Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive &
Burns Surgeon – Sydney & North Shore
Providing care across skin cancer surgery, breast reduction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), body lift after weight loss and facial fracture repair — delivered with an evidence-informed approach.
Meet Dr Harish – Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive & Burns Surgeon
Dr Varun Harish is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney, based in St Leonards on Sydney’s North Shore. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and holds a PhD from the University of Sydney in burns care and reconstructive surgery. Dr Harish has completed international fellowships in microsurgery and burns reconstruction. His practice spans both complex reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
Areas of Expertise
- Skin cancer and melanoma surgery — from mole removal to complex reconstruction after excision.
- Breast reduction and body contouring — including tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), 360 body lift and belt lipectomy after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Facial fracture and maxillofacial trauma surgery — treatment of broken jaws, cheekbones, noses and eye sockets.
- Lower limb reconstruction and limb salvage — treatment of complex wounds, bone infection (osteomyelitis) and exposed implants after trauma or joint replacement.
- Scar revision and burn reconstruction — for surgical, traumatic, acne and keloid scars.
Dr Harish is appointed as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Royal North Shore, Mater, North Shore Private and Hunters Hill Hospitals, and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales. He provides specialist plastic and reconstructive surgery for patients from across Sydney — especially the North Shore, Northern Beaches, Inner West and Central Coast.
Professional Memberships & Appointments
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
- Member – Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Australian and New Zealand Burn Association (ANZBA)
- Member – Australian Medical Association (AMA)
- Senior Lecturer – University of Sydney and University of New South Wales
Hospital Appointments
Consultant Plastic Surgeon – Royal North Shore, Mater, Liverpool, North Shore Private and Hunters Hill Hospitals.
Procedures
Surgery to remove excess abdominal skin and repair rectus diastasis (muscle separation) after pregnancy or weight change, aiming to improve abdominal tone and contour. Medicare criteria may apply for muscle repair
360-degree body lift removing excess skin after significant weight loss from surgery or medications (e.g., Ozempic or Wegovy), addressing the abdomen, flanks, lower back, buttocks and outer thighs, and helping to improve comfort, clothing fit and overall body contour
Breast reduction surgery to remove excess breast tissue and skin, which may help ease neck, shoulder and back discomfort, improve day-to-day comfort, aiming for a breast size that better suits your frame
Skin cancer surgery for BCC, SCC and melanoma, including diagnosis, excision with appropriate margins, and reconstructive techniques such as primary closure, skin grafts or local flaps for the face and body
Surgical and non-surgical treatment for hypertrophic, keloid, burn and C-section scars, including excision, tissue rearrangement, grafts, flaps and adjunctive therapies aiming to improve comfort, movement or appearance
Specialist management of facial fractures involving the jaw, cheekbone, eye socket or nose, with surgery performed to realign and stabilise broken bones and support facial structure and function after injury
Reconstruction for open fractures, bone infection (osteomyelitis), exposed implants, soft-tissue loss and complex wounds of the leg, ankle and foot, using orthoplastic techniques with the goal of stabilising, repairing and supporting limb function
Removal of common skin lumps including moles, epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts, lipomas and skin tags, with pathology testing and a reconstructive approach to wound closure and scar placement
What to Expect
Book a Consultation today
Book a consultation in Sydney or the North Shore with Dr Varun Harish.
Have a question? Contact us today — our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see Dr Harish?
A GP referral is recommended so you can claim Medicare rebates. You can still book without a referral; our team will navigate you through the process. A referral also ensures Dr Harish has your medical background for safe, personalised care.
Where does Dr Harish operate?
Surgery is performed at Royal North Shore, Mater, and North Shore Private Hospitals on Sydney’s North Shore.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book by calling our rooms, emailing us, or submitting an enquiry via our online enquiry form.
Can I claim private health insurance for my treatment?
Yes. Private health insurance rebates usually apply for the hospital component of your treatment if you are covered. Medicare rebates may also apply for outpatient consultations, office procedures and hospital surgery. Our team will explain what applies in your case.
How long is the wait for surgery after consultation?
This varies depending on the procedure and hospital availability. Dr Harish will discuss expected timeframes at your consultation so you can plan ahead.
Does Dr Harish perform cosmetic as well as reconstructive procedures?
Yes. Dr Harish offers both reconstructive surgery (such as skin cancer, burns, and trauma) and cosmetic surgery (such as breast reduction, tummy tuck/abdominoplasty and 360 body lift), always with a focus on safe surgery with optimal results.
Which areas of Sydney does Dr Harish see patients from?
Dr Harish sees patients from across Sydney, but especially the North Shore — including (but not limited to) Chatswood, Mosman, Lane Cove, Neutral Bay, North Sydney, Gordon, Lindfield, Killara, Hornsby, Ryde, Gladesville and the Northern Beaches.
How much does surgery cost?
Costs vary depending on the procedure, hospital fees, and your level of Medicare or private health cover. A detailed quote will be provided after your consultation.
Which body procedures may attract a Medicare rebate in Sydney?
Some reconstructive procedures may be eligible for Medicare rebates when strict criteria are met. Examples include:
- Tummy tuck with rectus diastasis repair (item 30175) for post-pregnancy muscle separation
- Body lift after massive weight loss (item 30179)
- Breast reduction surgery (item 45523) when symptoms such as back or neck pain are present
Eligibility requires a GP referral and documented functional issues.
Is skin cancer surgery or breast reduction covered by Medicare?
Yes. Skin cancer surgery and breast reduction surgery are usually eligible for Medicare rebates if they meet medical criteria. At your consultation, Dr Harish will explain your eligibility and any out-of-pocket costs.
What is recovery like after a tummy tuck or body lift?
Most patients need 2–3 weeks off work and around 6 weeks for full recovery. Dr Harish provides a personalised recovery plan, including wound care, activity restrictions and follow-up visits.
Does Dr Harish perform limb reconstruction?
Yes. He provides limb-reconstruction and limb-salvage surgery for patients with open fractures, bone infection or implant exposure, working in collaboration with orthopaedic teams.
Serving Sydney and the North Shore
Patients visit our St Leonards clinic from:
Lower North Shore
Crows Nest, North Sydney, Neutral Bay, Mosman
Central North Shore
Chatswood, Lane Cove, Ryde, Killara
Upper North Shore
Hornsby, Wahroonga, Turramurra, St Ives
Northern Beaches
Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale
Inner West
Ashfield, Burwood, Newtown
North West
Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills
Central Coast
Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy
Our clinic is situated beside Royal North Shore Hospital and close to St Leonards Station and Crows Nest Metro, with convenient parking options nearby.
Locations & Contact
Consultations
Getting Here
- By Car: Secure parking available nearby
- By Train: 2 mins from St Leonards Station
- By Metro: Easy access via Crows Nest Metro Station