Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Columbus, Ohio

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A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat and tightens separated abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection. At Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists in Gahanna, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Walter Bernacki performs tummy tuck surgery for patients across Columbus and Central Ohio.

Many patients consider a tummy tuck after pregnancy or significant weight loss, when loose skin, stretch marks, or a lower belly that sticks out remain despite diet and exercise. Every plan begins with a personal, unhurried consultation focused on your goals and on results that look natural.

Tummy tuck in Columbus, Ohio at Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists
Woman with a flat, toned abdomen, illustrating tummy tuck goals

What Can a Tummy Tuck Address?

A tummy tuck in Columbus can help with changes to the abdomen that diet and exercise cannot correct, including:

  • Loose or excess abdominal skin after pregnancy, aging or weight loss
  • Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that cause the lower belly to push outward
  • Stubborn fat in the lower abdomen
  • Stretch marks below the belly button, many of which are removed with the excess skin
  • An overhanging apron of skin (abdominal pannus) after major weight loss

A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. It works best when you are at or near a stable weight. If you are still working toward your goal, our medical weight loss program can be a helpful first step.

Full Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck

Full Tummy Tuck Mini Tummy Tuck
Area treated Entire abdomen, above and below the belly button Lower abdomen, below the belly button only
Muscle repair Usually included Limited to the lower abdomen, if needed
Incision Hip to hip, low on the abdomen, plus an incision around the navel Shorter, low on the abdomen; no incision around the navel
Best suited for Moderate to significant loose skin and muscle separation, often after pregnancy or weight loss A small pouch of loose skin or fat below the navel

Dr. Bernacki will recommend the right approach after examining your skin, muscle tone and goals during your consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you:

  • Are in good overall health
  • Are at or near a stable, maintainable weight
  • Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before and after surgery
  • Are finished having children or do not plan future pregnancies
  • Have loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles that have not responded to diet and exercise
  • Have realistic expectations about your results

Some health conditions, such as heart disease or poorly controlled diabetes, can affect surgical safety and healing. Dr. Bernacki will review your full medical history during your consultation.

Your Tummy Tuck Consultation and Procedure

The Consultation

Your consultation is a one-on-one visit with Dr. Bernacki. He will review your health history, examine your abdomen, listen to your goals, and walk you through before-and-after results so you know what is realistic. He will then recommend a full or mini tummy tuck, explain whether combining procedures makes sense for you, and share a personalized cost estimate.

Surgery Day

Your tummy tuck is performed under anesthesia in a modern, accredited surgical facility. Dr. Bernacki makes a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, between the pubic hairline and belly button, so the scar can usually be hidden by underwear or swimwear. He then tightens the abdominal muscles, removes excess skin and fat, repositions the belly button when needed and closes the incisions. The procedure typically takes two to three hours.

Tummy Tuck Recovery: What to Expect

Timeframe What Recovery Typically Looks Like
First week Rest at home, take short walks to support circulation and wear your compression garment. Swelling, tightness and discomfort are normal.
1 to 2 weeks Most patients return to desk work. Arrange help at home if you have young children, since lifting is restricted.
About 2 weeks Light daily activities usually resume.
6 to 8 weeks Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting can usually resume with Dr. Bernacki’s approval.
3 months and beyond Swelling continues to settle and your new contour becomes clearer. Scars soften and fade over 12 months or longer.

To support healing, follow all post-operative instructions, wear your compression garment as directed, keep your follow-up visits, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. Our team stays in close contact with you throughout your recovery.

Benefits of Abdominoplasty

  • A flatter, firmer abdomen with a smoother contour
  • Repaired abdominal muscles for improved core support
  • Removal of loose skin that diet and exercise cannot address
  • Fewer visible stretch marks on the lower abdomen
  • Better-fitting clothes and more comfort in swimwear
  • Long-lasting results with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle

Why Choose Dr. Bernacki for Your Tummy Tuck in Columbus

Dr. Walter Bernacki has more than two decades of experience in private practice and is one of the most established plastic surgeons in Central Ohio. His credentials include:

  • Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Chairman of Surgery at Mount Carmel East Hospital
  • Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mount Carmel East Hospital and St. Ann’s Hospital
  • Fellowship-trained in plastic surgery at Summa Health System
  • Medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine
  • Founding member of the Columbus Society of Plastic Surgeons and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Patients choose Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists for thorough consultations, natural-looking results, and a team that treats every patient like family from the first visit through final follow-up. Learn more about Dr. Bernacki.

Tummy Tuck Cost and Financing in Columbus

The cost of a tummy tuck depends on the type of procedure, the extent of correction, whether it is combined with other procedures, and anesthesia and facility fees. You will receive a clear, personalized quote after your consultation, with no hidden costs. Flexible payment and financing options are available to help make your procedure more manageable.

Related Body Procedures and Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks

Tummy tuck cost depends on whether you need a full or mini procedure, whether it is combined with other procedures such as liposuction, and on anesthesia and facility fees. Dr. Bernacki provides a personalized quote after your consultation, and financing options are available.

A full tummy tuck treats the entire abdomen above and below the belly button and usually includes muscle repair. A mini tummy tuck uses a shorter incision and focuses only on loose skin and fat below the navel. Dr. Bernacki will recommend the right option after examining your skin laxity and muscle tone.

Most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off work and resume light activities after about two weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting can usually resume after 6 to 8 weeks with your surgeon’s approval. Swelling continues to settle over the following months.

Yes. A tummy tuck leaves a horizontal scar on the lower abdomen, placed low so it can usually be covered by underwear or a swimsuit. A full tummy tuck may also leave a small scar around the belly button. Scars typically soften and fade over 12 months or longer.

Yes. A full tummy tuck can tighten abdominal muscles that have separated or weakened after pregnancy, a condition called diastasis recti. Diet and exercise alone usually cannot close this separation.

A tummy tuck can remove an overhanging apron of skin and fat on the lower abdomen, known medically as an abdominal pannus. This is common after significant weight loss. During your consultation, Dr. Bernacki will explain which skin removal approach fits your anatomy and goals.

A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located on the skin that is removed, which is usually the area below the belly button. Stretch marks higher on the abdomen may look improved as the skin is tightened, but they are not removed.

Tummy tuck results are long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Significant weight gain or a future pregnancy can stretch the abdomen and affect your results.

Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible, but it can stretch the skin and separate the muscles again. For the best long-term results, most patients wait until they are finished having children.

Yes. A tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction or with breast surgery as part of a mommy makeover. Combining procedures can mean one recovery period, and Dr. Bernacki will advise whether it is safe and appropriate for you.

Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation in Columbus

If you are ready to learn whether a tummy tuck is right for you, Dr. Bernacki and our team are here to help. Visit us at 1085 East Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230, call (614) 682-5095 or schedule a consultation online.