Frequently Asked Questions

A specialist plastic surgeon has completed accredited postgraduate surgical training and is on the Medical Council of New Zealand's specialist register for plastic surgery. Dr Yaprak holds FEBOPRAS (Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), which the Medical Council recognises as equivalent to the New Zealand specialist standard.

"Cosmetic surgeon" is not a protected title. Any doctor can use it, whatever their surgical training. If you're choosing a surgeon, you can check their specialist registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Not for cosmetic surgery. You can contact us directly on 07 838 8984 or through the contact form.

If you need surgery for a health reason, such as skin cancer, a hand problem or eyelids that affect your vision, a GP referral is helpful. It's often needed if Southern Cross or ACC may cover the cost.

Dr Yaprak's rooms are at Waikato Specialist Centre, 83c Tristram Street, Hamilton Central. Surgery under general anaesthetic is done at Braemar Private Hospital, also in Hamilton. There's free parking at both.

Patients come from Auckland (about 90 minutes on SH1), Tauranga, Rotorua, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Your first consultation is a private appointment with Dr Yaprak. He'll ask what you'd like to change, go over your health and medical history, and examine the area. He'll then explain the options that suit you, what result is realistic, and the risks involved.

If you're considering surgery, you'll leave with a written estimate. You don't need to decide on the day. Many patients take time to think it over, and cosmetic patients can come back for a second consultation at no charge.

Yes. Procedures that may be covered include skin cancer surgery, hand surgery (carpal tunnel, Dupuytren's, trigger finger) and some reconstructive procedures.

Purely cosmetic procedures generally aren't covered by health insurance. Bring your policy details to your consultation and we'll tell you what may apply.

ACC can cover surgery needed after an accident or injury, such as hand injuries, tendon repairs, fractures, and some reconstruction after trauma. Whether you qualify depends on the injury and how it happened. Dr Yaprak sees ACC patients, so get in touch and we'll talk through your situation.

It's one of the most common worries, and a fair one. Dr Yaprak aims for results that look natural and in proportion, so you look refreshed rather than different.

At your consultation he'll ask exactly what you'd like to change, tell you what's realistic, and say so plainly if a particular result isn't achievable or wouldn't suit you.

Your estimate covers the surgeon's fee, the specialist anaesthetist, Braemar Private Hospital or our in-rooms theatre, nursing care, consumables and dressings, and all follow-up appointments for six weeks after surgery. You won't receive any other invoices.

An initial consultation is $275. For cosmetic surgery, any further consultations before your operation are free. Skin lesion consultations start from $233, and follow-up consultations for non-cosmetic patients are $151.

Most of the cost is the hospital and theatre, not the surgeon. The anaesthetist, nurses, sterile theatre, recovery room and hospital stay all add up, and the surgeon's fee is usually a smaller part of the total.

Because our estimates include everything, you'll know the full cost before you book.

90 days from the date it's issued. If you'd like to go ahead after that, we'll send you an updated estimate.

Yes. Prices for most procedures are on our Fees & Pricing page. They're shown as "from" prices, and your consultation gives you a written estimate for your own procedure.

Surgery fees are paid in full before your surgery date. We don't offer payment plans. If your procedure may be covered by Southern Cross or another insurer, we'll help with the pre-approval and claim.

It depends on your chest width, existing breast tissue, skin and the look you'd like. Dr Yaprak uses round implants and sizes them to your frame rather than to a cup size. You can take home sizers in different volumes to try for a few days before deciding. He'll tell you honestly if a size you have in mind isn't right for your body.

Both have advantages, depending on your body and the look you're after. Placing the implant under the muscle usually gives more natural coverage and a lower rate of capsular contracture. Placing it over the muscle can give more fullness at the top of the breast. Dr Yaprak will recommend what suits your anatomy.

Implants aren't lifetime devices, but many people keep theirs for 15 to 20 years or longer without problems. You don't need to replace them after a set number of years. Removal or replacement is only needed if a problem develops, such as rupture or capsular contracture, or if your wishes change. Regular checks over the years are recommended.

Your body naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around an implant. Capsular contracture is when that layer tightens and hardens, which can change how the breast feels and sometimes how it looks. It's one of the more common long-term problems with implants. The risk depends on the implant, the surgical technique and how you heal, and Dr Yaprak will explain how he keeps it as low as possible.

That's a personal decision. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change breast size and shape, which can affect the result of earlier surgery. Some patients have surgery before children and others wait. Dr Yaprak will talk it through with you at your consultation.

Implants don't usually stop you breastfeeding, although some women notice a change in milk supply. Implants can make mammograms a little harder to read, so extra views are sometimes taken. Always tell the radiographer you have implants. Ultrasound is often used alongside mammograms for women with implants.

For many patients, yes. Most people report relief from neck, shoulder and back pain, skin irritation under the breasts and posture problems after surgery. Breast reduction may be partly covered by Southern Cross or other insurers in some cases, so bring your policy details to your consultation.

Changes in nipple sensation, either more or less sensitive, are common after a reduction and usually settle over weeks to months. Permanent loss of sensation is uncommon but possible, and the risk depends on the size of the reduction and the technique. Dr Yaprak will go through this with you.

It can. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin hanging over the eye, and where that skin is blocking your vision, the improvement can be both practical and cosmetic. If the heaviness comes from a low brow rather than the eyelid, a browlift may suit you better, or a combination of both. Dr Yaprak will check this at your consultation.

It depends on where the droop is coming from. If there's too much eyelid skin, blepharoplasty deals with it directly. If the brow has dropped and is pushing skin down, a browlift may give a better result. Many people benefit from both, and Dr Yaprak will recommend what suits you.

A long time. Most people enjoy the result of upper eyelid surgery for 10 to 15 years or more. Ageing carries on, but the skin that's removed doesn't grow back.

Usually 5 to 10 years, depending on your age, skin quality, genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle. A facelift doesn't stop ageing, but you'll continue to look younger than you would have without it.

Good symmetry is a main aim of eyelid surgery. Most people have some natural difference between their eyes before surgery, and Dr Yaprak will point this out at your consultation and aim for the best possible balance.

Generally, yes. A pregnancy after a tummy tuck can separate the repaired stomach muscles and stretch the skin again, undoing much of the result. If you're planning more children, talk about timing with Dr Yaprak.

A full tummy tuck removes the skin between the belly button and the pubic area, so stretch marks there go with it. Stretch marks above the belly button stay, although they may sit lower once the skin is tightened. Dr Yaprak will show you what to expect.

For a tummy tuck or arm lift, you'll get the best result, with less risk, if you're close to a stable goal weight first. These operations remove the loose skin and fat that remain after weight loss. They aren't a way to lose weight.

No. Liposuction reshapes areas of stubborn fat that don't respond to diet and exercise, and only a limited amount can be removed safely. It works best for people at or near a stable, healthy weight.

GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic) slow down how quickly your stomach empties, which can be a risk under anaesthetic. Current guidance is to stop weekly GLP-1 injections at least one week before surgery. Dr Yaprak and your anaesthetist will advise you at your pre-operative assessment. Don't stop any medication without checking with your medical team first.

We see patients with possible skin cancers as a priority, and in many cases the lesion can be removed at the same visit as your consultation. Call us on 07 838 8984 and we'll book you in as soon as we can.

Skin cancer surgery is often covered by Southern Cross and other health insurers, and we can provide an estimate set out for your claim. ACC does not cover skin cancer or skin lesion surgery. Bring your policy details and GP referral to your consultation.

Carpal tunnel release is done under local anaesthetic in Dr Yaprak's procedure room at Waikato Specialist Centre. Most people can use their hand for light tasks within a few days and go back to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks. Heavier work can take 3 to 6 weeks. Grip strength keeps improving for some weeks or months as the nerve recovers.

Dupuytren's contracture is when tissue in the palm thickens and tightens, pulling one or more fingers down towards the palm so they can't straighten fully. Dr Yaprak treats it surgically. The best technique depends on how severe it is and which fingers are affected, and he'll explain the options at your consultation.

It depends on the procedure and on your job. As a general guide for desk work:

1 to 2 weeks: upper eyelid surgery, carpal tunnel release, minor skin procedures, breast augmentation, arm lift
2 to 3 weeks: breast reduction, facelift, tummy tuck
4 to 6 weeks: physical or manual work after major body surgery

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

After a general anaesthetic you'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. After bigger operations such as a tummy tuck, breast reduction or arm lift, help at home for the first one to two weeks is strongly recommended, especially if you have young children.

Gentle walking is encouraged early on. Strenuous exercise usually has to wait 4 to 6 weeks after major surgery, because starting too soon raises the risk of bleeding, swelling and wound problems. Dr Yaprak will tell you when it's safe for you.

Yes. All follow-up appointments with Dr Yaprak and the nursing team for six weeks after surgery are included in your estimate. For cosmetic surgery, extra consultations before your operation are free too.

Call us during business hours. Anna Watson RN, our practice nurse, can answer questions and check how you're healing. Before your surgery you'll be given clear instructions for what to do after hours. If something doesn't feel right, don't wait. Get in touch.