A/Prof Alexander Varey

Associate Professor Alexander Varey is a dual UK- and Australian-accredited Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with expertise in melanoma, advanced skin cancer surgery, microsurgical reconstruction ,breast reconstruction, facial scar revision and complex reconstructive procedures. His practice encompasses surgical oncology, hand surgery and selected cosmetic procedures, with particular emphasis on restoring both function and appearance following cancer treatment, trauma or other conditions requiring reconstruction.

His specialist training across the United Kingdom and Australia is complemented by an extensive academic background in cancer biology and melanoma research. This combination of surgical and scientific expertise informs his approach to complex reconstructive challenges, particularly those arising from melanoma and other skin malignancies.

A distinguishing aspect of Associate Professor Varey's career is his contribution to melanoma risk prediction and evidence-based surgical oncology. He leads the development of the Melanoma Risk Prediction Tools platform, which provides clinical decision-support calculators for estimating melanoma-related risks, including sentinel lymph node involvement and patient outcomes.

His research includes work on melanoma prognosis, cancer biology, angiogenesis and the evaluation of surgical and clinical interventions. He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, including research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on predicting recurrence-free and overall survival in patients with stage II melanoma.

Associate Professor Varey's surgical approach emphasises the relationship between effective disease treatment, anatomical reconstruction and long-term functional outcomes. For patients undergoing surgery for melanoma, other skin cancers or complex tissue defects, he considers the extent of surgical treatment alongside the reconstructive options needed to preserve function and appearance.