Breast Surgery · Hamilton, Waikato
Two procedures that reshape, lift, and restore comfort and confidence — performed at Braemar Private Hospital in Hamilton by specialist plastic surgeon Dr Bülent Yaprak. All-inclusive pricing, 1-night stay, complete follow-up care.
Reduction Mammaplasty
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, lighter, better-shaped breasts. For many women, it is one of the most life-changing procedures in plastic surgery — relieving chronic pain, improving posture, and restoring the ability to exercise and move freely.
Unlike purely cosmetic procedures, breast reduction is often carried out partly or wholly for health reasons. Southern Cross members should check their policy — some cover for breast reduction applies in certain cases.
Breast reduction result — Dr Yaprak, Hamilton
Dr Yaprak will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your breast size, shape, and how much tissue needs to be removed. Three main methods are used:
The most common technique. Three incisions — around the areola, vertically down the breast, and horizontally along the breast fold. The horizontal scar is typically 20–25cm long. The nipple and areola remain attached to their blood and nerve supply throughout.
Similar to the Robbins method but without the horizontal incision along the breast fold — leaving a shorter, lollipop-shaped scar. The vertical scar takes several weeks to smooth out.
Two circular incisions around the areola. Leaves a single scar around the areola only — best suited to smaller reductions.
The diagram below illustrates how breast reduction reshapes and repositions the nipple and areola.
Breast reduction — incision lines and tissue reshaping. Dr Yaprak will advise which technique suits you at consultation.
Important: All breast reduction procedures leave permanent scars. These are placed to be as hidden as possible — initially red, fading significantly over 6–12 months, though never completely invisible. Dr Yaprak will discuss scar placement and what to expect at your consultation.
Mastopexy
A breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes and raises the breast without significantly changing its size. It removes excess skin, tightens the surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful position. Fat grafting can be added at the same time to restore volume.
Mastopexy suits women who are satisfied with their breast size but unhappy with sagging or loss of firmness — often after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
Lift + fat grafting: For patients wanting to restore some volume alongside the lift, fat grafting (autologous fat transfer) can be performed at the same time. Fat is harvested from the abdomen or thighs and injected into the breast. This adds a recovery element for the liposuction donor areas — Dr Yaprak will discuss whether this suits you at consultation.
Mastopexy result — Dr Yaprak, Hamilton
Breast lift vs breast reduction: The key difference is volume. A reduction removes significant breast tissue to create smaller, lighter breasts. A lift reshapes and elevates without major volume change. Both involve similar incision patterns and scarring. Many reduction patients also receive a lift component as part of the same procedure.
"For many women, breast reduction is genuinely life-changing — not just cosmetically. The relief from pain and the freedom of movement can be remarkable."— Dr Bülent Yaprak, Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Suitability
Timing: Surgeons generally recommend waiting until breast development, childbirth, and breastfeeding have stopped — though some patients choose to proceed earlier. Dr Yaprak will discuss what is appropriate for your situation.
Your Journey
A note from our nurse Anna: "You may feel emotional at around day 2–3 after surgery — this is very common and usually settles within 48 hours. Your body is doing a lot of healing. Please don't hesitate to reach out — we're here to support you at every stage."
If you are having fat grafting alongside your lift: Fat is harvested from the abdomen and/or thighs. These areas will be bruised and tender for 6–8 weeks. You will wake from surgery wearing a compression garment which must be worn for 6 weeks (except when showering). Small taped incisions from the liposuction cannula heal in 1–2 weeks.
Risks & Consent
As with any surgery, breast reduction and lift carry risks — including infection, haematoma, scarring, changes in nipple sensation (usually temporary, occasionally permanent), wound breakdown (higher risk in smokers), asymmetry, and in very large reductions, possible loss of nipple sensation or breastfeeding ability. All scars are permanent though they fade significantly over 6–12 months. Dr Yaprak will discuss every risk in detail at consultation. Please stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery and avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning supplements for at least 10 days before. At least two consultations before surgery is standard — take all the time you need to feel fully informed.
For full patient information, see the official Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons guide to breast lift and reduction.
Fees & Pricing
All pricing is fully all-inclusive — surgeon, anaesthetist, Braemar Private Hospital (including overnight stay), nursing, consumables, and follow-up. No hidden extras.
Initial consultation: $267. All subsequent pre-op consultations at no extra charge. See our full fees page for all procedures.
Common Questions
Why Choose Dr Yaprak
European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons — a rigorous qualification held by relatively few NZ plastic surgeons.
Breast reduction and lift require an overnight stay — you are monitored and cared for by Braemar's nursing team before going home.
Your quote covers everything: surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, nursing, consumables, and all follow-up appointments. No surprises.
Wound checks and dressing changes every week for the first 3–4 weeks. Anna RN provides detailed, personalised aftercare guidance throughout.
As a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider, we can assist with documentation for pre-approval of breast reduction where medical indication applies.
If reduction or lift isn't the right approach for you, Dr Yaprak will tell you. The consultation is about finding the right answer — not booking the surgery.
Book a consultation at Waikato Specialist Centre in Hamilton. You'll get a thorough assessment, honest advice, and an all-inclusive quote — for $267.
