Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgeon · FEBOPRAS
Bülent Yaprak — Founder of Yaprak Hair Clinic
Bülent is a specialist plastic, reconstructive and hand surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience across two continents. He trained at Istanbul University — the world's highest-volume plastic surgery programme — before completing fellowships in New Zealand and building a decade-long career as a Consultant at Waikato Hospital. In 2015, he founded New Zealand's first dedicated hair transplant clinic.
Book a Consultation — $267
FEBOPRASEuropean Board
ISHRSFull Member — NZ First
NZAPSNZ Plastic Surgeons
ASAPSAesthetic Surgery
ISAPSIntl Aesthetic
ANZBCPSBoard Certified
Credentials in Plain English
Bülent holds specialist qualifications from Turkey, Europe, and New Zealand. Here's what each one means.
FEBOPRAS
Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. Recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand as equivalent to FRACS (Plastic Surgery).
ISHRS Full Member
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Bülent was the first surgeon in New Zealand to achieve Full Member status — the highest standard of ISHRS membership.
NZAPS Member
New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons — the professional body for specialist plastic surgeons in New Zealand. Membership requires verified specialist training and qualifications.
ASAPS Member
Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons — the peak body for aesthetic plastic surgery across Australia and New Zealand.
ANZBCPS 2025
Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon 2025 — Australia & New Zealand Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.
ISAPS Member
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery — a global organisation representing plastic surgeons dedicated to excellence in aesthetic surgery.
Why a Plastic Surgeon Performs Better Hair Transplants
Hair transplantation is surgery. The skills that make a great plastic surgeon are the same skills that make a great hair transplant surgeon.
Deep Anatomical Knowledge
Understanding exactly where nerves, blood vessels, and tissue planes run — by training, not habit — means Bülent can place grafts with precision that protects both the donor area and the result.
Surgical Tissue Handling
Years of operating on skin, fascia, nerves, and vessels means Bülent handles grafts with the care required to maximise survival. Every follicle extracted and implanted is treated as the investment it is.
Aesthetic Judgment
Plastic surgery is as much art as science. Bülent's training in facial aesthetics means hairline design is informed by facial proportion, not a template — leading to natural, balanced results.
Ability to Manage Complications
In the rare event that something needs attention, Bülent can address it. A hair technician cannot. The MCNZ registration means full accountability and local follow-up care whenever you need it.
A Career Built on World-Class Training
1995
Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara
Ranked 58th out of over one million candidates in Turkey's national university entrance exam. Awarded VAKSA Foundation scholarship. Medical degree completed in English.
2002 – 2007
Specialist Training — Istanbul University
Turkey's most prestigious plastic surgery programme. Trained under 12 nationally and internationally recognised professors. High-volume reconstructive and cosmetic surgery including digital replantations and microvascular work.
2007 – 2010
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Karabük, Turkey
Founded the first plastic surgery and burns unit in a city of 250,000 people. Established protocols, trained nursing staff, and led emergency and elective surgical services.
2010
Arrived in New Zealand
Completed plastic surgery and hand surgery fellowships at Waikato and Middlemore hospitals.
2012
FEBOPRAS — Passed
Written exam Brussels, oral exam Munich. Recognised by MCNZ as equivalent to FRACS Plastic Surgery.
2012 – 2023
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Waikato Hospital, Hamilton. Over a decade of specialist practice including trauma, burns, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
2015 NZ First
Founded Yaprak Hair Clinic
New Zealand's first dedicated FUE hair transplant clinic. Also became the first surgeon in New Zealand to achieve Full Member status with ISHRS.
2018 – 2019
Clinical Director, Plastic Surgery
Waikato Hospital — led the plastic surgery department during a significant period of development.
2024 – present
Full-Time Private Practice
Waikato Specialist Centre, 83c Tristram Street, Hamilton. Plastic surgery, hand surgery, and hair transplantation.
Training Alongside the World's Best
Bülent has attended over 40 major international plastic surgery and hair restoration conferences. He also undertakes hands-on observership programmes with globally recognised surgeons — bringing new techniques directly to his patients in Hamilton.
Key observerships include:
World leader in nerve surgery. Advanced nerve transfer and nerve compression techniques.
World authority in wrist arthroscopy. Advanced wrist and hand surgery techniques.
Pioneer of the deep plane face and neck lift.
Advanced facial rejuvenation and deep plane techniques.
Advanced cosmetic surgery training with leading Istanbul surgeons.
Hair restoration conferences attended include ISHRS Bangkok (2019), ISHRS Virtual (2021), ASAPS annual conferences, and more.
Bülent & His Surgical Team
You'll work with the same experienced team from your initial consultation through to your final follow-up — Bülent performing every procedure personally, supported by his dedicated nursing team.
Yaprak Hair Clinic is Part of a Full Plastic Surgery Practice
Hair transplantation is one specialty within Bülent's broader plastic surgery practice. He also performs breast surgery, facial surgery, body contouring, skin cancer excision, and hand surgery — all at the same standard of care. This breadth of experience is precisely what elevates his hair transplant work.
FEBOPRASEuropean Board
ISHRSFull Member — NZ First
NZAPSNZ Plastic Surgeons
ASAPSAesthetic Surgery
ISAPSIntl Aesthetic
ANZBCPSBoard Certified 2025
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book a consultation with Bülent — $267 for a personalised assessment of your hair loss and treatment options.
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