Expert Rhinoplasty
in Vancouver, BC
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.
Rhinoplasty in Vancouver — 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 — 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.
An honest picture of what's possible for your face.
Before any decision is made, Dr. Buonassisi will give you a clear-eyed assessment of your anatomy and what rhinoplasty can realistically achieve for you. This isn't a filter or a wishlist — it's the judgment of a surgeon who has performed over 2,500 procedures.
Facial anatomy assessment — every consultation begins with a structured evaluation of your nasal anatomy in relation to your full facial profile.
Computer imaging — a simulation built from your actual anatomy, reviewed with you in the room, so your expectations are grounded in what your face will genuinely support. Learn about consultations →
Honest candidacy review — Dr. Buonassisi will tell you clearly whether rhinoplasty is right for you, and what it can and cannot achieve for your specific anatomy.
Every Technique. One Surgeon.
Dr. Buonassisi is trained and experienced in every rhinoplasty technique — from preservation and ethnic approaches to complex revision cases. Each procedure is planned individually, with the technique selected to suit your anatomy and goals, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Hump Reduction Rhinoplasty
Smoothing the nasal bridge for a refined, balanced profile. One of the most common goals in rhinoplasty.
Preservation Rhinoplasty
Reshaping the nose while preserving the native dorsal anatomy — a modern approach that reduces trauma and produces highly natural results.
Tip Refinement & Rotation
Reshaping the nasal tip for improved definition and proportion, tailored to your facial anatomy.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Enhancing your features while honouring your cultural identity and preserving your heritage.
Facial Feminization Rhinoplasty
Subtle nasal refinements as part of a comprehensive facial feminization approach.
Septoplasty
Correcting a deviated septum to restore natural airflow and improve breathing function.
Ultrasonic Piezotome Rhinoplasty
Advanced ultrasonic technology for precise bone reshaping with reduced bruising and faster recovery.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Correcting or refining the results of a previous rhinoplasty. Requires advanced technique and experience.
Teen Rhinoplasty
A carefully considered process for patients under 18. Parental involvement is required, and candidacy is assessed individually once facial growth is complete.
Your Rhinoplasty Journey: Step by Step
Instant Assessment
5–10 MINLearn more →Complete our pre-assessment to help us understand your goals before we speak.
Pre-Consultation Review
WITHIN 1 BUSINESS DAYOur patient care team reviews your assessment and prepares Dr. Buonassisi's team.
Surgeon Consultation
60–90 MINLearn more →A thorough in-person consultation with Dr. Buonassisi to discuss your goals and anatomy.
Book Surgery
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULINGOnce you're ready, we coordinate all pre-operative details and scheduling.
Post-Operative Care
ONGOING CARELearn more →Comprehensive follow-up care from our team throughout your recovery.
Recovery Support
PREMIUM AMENITIESLearn more →Access to our recovery suite, nursing support, and aftercare resources.
8 West Clinic —
Built for This
Founded in 2004 by Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, 8 West Clinic has grown into one of Canada's most respected facial plastic surgery and health clinics. With two locations in Vancouver and North Vancouver, every aspect of the clinic is designed to support rhinoplasty patients — before, during, and long after surgery.
Rhinoplasty is Dr. Buonassisi's exclusive surgical focus — but 8 West is far more than a surgical clinic. Our integrated team covers medical aesthetics, recovery support, health optimisation, private dermatology, and cryopreservation, giving rhinoplasty patients access to a complete continuum of care under one roof.
Every Patient Has a
Dedicated Care Manager
From your first message to your final follow-up, you are assigned a dedicated Patient Care Manager who knows your case, your goals, and your timeline. They are your single point of contact — coordinating with Dr. Buonassisi's team, answering questions between appointments, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Is rhinoplasty right for you?
Not every patient is a candidate for rhinoplasty, and not every goal is achievable through surgery. A thorough consultation with Dr. Buonassisi will clarify both — including a frank discussion of the risks and realistic limits of what your anatomy will support.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
25 Years of Rhinoplasty
Knowledge, In One Place
Before you book a consultation, explore the most comprehensive rhinoplasty education library in Canada. 184 videos, 18 patient documentaries, surgical footage, and written guides — all created by Dr. Buonassisi and the 8 West team.
Technique breakdowns, surgical footage, and educational deep-dives.
Real patients. Real journeys. From consultation to final result.
60-second education from @drbuonassisi and @8westclinic.
In-depth articles on techniques, recovery, candidacy, and costs.
Start with an
Instant Assessment
Answer a few questions about your goals and anatomy. Our patient care team reviews every assessment personally before your consultation — so Dr. Buonassisi is already prepared when you meet.