WestJet / Air Canada daily
Toronto 4h 30min Air Canada / WestJet daily
Winnipeg 2h 30min WestJet / Air Canada
Ottawa 4h 45min Air Canada daily
Halifax 5h 30min Air Canada / WestJet
International
Seattle, WA 45min Alaska Airlines / Air Canada daily
San Francisco, CA 2h 30min Air Canada / United daily
Los Angeles, CA 2h 45min Air Canada / WestJet / United daily
New York, NY 5h 30min Air Canada / WestJet daily
London, UK 9h 30min Air Canada / British Airways direct
Sydney, Australia 17h 30min Air Canada via connections
Dubai, UAE 14h 30min Emirates via connections
Knowledge Hub

Understand rhinoplasty before
your consultation.

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

Knowledge Hub →
Recently published
Recently published
Where to Stay

Hotels near the clinic, across every price point

The clinic is located at 1788 W Broadway in Kitsilano. We recommend staying in Kitsilano, South Granville, Yaletown, or on Granville Island — all within easy reach and ideal for gentle recovery walks. Your Patient Care Manager can assist with specific recommendations.

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
Luxury 10 min by taxi

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Downtown Vancouver

Boutique five-star hotel with a full spa — ideal for patients who want the most comfortable possible recovery environment. Consistently rated among Vancouver's finest.

$400–$600+/night

OPUS Hotel Vancouver
Luxury 12 min by taxi

OPUS Hotel Vancouver

Yaletown

Design-forward boutique hotel in Yaletown with a strong wellness focus. Walkable neighbourhood with excellent restaurants and a calm atmosphere.

$300–$500/night

Granville Island Hotel
Mid-Range 5 min by taxi

Granville Island Hotel

Granville Island

The only hotel on Granville Island — steps from the public market and a short walk to the clinic. Waterfront views and a relaxed, neighbourhood feel.

$220–$320/night

Residence Inn by Marriott
Mid-Range 10 min by taxi

Residence Inn by Marriott

Downtown Vancouver

Extended-stay suites with full kitchens — practical for patients staying 5–7 days who want to prepare their own meals during recovery.

$200–$280/night

Plaza 500 Hotel
Mid-Range 8 min by taxi

Plaza 500 Hotel

Cambie Corridor

Well-located on W 12th Avenue, close to the clinic and directly on the Canada Line SkyTrain. Comfortable, no-frills rooms at a reasonable price.

$150–$220/night

Kitsilano Suites
Budget Walking distance

Kitsilano Suites

Kitsilano

Self-contained suites in the heart of Kitsilano — the closest accommodation option to the clinic. Simple, clean, and quiet. Ideal for patients on a tighter budget.

$120–$180/night

Prices are approximate and subject to seasonal variation. Your Patient Care Manager can provide an updated list of recommended options at the time of booking.

Practical Information

Getting here and getting settled

Getting to Vancouver

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is one of Canada's busiest airports with direct flights from most major cities
The clinic is approximately 15 minutes from YVR by car
Rideshare, taxi, and rental car options are all available at the airport
Seaplane connections from Victoria and Seattle are also available

Accommodation

We recommend staying in Vancouver or North Vancouver for proximity to the clinic
Several hotels and short-term rental options are within a 10-minute drive
Your patient coordinator can provide a curated list of options
A quiet, comfortable environment is important for your first week of recovery

What to bring

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not go over your head
Button-up shirts and zip-up tops are ideal post-surgery
Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for outdoor protection
Any prescription medications you take regularly
Your pre-operative instructions and emergency contact information
Frequently Asked Questions

Travel & logistics questions

Not necessarily. Your surgical consultation with Dr. Buonassisi can be conducted virtually or in person — the choice is yours. Before that, you will have a telephone pre-consultation call with our patient care team to review your goals and determine whether a virtual or in-person surgical consultation is the right next step.

It depends on how far you are travelling home and whether you are driving or flying. Patients driving home or living nearby may be cleared to leave after 2–3 days. Those flying short-haul typically stay 4–5 days; long-haul international patients generally stay 6–7 days. Your care team will advise you on the right timeline for your situation.

Cast removal happens approximately one week after surgery. If you are still in Vancouver at that point, it is done at the clinic. If you have already returned home, our team will teach you how to remove it yourself — it is straightforward and we walk you through it completely.

Short-haul flights are generally acceptable once your care team has cleared you to travel. Long-haul international flights should be avoided for a longer period — your team will give you specific guidance based on your recovery. Cabin pressure changes and the risk of bumping your nose in a crowded aircraft are the primary concerns.

8 West Clinic is located at 1788 W Broadway in Vancouver. We recommend staying in the Kitsilano, South Granville, or Yaletown areas for proximity to the clinic and easy access to the gentle daily walks that support healing. Our patient care team can provide a curated list of options at different price points.

Yes — all follow-up care after your departure from Vancouver can be conducted virtually, unless you prefer to come back in person. Dr. Buonassisi reviews your healing at key milestones throughout your recovery. You are never without support once you leave Vancouver.

Yes. Every out-of-town patient is assigned a dedicated Patient Care Manager who coordinates every step — from your pre-consultation call and surgical consultation through to pre-surgery preparation, travel logistics, and virtual follow-up care. They are your single point of contact throughout the entire journey.