Rhinoplasty Surgery in Vancouver, BC

Reshape Your Nose and Improve Your Facial Harmony Confidently

Our board-certified Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, is a Rhinoplasty expert with extensive experience performing a variety of techniques that can help you professionally redefine your profile.

25+

years of experience

4,000+

surgeries performed

300+

5 star reviews

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Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping) Surgery

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job or nose reshaping, is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures today among patients in the Vancouver, BC and Western Canada area. At 8 West Clinic, Dr. Buonassisi takes an individualized, precision approach that blends artistry with advanced medical techniques to deliver natural results tailored to your unique facial anatomy and goals. Our award-winning team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals with personalized care and exceptional skill.

Click below to learn more about Rhinoplasty Surgery.

Meet Dr. Buonassisi

As one of Canada’s leading facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Thomas Buonassisi leads the team at 8 West Clinic. Having performed rhinoplasty for over 20 years, Dr. Buonassisi is an expert of the nose with extensive experience performing a variety of techniques including piezo ultrasonic rhinoplasty, preservation rhinoplasty, tip refinement, hump reduction, and tip rotation.

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The Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty surgery aims to help craft the shape of the nose to create a more proportioned or symmetrical look, and to form a more subtle balance to the face. People look for rhinoplasty surgery for a number of reasons, and it's important to be clear on what benefit you are looking for.

Rhinoplasty surgery may be ideal for you if you wish to:
‍

Take down a large hump on the bridge
Rotate or refine the nose tip
Improve the height of the nose bridge
Deproject the nose
lmprove a crooked nose
Alter the nose to be in a better proportion to the rest of your face
Feel more comfortable and confident

Free Ebook

Essential Guide to Rhinoplasty

This guide is a must-read for anyone considering nasal surgery. The eBook contains 40+ pages of thoughtfully written advise by Dr. Buonassisi. Topics include:

Are your expectations realistic?
Tips for getting a great result
How to ask the right questions
What to expect from recovery

And many more tips and additional resources!

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SuRgery Techniques

Types of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is an extremely complex procedure that requires a high level of skill and experience to achieve optimal results. While there are many types and techniques of rhinoplasty, it's crucial to remember that the best rhinoplasty is the one tailored to suit your unique facial features.

At 8 West Clinic, we prioritize a personalized approach, ensuring that your rhinoplasty meets your individual goals while complementing your natural appearance. Below are some of the most popularly known types and techniques of rhinoplasty to help you understand your options.

Hump Reduction Rhinoplasty

Resizing the bump on the bridge of the nose is one of the most common reasons that people pursue Rhinoplasty. As the name suggests, this surgery works by reducing and resizing the dorsal hump of your nose, to soften and balance the nose.

Alar Base Reduction

Alar base reduction refers to reducing the width of the alar, or base, of the nose. It is often, but not always, combined with augmentation Rhinoplasty. A small incision is placed at the base of each nostril, and a wedge of tissue is excised so that the nose appears smaller and more narrow.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty

Another procedure that is often combined with other Rhinoplasty techniques, augmentation involves increasing the height of the bridge of the nose. Limitations do exist with what can be done and realistic expectations are set very early on.

Preservation Rhinoplasty

Preservation rhinoplasty is a subtle, modern approach to modifying the aesthetic appearance of the nose. The primary goal of preservation rhinoplasty is to retain as much of the patient’s original bone and cartilage as possible while improving the general appearance of the nose. The technique is used exclusively for modifying the nasal bridge, while traditional techniques are still required for tip modifications. In the right patient, however, it is a phenomenal technique that can give excellent results. Preservation rhinoplasty is very complex and it’s just one of the tools that a skilled rhinoplasty surgeon will have in their tool kit.

Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty (also known as ultrasound rhinoplasty or piezoelectric rhinoplasty; piezo rhinoplasty for short) is a modern surgical technique used to reshape and refine the nose by utilizing ultrasonic energy. Unlike traditional methods that involve manual tools, ultrasonic rhinoplasty employs a specialized Piezotome® device that emits high-frequency sound waves to precisely sculpt the nasal bones and tissues. The ultrasonic energy effectively softens and cuts through bone or cartilage without injuring the surrounding soft tissues, allowing for more enhanced precision and more controlled reshaping.

Tip Refinement & Rotation Rhinoplasty

This term refers to a collection of surgical techniques that target the tip of the nose. From tilting the tip up, to narrowing a larger tip; tip refinement is often combined with other Rhinoplasty procedures, such as hump reduction or correcting a crooked nose, for the most striking, natural-looking results.

Facial Feminization Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty for facial feminization aims to reshape the nose to create a more feminine appearance and is one of the most common feminization surgeries for transgender women. The complex procedure typically involves a combination of techniques such as reducing the width of the nose, narrowing the bridge, refining the tip, and lifting up the angle between the nose and upper lip while ensuring functionality is retained. Through careful incisions and sculpting of the nasal structures particularly with the aid of technologies like the piezo rhinoplasty device, facial feminization rhinoplasty can help soften masculine features and achieve a more harmonious, feminine balance in the face.

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Our Process

How we ensure your success

Our unique comprehensive approach focuses on 360º treatment plans bespoke to no one else but you. We aim to help you achieve the best version of yourself—no matter where your starting point is.

Samantha

Rhinoplasty

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Agata R.

Rhinoplasty

My experience with Dr Buonassisi and his wonderful staff went over and beyond my expectation. I recommend him and his clinic with all of my heart for anyone considering a rhinoplasty! He has changed my life for the better and I will always be grateful.

Mrym M

Rhinoplasty

I had a great experience at 8 West clinic! The staff were super helpful and friendly. Dr. Buonassisi was very honest and upfront about the work he could do for me. He was concerned about my health and truthfully gave me options to think about and spent the necessary time with me.

Wayne P

Rhinoplasty

Dr. Buonassisi performed a procedure on my son's nose to smooth out a bump prior to the start of the pandemic. Honestly was the best thing for him. Very happy with the result and made a big difference on his outlook and how he viewed himself. Way less self conscious and much happier.

Heg L.

Rhinoplasty

Dr. B and team are wonderful!! My whole process was amazing from consultation to surgery day and post surgery, it was a really comforting experience. Surprised at how fast recovery time was. I would recommend Dr. BUONASSISI to anyone considering a rhinoplasty. He is certainly a professional...

Carissa J.

Rhinoplasty

The entire process of my rhinoplasty was smooth and stress-free. From the initial consultation to the post-operative care, the entire team and staff were professional and accommodating. So grateful that I chose Dr. Buonassisis as my doctor, his dedication and craft on preservation is unmatched.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Good candidates are individuals looking to make minor aesthetic changes to their nose without surgery. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is ideal for those who want temporary results or are not ready for permanent surgical changes. However, it’s not suitable for individuals who need major structural changes or corrections to breathing issues.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. The initial swelling and congestion can feel uncomfortable, but significant pain is uncommon.

Are the results of rhinoplasty permanent?

Yes, rhinoplasty results are generally permanent. However, natural aging and injury can affect the appearance of the nose over time.

How do I choose the right rhinoplasty surgeon?

Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience, a strong portfolio of before-and-after photos, and positive patient reviews. A consultation will also help assess their approach and compatibility with your goals.

Who is a candidate for rhinoplasty?

While Rhinoplasty is a very popular cosmetic surgery, not everyone is a candidate for Rhinoplasty. The most important part of the process in deciding your candidacy is your complimentary pre-consultation with a Patient Care Manager. They will discuss your Rhinoplasty goals and offer a photo review to determine if this surgery is the right option for you. After this pre-consultation is complete, and you and your Patient Care Manager have decided that Rhinoplasty could be right for you, they will then book an in-person (or virtual) consultation with Dr. Buonassisi. To determine if you are a candidate for Rhinoplasty, our Patient Care Managers are available to help discuss the surgery in more detail and conduct a photo review. You can contact them on (604) 733-1669 or complete our booking form online to request a call back.

How is rhinoplasty performed?

While there are a number of different techniques when it comes to Rhinoplasty, when reshaping or changing the nose, the work is primarily done to the cartilage and bone that form the structure of your nose. Dr. Buonassisi performs both open and closed Rhinoplasty, ensuring that any scarring is minimal to imperceptible. Open Rhinoplasty is performed at the base of the nose, where a small incision is made across the columella – the area between your nostrils. After the incision is made, the skin is very gently raised to expose nasal bones and cartilage so that the required changes can be made. The incision is then strategically sealed using sutures to ensure that any scarring is minimal, and disguised in natural creases of the nose. Unlike open Rhinoplasty, closed Rhinoplasty is less-commonly performed by Dr. Buonassisi, and is a surgery performed inside the nose, through small incisions in the nostrils. This is where Dr. Buonassisi will carefully and skilfully craft the bone and cartilage to achieve the desired result. Which technique is used, and how Dr. Buonassisi will perform the surgery (open or closed) is dependant on a number of unique factors, and will be discussed in detail upon your consultation with him. Whichever method is used will be chosen because it will be the ideal way to achieve your goals.

How long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty?

Very common questions that people ask are “how long is the downtime?” or “how long is the healing process?”. Most patients are then surprised by the answer, as recovery from rhinoplasty is easier than they expect. Most patients will take 1-2 weeks off work or school, and are able to work or study from home in the early days of recovery. Your cast is removed 1 week after surgery, but be prepared to still see bruising and swelling on cast removal day – the exciting part though is that you will get the first glimpse of your new nose. During the second week, you can expect most of the bruising to dissipate, but it always varies from patient to patient. It is also important to keep in mind that it will take a year for everything to heal and set for you to see your final result. All of this and more (including an overview of what to expect day-by-day after surgery) are covered in your free pre-consultation discussion with a Patient Care Manager.

A dissolvable stitch is bugging me after my rhinoplasty. Can I cut it?

You may have a dissolvable stitch poking out. This is not dangerous but can be irritating. Internal rhinoplasty stitches are often used inside your nose during surgery. They dissolve roughly 10 days later – but sometimes not uniformly – meaning one might hang around a little longer and start to irritate you. You could notice a stitch up to 6 months after surgery. No, your surgeon did not forget that stitch in there by accident. If your stitch is bugging you, please call your surgeon’s office and let them know. They should schedule you an appointment to have the suture trimmed. In the meantime, please do not pick or tug at it, as this may irritate you nose or cause an infection.

My tip looks too high after rhinoplasty. Is this normal?

Experienced rhinoplasty surgeons will often over rotate the tip on purpose since they plan for it to fall to it’s intended position in the post operative healing period. They expect that swelling will make it look higher than it will actually be once healed. This planned over rotation should last about 3 – 4 weeks, or a little longer in some patients. So, if you are early on in your recovery period, please don’t be concerned. This is one of the side effects of swelling that will resolve itself over time.