Cheng Hean Lo

Cheng Hean Lo is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine at Monash University, and holds clinical appointments at Alfred Hospital and Western Health. He is a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a strong focus on burn surgery, skin tissue engineering, and gender affirming surgery. He is currently the Head of Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Western Health and a senior medical staff member at the Victorian Adult Burns Service (The Alfred).

• MBBS, University of Melbourne (1997–2002)
• MPhil (Skin Tissue Engineering), Monash University (2016–2020)
• Clinical Research Fellowship, Victorian Adult Burns Service (2013–2015)

His research interests center on skin tissue engineering for burn injuries, particularly cultured epithelial autografts (CEA), and the application of biodegradable matrices such as NovoSorb BTM. He also contributes to advancements in gender affirming surgical techniques. His work bridges translational research and clinical practice, with a focus on improving wound healing outcomes, reducing scarring, and enhancing patient safety.

Dr Lo has authored at least 45 peer-reviewed publications, with recent research focusing on biomarkers for sepsis in burns, long-term scarring outcomes, and engineered skin grafts. His work has contributed to over $3 million in successful grant funding from NHMRC, government bodies, and commercial partners.

• Third Degree Burn Wound Closure using Engineered Skin – Phase I Clinical Trial (2021–2026)

He has been actively involved in national and international research collaborations and presented at major conferences such as the ASPS Plastic Surgery Congress 2022. His research supports UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being through innovation in surgical care and regenerative medicine.