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. Patients who understand what rhinoplasty can and cannot do have better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
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 — not a template outcome. The consultation is frequently cited as unusually thorough. Recovery is described as smooth and well-supported.
“His before and afters showed very natural results and that was what I wanted. It's not a generic button nose, and has retained some of its unique features, which is why it looks so natural. It suits my face so well that most people can't tell I've had surgery.”
“I recently had rhinoplasty with Dr. B and now at 2 months post-op, I couldn't be happier with my results. I chose Dr. B after extensive research, and from my initial consultation, I knew I was in the best hands. The computer imaging really helped me visualise the outcome.”
“Took my daughter to 8 West Clinic for rhinoplasty. The team and Dr. Buonassisi were beyond helpful and professional. The result of her surgery was fantastic. Can't thank them enough for such an incredible experience.”
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.
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.
Is rhinoplasty right for you?
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.
Discuss candidacy at your consultation →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.
Rhinoplasty Techniques & Goals
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.
Hump Reduction Rhinoplasty
Smoothing the nasal bridge for a refined, balanced profile. One of the most common goals in rhinoplasty.
Learn more →Preservation Rhinoplasty
Reshaping the nose while preserving the native dorsal anatomy — a modern approach that reduces trauma and produces highly natural results.
Learn more →Tip Refinement
Reshaping and refining the nasal tip for improved definition and proportion, tailored to your facial anatomy and skin thickness.
Learn more →Tip Rotation
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.
Learn more →Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Enhancing your features while honouring your cultural identity and preserving your heritage — not imposing an external standard.
Learn more →Facial Feminization Rhinoplasty
Subtle nasal refinements — reducing projection, softening the bridge, refining the tip — as part of a comprehensive facial feminization approach.
Learn more →Septoplasty
Correcting a deviated septum to restore natural airflow and improve breathing function — often combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty in a single procedure.
Learn more →Ultrasonic Piezotome Rhinoplasty
Advanced ultrasonic technology for precise bone reshaping with reduced bruising and faster recovery compared to traditional osteotomy techniques.
Learn more →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 →
Dr. Thomas Buonassisi
FRCSC · Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
"I believe 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."
Everything you need
to know before you decide.
Surgeon-authored guides, technique deep-dives, recovery timelines, and short-form videos — all written and reviewed by Dr. Buonassisi. Updated regularly as techniques evolve.
Every guide, video, and article in the Knowledge Hub is written or reviewed by Dr. Buonassisi.
From first question
to final result
Instant Assessment
5–10 MINLearn more →Answer a short set of questions about your goals, anatomy, and health history. This is reviewed personally by our patient care team — not filtered by an algorithm.
Pre-Consultation Review
WITHIN 1 BUSINESS DAYYour dedicated Patient Care Manager reviews your assessment, prepares a summary for Dr. Buonassisi, and contacts you to confirm your consultation appointment.
Surgeon Consultation
60–90 MINLearn more →A thorough in-person consultation with Dr. Buonassisi. He reviews your anatomy, discusses what is realistically achievable, and presents computer imaging of your potential result.
Surgical Planning
BEFORE YOUR DATEOnce you decide to proceed, your care manager coordinates all pre-operative requirements — medical clearance, scheduling, and preparation instructions.
Surgery Day
AT OUR FACILITYYour procedure is performed at 8 West's accredited surgical facility in Vancouver. Dr. Buonassisi performs every rhinoplasty personally — no delegation.
Recovery & Follow-Up
ONGOING CARELearn more →Your care manager stays in contact throughout your recovery. Access to our recovery suite, red light therapy, IV therapy, and nursing support is available throughout your healing.
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 patients at 8 West have access to the full clinic — no referrals needed.
Rhinoplasty, revision, and facial feminization — Dr. Buonassisi's exclusive focus.
Primary FocusInjectables, laser treatments, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Dedicated care management from pre-op through your full post-surgical recovery.
Hormone therapy, IV nutrition, and longevity medicine for whole-body wellness.
Medical and cosmetic dermatology for skin health before and after surgery.
Cutting-edge biological preservation and regenerative medicine services.
Everything you need to know
before your consultation
Our Locations
Two clinics, one standard of care
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.
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.
Strictly confidential · Reviewed by Dr. Buonassisi’s team only