Walter L. Bernacki, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Serving Columbus, Ohio, and surrounding areas
Dr. Walter Bernacki is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Ohio, and the founder of Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists in Gahanna. With more than two decades in private practice, Dr. Bernacki has built a reputation for combining technical precision with a genuine, patient-first approach to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
He has been named Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mount Carmel East Hospital and St. Ann’s Hospital, and was elected Chairman of Surgery at Mount Carmel East, a role in which he oversees most surgical specialties at the hospital. These appointments reflect the standing he holds among his colleagues in the Columbus medical community and the trust his patients place in his work every day.
“The most important thing in my life is my family,” he says. “Spending time with my wife, supporting my children in school and sporting events, those are the things that mean the most to me.”
“There’s no such thing as an average day in plastic surgery. Each day brings interesting challenges, and we get to troubleshoot and come up with solutions for our patients. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”
Dr. Walter Bernacki Columbus Plastic Surgeon
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Columbus, Ohio
At Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists, patients have access to the full range of modern aesthetic care under one roof. From advanced surgical procedures to non-surgical med spa treatments, our practice is one of the most established names in Columbus aesthetic and plastic surgery. Dr. Bernacki and his team are committed to providing patients with the highest level of care possible, using the latest aesthetic technologies and proven surgical techniques.
Dr. Bernacki graduated cum laude from Miami University and earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed a two-year fellowship in Plastic Surgery with Summa Health System, where he trained under some of the nation’s premier plastic surgeons. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a founding member of the Columbus Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Why Board Certification Matters When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Not every doctor offering cosmetic procedures is a trained plastic surgeon. In fact, more than half of the offices that offer cosmetic treatments do not have formal training in plastic surgery. Choosing a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is one of the most important decisions a patient can make before any procedure.
ABPS certification confirms that a surgeon has completed an accredited residency in plastic surgery, passed rigorous written and oral examinations, and continues to meet strict standards through ongoing education. Dr. Bernacki is ABPS-certified and actively participates in the Maintenance of Certification program. He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Credentials at a glance
- Board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Chief of Plastic Surgery, Mount Carmel East Hospital and St. Ann's Hospital
- Chairman of Surgery, Mount Carmel East Hospital
- Founding member, Columbus Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Fellowship-trained in plastic surgery (Summa Health System)
- Medical degree, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Procedures and Specialties at Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists
Dr. Bernacki performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures for patients across central Ohio. Whether someone is exploring a single treatment or a combination of procedures, our team helps each patient build a plan that fits their goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Surgical Procedures
- Breast augmentation in Columbus, Ohio, including silicone breast implants
- Breast lift, breast reduction, and revision breast surgery
- Tummy tuck and abdominoplasty, including surgery for excess abdominal skin after weight loss
- Liposuction and body contouring in Columbus
- Mommy makeover packages
- Forehead lift and endoscopic eyebrow lift surgery
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Non-Surgical and Med Spa Treatments
- Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling for skin tightening and skin firming
- Microneedling for texture, tone, and acne scarring
- Laser hair removal in Columbus, Ohio
- Injectable treatments and natural lip enhancement
- Medical-grade skincare and chemical peels
An Interview With Dr. Bernacki
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
Since the plastic surgery field is very diverse, it allows me to help people in a variety of ways. We take care of trauma patients, patients in need of reconstructive care, and patients who desire elective cosmetic procedures. I enjoy the challenge of finding the best solution for each of their needs.
What is the secret to Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists’ success?
I believe the key to our success is the genuine care we have for our patients. We have an amazing staff that treats each patient like family. I always think to myself, “If this were my mother, daughter, or son, what treatment would I recommend?” That thought process guides my recommendation to each patient.
What sets OPSS apart from other plastic surgery practices?
Our attention to detail and our treatment of each patient on an individual basis. When you contact our office, you will always speak with a real person, not an automated answering service. We take a lot of pride in the level of service and care we provide, and we have a very tight-knit staff that knows each patient’s needs and can communicate in a timely fashion.
How is your family involved in the practice?
My wife is a vital part of the practice. She has been with me for a long time, all the way back to medical school, so she knows the sacrifices and the hard work that we have put in to get to where we are now. She helped us start the practice in 2002 and continues to be an instrumental part of daily operations as we grow and improve our ability to handle more advanced and emerging technologies. My daughter has also worked in the office and has shadowed me in the operating room.
What would you like potential patients to know about receiving care at OPSS?
There are many choices out there when it comes to choosing a physician or an office to undergo a cosmetic procedure. It is crucial to see someone who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Most people would be surprised to learn that more than 50 percent of the offices that offer cosmetic treatments do not have any formal training in plastic surgery.
How long have you been practicing in Columbus?
My wife and I opened Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists in 2002, so we have been serving the Columbus and Gahanna area for more than 20 years. In that time, we have cared for thousands of patients across cosmetic, reconstructive, and trauma plastic surgery.
What is your philosophy when it comes to cosmetic results?
Natural results, every time. Whether a patient is here for a facelift, breast augmentation, a mommy makeover, or something as simple as lip enhancement or microneedling, the goal is the same. They should look like a refreshed version of themselves, not like they had something done. That principle guides every consultation and every procedure.
Choosing Excellence
When it comes to any surgical procedure, you want to make sure that you have the highest, most competently trained individual providing your care. Ask for a board-certified plastic surgeon. Make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Finally, make an appointment with one of these surgeons to have a consultation. You will know immediately if you have confidence in their credentials, their experience, and their treatment philosophy. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to this doctor preoperatively, then it’s probably not a good fit. You want somebody there who can instill confidence and care enough about you after the surgery to make sure you get the best possible outcome. These are the qualities that I have tried to embody throughout my career.
Dr. Walter Bernacki
Med Spa and Aesthetic Services in Columbus, Ohio
At Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists, conveniently located at 1085 East Johnstown Rd. in Gahanna, Ohio, we take pride in offering cutting-edge procedures like Morpheus8, a radiofrequency microneedling treatment that our patients in Columbus trust for skin tightening and skin firming. If you are considering Morpheus8, Columbus, Ohio, residents know that choosing a qualified professional is essential. Dr. Walter Bernacki and our experienced team ensure that you receive personalized care and exceptional results.
In addition to Morpheus8, our med spa services also include effective laser hair removal solutions. As a leading provider of laser hair removal, we use advanced technology to achieve smooth, long-lasting results. Our med spa offers a nurturing environment where you can explore a range of aesthetic treatments designed to enhance your well-being. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call us at (614) 682-5095.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Dr. Walter Bernacki is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a two-year fellowship in plastic surgery at Summa Health System and currently serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mount Carmel East Hospital and St. Ann's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists is located at 1085 East Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230. The practice is a short drive from downtown Columbus and serves patients across central Ohio. The office phone number is (614) 682-5095.
Dr. Bernacki performs a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction and body contouring, mommy makeover, facelift, forehead lift and brow lift, and eyelid surgery. Through the in-house med spa, his team also offers non-surgical treatments such as Morpheus8 skin tightening, microneedling, laser hair removal, and natural lip enhancement.
Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists was founded by Dr. Walter Bernacki in 2002. The practice has served the greater Columbus area for more than 20 years and remains one of the most established Columbus aesthetic and plastic surgery practices in the region.
Yes. A mommy makeover at Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists is a customized combination of procedures designed to address the physical changes that can follow pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most mommy makeover plans in Columbus, Ohio, combine some form of breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or both) with a tummy tuck and, in some cases, liposuction or body contouring. Dr. Bernacki tailors every plan to the individual patient.
Morpheus8 is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency microneedling to remodel collagen in deeper layers of the skin. Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists offers Morpheus8 in Columbus, Ohio, at our Gahanna med spa. It is commonly chosen for facial skin firming, jawline definition, neck tightening, and treatment of stretch marks or loose skin on the body.
Consultations can be scheduled by calling Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists at (614) 682-5095 or by submitting the appointment form on the website. New patient consultations include time with Dr. Bernacki to review medical history, discuss goals, evaluate options, and answer questions about procedures, recovery, and pricing.
Yes. Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists works with patient financing partners so that elective cosmetic procedures can be paid for over time. Our team is happy to walk through financing options during the consultation, including details on interest-free promotional plans where eligible.
Look first for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Then look at hospital affiliations, society memberships, and how long the surgeon has been in practice in the area. Finally, schedule an in-person consultation. A good plastic surgeon will take time to listen, explain options clearly, and never pressure a patient into a procedure.
Yes. In addition to elective cosmetic surgery, Dr. Bernacki cares for trauma patients and patients in need of reconstructive plastic surgery. His training and hospital appointments at Mount Carmel East and St. Ann's give him broad experience across the full scope of plastic surgery.
