Qualifications and Training
Dr Turner’s medical education spans more than a decade of university study and postgraduate surgical training at the highest level available in Australia:
- Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2013
- Master of Surgery in Plastic Surgery, University of Sydney, 2008
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with Honours, University of Sydney, 2005
- Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Pharmacology, University of Sydney
The Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is the benchmark qualification for specialist plastic surgery in Australia. The training pathway requires years of supervised surgical practice beyond a medical degree, covering both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery across a wide range of body systems.
Dr Turner is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) under registration number MED0001654827.
Areas of Surgical Focus
Dr Turner’s practice covers four main surgical areas:
Face and neck surgery. Dr Turner performs a range of facelift and neck lift procedures including deep plane facelift, vertical restore facelift, short scar facelift, ponytail facelift, and isolated neck lift techniques. Facial technique selection depends on individual anatomy, tissue characteristics, and specific concerns identified at consultation.
Rhinoplasty. Both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, including primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, tip rhinoplasty, alarplasty, and septorhinoplasty for combined functional and aesthetic indications.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Upper and lower blepharoplasty, brow lift (including endoscopic brow lift), and associated periorbital procedures.
Breast and body surgery. Breast augmentation (including hybrid augmentation with fat grafting), breast lift, breast lift with implants, breast reduction, breast implant revision, breast fat grafting, tuberous breast correction, abdominoplasty (including Hi-Def with 360 liposuction, mini abdominoplasty, Fleur De Lis, and body lift procedures), post-pregnancy surgery, and labiaplasty. Dr Turner also performs male-specific procedures including gynaecomastia surgery, male facelift, male rhinoplasty, and male blepharoplasty.
Individual suitability for any procedure is determined during consultation, with surgical plans developed around each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Hospital Appointments
All surgery is performed at accredited private hospital facilities in Sydney:
- Bondi Junction Private Hospital (Eastern Suburbs)
- Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why (Northern Beaches)
- East Sydney Private Hospital (Eastern Suburbs)
Each hospital maintains full accreditation and meets the safety and quality standards required for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The specific facility used for a given procedure depends on the procedure type, complexity, and anaesthetic requirements. These arrangements are discussed during consultation.
Professional Memberships
Dr Turner maintains active membership across leading national and international professional bodies in plastic and aesthetic surgery:
- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) — Fellow
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)
- The Aesthetic Society (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS)
- Australian Medical Association (AMA)
These memberships reflect ongoing engagement with international developments in surgical technique and a commitment to continuing professional education. Dr Turner regularly attends national and international surgical conferences and workshops to maintain current knowledge of evolving techniques and evidence-based practice.
Consulting Locations
Dr Turner consults across the eastern seaboard of Australia, with all surgery performed in Sydney:
Sydney (primary):
- Bondi Junction Clinic — 39 Grosvenor Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022
- Manly Clinic — Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Brisbane:
- Herstellen Clinic, 490 Boundary Street, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Canberra:
- The Clinic Skin Health & Wellness, G24/6 Provan Street, Campbell ACT 2612
Newcastle:
- Shop 5a, 281-293 Brunker Road, Adamstown NSW 2289
Dr Turner personally conducts all consultations at each location. For regional and interstate patients, out-of-town patient support is available to coordinate travel, accommodation, and post-operative follow-up arrangements.
Patient Safety and Professional Advocacy
Dr Turner has been a consistent public advocate for patient safety in the Australian cosmetic surgery industry, contributing to media coverage including the ABC Four Corners investigation into cosmetic surgery regulation. His advocacy has focused on three specific issues:
Title clarity. In Australia, the title “cosmetic surgeon” is not a protected specialist qualification and carries no requirement for formal surgical training beyond a medical degree. Dr Turner has been vocal about the importance of patients understanding the distinction between Specialist Plastic Surgeons (FRACS-qualified) and practitioners using the unregulated “cosmetic surgeon” title.
AHPRA regulation enforcement. Dr Turner has publicly supported stronger enforcement of AHPRA regulations governing cosmetic surgery practice, advertising standards, and patient protection requirements.
Evidence-based practice. Dr Turner’s clinical writing emphasises realistic expectations, honest discussion of risks, and the importance of patient-specific surgical planning over marketing-driven procedure recommendations.
Consultation Process
Under AHPRA cosmetic surgery guidelines (effective 1 July 2023), the following apply to all cosmetic surgical procedures:
- A referral from a GP or specialist physician
- A minimum of two consultations before surgery is booked
- A psychological evaluation to confirm suitability
- A mandatory cooling-off period before formal consent is given
Dr Turner conducts all consultations personally. Each appointment includes a detailed clinical examination, discussion of surgical options with honest assessment of what each approach can and cannot address, and review of potential risks and realistic recovery expectations. Patients are encouraged to take the time they need between consultations, bring questions, and seek additional opinions as part of their decision-making process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications does Dr Scott J Turner hold?
Dr Turner holds Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, awarded in 2013. His prior education includes a Master of Surgery in Plastic Surgery (University of Sydney, 2008), Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with Honours (University of Sydney, 2005), and a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Pharmacology. He is registered with AHPRA under MED0001654827.
Where does Dr Turner consult and operate?
Dr Turner consults at his Sydney clinics in Bondi Junction and Manly, as well as in Brisbane (Spring Hill), Canberra (Campbell), and Newcastle (Adamstown). All surgery is performed at accredited private hospitals in Sydney: Bondi Junction Private Hospital, Delmar Private Hospital in Dee Why, and East Sydney Private Hospital.
What's the difference between a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?
In Australia, “Specialist Plastic Surgeon” is a protected title requiring Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This involves years of supervised surgical training beyond a medical degree. The title “cosmetic surgeon” is not a protected specialist qualification, and practitioners using it may have varying levels of surgical training. Dr Turner is a FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Does Dr Turner accept GP referrals?
Yes, a GP referral is required for all cosmetic surgery consultations under AHPRA regulations effective 1 July 2023. Medicare rebates where applicable also require a valid recent referral. Referrals can be from a GP or specialist physician.
How do I arrange a consultation?
Consultations can be arranged through the practice contact page or by phoning 1300 437 758. At initial enquiry, Dr Turner’s team will discuss which clinic location suits your circumstances, provide information on what to bring to your consultation, and arrange GP referral requirements.
Arrange a Consultation
To arrange a consultation with Dr Scott J Turner, contact the practice or call 1300 437 758. For regional and interstate patients, information on out-of-town patient services is available, including travel coordination and post-operative follow-up arrangements.
