Choosing Your Surgeon
The single most important decision you’ll make is who operates on you. Start here.
Choose Your Surgeon The qualification gap between a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) and a “cosmetic surgeon” is now legally protected in Australia under September 2023 legislation. This page explains what the protections mean for you and what to verify before booking any consultation.
Dr Scott J Turner Background, training pathway, hospital appointments, professional memberships, and the procedures I focus on in clinical practice.
Risks and Complications A frank overview of what can go wrong in cosmetic surgery, why complications happen, and how rigorous surgical practice reduces (but never eliminates) the risk.
Your Surgical Journey
The pathway from first appointment to operating theatre is structured and deliberately paced. These pages walk through each stage.
Your First Consultation What happens at the initial appointment, what to bring, and the questions worth asking. AHPRA now requires a GP referral before this consultation can be booked.
Prepare for Surgery A practical checklist covering the weeks leading up to your procedure: medications to stop, bloodwork required, medical clearances, and what to organise at home.
Optimising Your Outcome
Some factors are within your control. These three matter more than most patients realise.
Ideal Weight for Surgery Why BMI matters for surgical safety and result stability, and how settled your weight should be before a procedure is booked.
Smoking and Plastic Surgery How smoking and nicotine affect wound healing, scarring, and complication rates, with practical guidance on cessation timing before surgery.
LED Light Therapy A non-invasive recovery support option offered as part of the post-operative care pathway at the practice.
Costs and Logistics
The practical questions every patient eventually asks.
Plastic Surgery Prices How surgical pricing is structured, what Medicare may cover for procedures with a functional component, and why a personalised quote requires consultation.
Out-of-Town Patients Logistics, accommodation, and the typical consultation-to-surgery pathway for patients travelling from Brisbane, Canberra, or interstate.
Latest Articles
Ongoing patient education from the practice covering specific procedures, recovery topics, and surgical decision-making.
What to know before booking a consultation
Cosmetic surgery in Australia is regulated by AHPRA under guidelines updated in 2023 and revised again in September 2025. A few things to know before contacting any surgeon:
- A GP referral is required before you can book a cosmetic surgery consultation. Your GP will provide a written referral after a clinical discussion.
- A minimum of two consultations is required before any cosmetic procedure can be booked. This is a regulatory requirement, not a practice preference.
- A seven-day cooling-off period applies between final written consent and the procedure date.
- Psychological evaluation may be required where clinically indicated.
These regulations exist to protect patients, and I support them. They also mean that the journey from first contact to surgery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. There’s no mechanism to fast-track this. The timeframes are regulatory, not commercial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?
A Specialist Plastic Surgeon has completed FRACS training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which takes a minimum of 12 years after high school: medical degree, surgical residency, and accredited specialist registrar training. The title is protected by AHPRA. “Cosmetic surgeon” is not a recognised specialist registration in Australia, although as of September 2023 the broader title “surgeon” is now legally protected and can only be used by practitioners with recognised specialist training. Choosing a FRACS-qualified surgeon means your operator has met Australia’s highest surgical training standard.
Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Turner?
Yes. Since 1 July 2023, all patients seeking a cosmetic surgery consultation in Australia require a written referral from their general practitioner. The referral process gives your GP an opportunity to discuss your reasons for considering surgery, review your general health, and confirm that referral is appropriate. A GP referral does not commit you to surgery. It only allows you to book the initial consultation.
How long does the consultation process take from first appointment to surgery?
A minimum of two consultations is required before any cosmetic procedure can be booked, and a seven-day cooling-off period applies between final written consent and the procedure date. In practice, most patients move from first consultation to surgery over a 6 to 12 week period, depending on procedure complexity, clinical assessment requirements, and theatre availability. There is no mechanism to compress this timeframe. The intervals are regulatory, not commercial.
What is the seven-day cooling-off period?
The cooling-off period is a mandatory seven-day window between the date you provide final written consent for surgery and the date of the procedure itself. The purpose is to ensure that booking decisions are made calmly and with adequate time for reflection. During this period, you may withdraw consent at any time without financial penalty beyond the consultation fee already paid.
Do I need to travel to Sydney for surgery if I consult in Brisbane or Canberra?
Yes. Consultations are held at the Brisbane (Spring Hill) and Canberra (Campbell) clinics, however all surgical procedures are performed at accredited private hospitals in Sydney, primarily Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital in Manly. The Out-of-Town Patients page sets out accommodation options, travel logistics, and the typical post-operative care pathway for interstate patients.
To enquire about a consultation in Sydney, Brisbane, or Canberra, contact the practice on 1300 437 758 or email [email protected].
