Frequently Asked Questions

A specialist plastic surgeon holds a recognised postgraduate surgical qualification and is registered on the Medical Council of New Zealand's specialist register in plastic surgery. Dr Yaprak holds FEBOPRAS — the Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery — which is recognised by the MCNZ as equivalent to the New Zealand specialist standard.

The term "cosmetic surgeon" is not a protected or registered title. It can be used by any medical doctor regardless of their surgical training or experience. When choosing a surgeon, it's worth verifying their specialist registration directly with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

No — you can contact the practice directly to book a consultation for cosmetic surgery. Simply call us on 07 838 8984 or use the contact form on the website.

If you're seeking surgery for a health-related reason — skin cancer, hand surgery, or functional eyelid problems — a GP referral can be helpful, particularly if your procedure may be covered by Southern Cross or ACC.

Dr Yaprak's practice is at Waikato Specialist Centre, 83c Tristram Street, Hamilton Central. Surgery is performed at Braemar Private Hospital, also in Hamilton. Free on-site parking is available at both locations.

Patients travel from Auckland (approximately 90 minutes via SH1), Tauranga, Rotorua, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, and across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

Your first consultation is a private, unhurried appointment with Dr Yaprak. He'll take time to understand what you want to achieve, ask about your health and medical history, and examine the relevant area. He'll explain the procedure options that suit your situation, discuss realistic outcomes, and walk you through the risks honestly.

You'll leave with a clear picture of what's involved and a personalised written estimate if you're considering surgery. There's no pressure to proceed — many patients take time to think before booking.

Yes. Dr Bülent Yaprak is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider. Procedures that may be covered include skin cancer surgery, hand surgery (carpal tunnel, Dupuytren's, trigger finger), and some reconstructive procedures.

Purely cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by health insurance. Bring your policy details to your consultation and we can advise what may apply to your situation.

ACC can cover reconstructive surgery following an accident or injury — for example, scar revision, skin grafts, or reconstruction after trauma. Whether your situation qualifies depends on the nature and cause of the injury. Dr Yaprak accepts ACC-funded patients; please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances.

This is one of the most common concerns patients bring to consultation — and it's a completely reasonable one. Dr Yaprak's philosophy is centred on natural, balanced results that enhance your existing features rather than change who you are. The goal is that you look refreshed and well, not operated on.

He takes time at consultation to understand exactly what you want to achieve, is honest about what is realistic, and will tell you directly if a particular result isn't achievable or appropriate.

All surgical estimates are all-inclusive: surgeon fees, specialist anaesthetist, Braemar Private Hospital theatre and facility fees, nursing care, consumables, dressings, and follow-up appointments for six weeks after surgery. There are no surprise invoices after you leave hospital.

An initial consultation costs $267. For cosmetic surgery patients, all second and subsequent consultations prior to surgery are at no charge. Skin lesion consultations start from $226, and follow-up consultations for non-cosmetic patients are $146.

The largest portion of the cost is the hospital and theatre fee at Braemar Private Hospital, not the surgeon's fee. A specialist anaesthetist, nursing care, sterile theatre, recovery room, and hospital facility all form part of the total. When you see a surgical quote, the surgeon's fee is typically a minority of the overall cost.

Dr Yaprak's all-inclusive pricing means you know exactly what you'll pay before you book — with nothing added later.

All written estimates are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. If you wish to proceed after this period, an updated estimate will be provided at no charge.

Yes — indicative pricing for most procedures is available on the Fees & Pricing page. These are all-inclusive estimates that give you a realistic idea of costs before your consultation, where a personalised written estimate will be provided.

There's no universal answer — the right implant depends on your existing breast tissue, chest width, body proportions, and the result you're hoping to achieve. Dr Yaprak takes a careful, individualised approach at consultation, discussing size, profile and shape (round versus anatomical) and what will look natural for your frame. He'll be honest with you if a particular size isn't appropriate for your anatomy.

Both positions have advantages depending on your body type and the look you're after. Submuscular (under the muscle) placement generally provides more natural coverage and lower rates of capsular contracture. Subglandular (above the muscle) placement can offer a fuller upper pole appearance. Dr Yaprak will recommend the best approach for your individual anatomy.

Modern implants are not lifetime devices, but many patients keep them for 15–20 years or longer without issues. There is no automatic need to replace implants after a set number of years — removal or replacement is only recommended if a problem arises, such as rupture, capsular contracture, or a significant change in your goals or appearance. Routine monitoring is recommended over time.

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant tightens and hardens, changing the feel and sometimes the shape of the breast. It is one of the most common long-term complications of breast implants. The risk varies depending on implant type, surgical technique, and individual healing. Dr Yaprak will discuss this risk — and how to minimise it — at consultation.

This is a personal decision. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect breast size and shape, which may alter the result of prior surgery. Many patients have surgery before children; others prefer to wait. There is no single right answer — Dr Yaprak will discuss your circumstances honestly at consultation.

Breast implants do not generally prevent breastfeeding, though some women experience changes in milk supply. Regarding mammograms — implants can make imaging more technically challenging and additional views are sometimes needed. Always tell your mammography technician you have implants. Ultrasound is also commonly used alongside mammography for women with implants.

For many patients, yes — breast reduction is one of the most functionally significant procedures Dr Yaprak performs. Relief from chronic neck, shoulder and back pain, skin irritation, and postural problems is reported by the majority of patients after surgery. In some cases, breast reduction may be partially covered by Southern Cross or other health insurance — bring your policy details to your consultation.

Temporary changes in nipple sensation — including increased or decreased sensitivity — are common after breast reduction and usually resolve over weeks to months. Permanent loss of sensation is uncommon but is a recognised risk that Dr Yaprak will discuss with you at consultation. The risk varies depending on the size of the reduction and the technique used.

It can. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin that droops over the eye, and where this is significant enough to obstruct vision, the improvement can be both functional and aesthetic. If drooping is caused by the position of the brow rather than excess eyelid skin, a browlift may be more appropriate — or a combination of both. Dr Yaprak will assess this carefully at consultation.

This depends on where the drooping originates. If the eyelid skin itself is excess, blepharoplasty addresses it directly. If the brow has descended and is pushing skin downward, a browlift may give a better result. Many patients benefit from both. Dr Yaprak will assess your anatomy and recommend the most appropriate approach.

Upper eyelid surgery results are long-lasting — most patients enjoy their results for 10–15 years or more. The ageing process continues, but the skin removed does not grow back. Blepharoplasty is one of the longer-lasting facial procedures.

A facelift typically provides results that last between 7–12 years, though this varies between individuals depending on skin quality, lifestyle, sun exposure and genetics. The ageing process continues after surgery, but patients generally look consistently younger than they would have without the procedure.

Achieving good symmetry is a primary goal of eyelid surgery. It's worth noting that most people have some natural asymmetry before surgery. Dr Yaprak will assess and discuss any pre-existing asymmetry with you at consultation, and will aim to achieve the best possible balance in the final result.

Generally yes. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck can separate the repaired abdominal muscles and stretch the skin again, potentially undoing the results. If you're planning to have children in the future, it's worth discussing the timing carefully with Dr Yaprak at consultation.

A full abdominoplasty removes the skin between the belly button and pubic area — which typically includes stretch marks in that zone. Stretch marks above the belly button are not removed, though they may shift to a lower position as the skin is redistributed. Dr Yaprak will give you a realistic picture of what to expect at your consultation.

For body contouring procedures like tummy tuck and arm lift, being close to your stable goal weight before surgery gives the best results and reduces complication risk. Surgery is not a weight loss procedure — it addresses excess skin and fat that remain after weight loss. Dr Yaprak will discuss optimal timing at your consultation.

No — liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss treatment. It removes localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, but the amount of fat that can be safely removed is limited. The best candidates are people at or near a stable healthy weight who have specific areas of disproportionate fat.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as semaglutide/Ozempic) slow gastric emptying, which can increase the risk of aspiration under anaesthesia. Current guidance recommends stopping weekly GLP-1 medications at least one week before surgery. Dr Yaprak and your anaesthetist will advise you specifically at your pre-operative assessment — do not stop any medication without discussing it with your medical team first.

We aim to see patients with potentially concerning lesions as a priority. In many cases, assessment and treatment can happen on the same day as your consultation. Please call us on 07 838 8984 to discuss your situation and we'll arrange an appointment as soon as possible.

Skin cancer procedures are frequently covered by Southern Cross and other health insurers. Dr Yaprak can provide an estimate formatted for insurance submission. ACC may also cover skin lesion treatment if it arose from a workplace injury or accident. Please bring your policy details to your consultation.

Carpal tunnel release is performed under local anaesthetic in Dr Yaprak's in-rooms theatre at Waikato Specialist Centre. Most patients can use their hand for light activities within a few days, and return to desk work within 1–2 weeks. More physical work may take 3–6 weeks. Grip strength continues to improve over weeks to months as the nerve recovers.

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition where fibrous tissue in the palm thickens and tightens, causing one or more fingers to bend towards the palm and become difficult to straighten. Dr Yaprak performs surgical release of Dupuytren's contracture. The most appropriate technique depends on the severity and pattern of involvement, and will be discussed at your consultation.

This varies depending on the procedure and the nature of your work. As a general guide:

1–2 weeks: Upper eyelid surgery, carpal tunnel release, minor skin procedures
2–3 weeks: Breast augmentation, breast reduction (desk work)
3–4 weeks: Tummy tuck, arm lift, facelift
4–6 weeks: Physical or manual work after major body surgery

Dr Yaprak will give you a personalised recovery plan at your pre-operative appointment.

For procedures involving general anaesthetic, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. For more significant procedures — tummy tuck, breast reduction, arm lift — having help at home for the first 1–2 weeks is strongly recommended, particularly if you have young children or a physically demanding home environment.

Light walking is encouraged from early in recovery, but more strenuous exercise is typically restricted for 4–6 weeks after major surgery. Returning too early to exercise increases the risk of bleeding, swelling, and wound complications. Dr Yaprak will give you specific guidance based on your procedure and how your recovery is progressing.

Yes — six weeks of follow-up care is included in every surgical estimate. This covers all post-operative appointments with Dr Yaprak and the nursing team during your recovery period. For cosmetic surgery patients, additional pre-operative consultations are also at no charge.

Our team is contactable during business hours if you have concerns about your recovery. Anna Watson RN, our practice nurse, is available to answer questions and assess symptoms. Clear after-hours guidance will be provided to you before your surgery. You should never hesitate to seek assessment if something doesn't feel right.