Dr Scott Cairns

Dr. Scott Cairns is a highly qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, who is registered with the Royal Australian College of Surgeons. He has completed a specialized training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the United Kingdom in 2014 and holds dual fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, making him Newcastle's only double fellowed Plastic Surgeon. Having developed a special interest in reconstructive surgery during his training, he has completed Fellowships for microsurgery, hand surgery, and cosmetic surgery. With his deep commitment to academic excellence, he earned an MD research degree in Wound Healing and is passionate about presenting his work internationally.

Dr. Cairns is a conjoint lecturer at the University of Newcastle where he teaches and updates the next generation of specialists. He is an established author with publications in scientific journals, and his research in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is widely recognized. He relocated to Newcastle with his family in 2016 to begin work at the John Hunter Hospital where he remains a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. He also practices at the Calvary Mater Hospital and Belmont Hospital.

Dr. Cairns' areas of special interest include breast surgery, head and neck surgery, skin cancer surgery, and genito-urinary reconstruction. Notably, he delivers empathetic care to his patients in the public system, and his collaborative approach to consultations ensures that he works hand in hand with his patients towards their goals. Along with undertaking regular surgeries in Newcastle's Warners Bay Private Hospital, he also participates in the on-call hand surgical roster to provide support to Emergency Departments at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital. Cairns' family has settled in Newcastle comfortably, his wife works as a local GP, and their son goes to school in Newcastle.

Based on his philosophy, Dr. Cairns believes that plastic surgery treatments require collaboration between the patient and the specialist. He prioritizes continued, empathetic care and a shared decision-making process. He believes that many conditions require more than one surgery, such as after weight loss, following cancer treatment, or for gender issues. Hence he feels that plastic surgery is a journey to be shared rather than a one-and-done procedure, and he is committed to following his patients through this journey.