What plastic surgery procedures does Dr. Walter Bernacki perform?

Dr. Walter Bernacki, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon performing a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures at Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists in Gahanna, Ohio, serving patients throughout Columbus and Central Ohio. His most requested procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift, facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, forehead lift, tummy tuck, body contouring, and mommy makeover packages.

Where is Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists located?

Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists is located at 1085 East Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230, serving patients across Columbus and the greater Central Ohio area. The office can be reached at 614-682-5095.

What non-surgical treatments are offered at the Gahanna med spa?

The med spa at Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists offers laser hair removal, microneedling, IPL laser treatment, dermal fillers, neurotoxin injections, lip augmentation, Morpheus8 skin tightening treatment, and non-invasive body contouring. All treatments are performed under the supervision of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Walter Bernacki, MD, and Registered Nurse Aesthetician Laura Nieto.

How do I schedule a plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Bernacki?

You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Walter Bernacki, MD, or by calling 614-682-5095, submitting the contact form on this page, or visiting Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists at 1085 East Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, Ohio. Each consultation is personalized to your goals and includes a review of both surgical and non-surgical options.

Get the facts on excess skin removal surgery

Excess skin ready for body contouring procedure at Ohio center

You’ve sacrificed and worked hard to maintain progress on your weight loss journey. You’ve come a long way, but there’s one nagging issue that’s distracting from your results: excess skin. For many patients, skin removal surgery, or panniculectomy, is a procedure that can significantly impact your life, providing both aesthetic and health benefits. Let’s explore the panniculectomy procedure in detail to shed light on what you can expect from this popular surgery, its benefits, and final results.

What is a Panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area. It is often confused with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), but the two procedures are distinct in both purpose and scope. A panniculectomy primarily addresses the removal of the pannus, which is the overhanging apron of skin and fat that often develops after significant weight loss or as a result of pregnancy.

Who is a Candidate for a Panniculectomy?

Panniculectomies are typically recommended for individuals who have a substantial amount of excess skin and fat in the lower abdominal area. Ideal candidates for this procedure include:

Post-bariatric surgery patients: After significant weight loss, individuals often have a pannus, which can be a source of discomfort and hygiene issues.
Post-pregnancy patients: Women who have given birth may have excess abdominal skin and fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. In some cases, a panniculectomy may be one of the procedures involved in a “mommy makeover.”
Those with medical conditions: Some individuals with medical conditions, such as chronic skin infections, may benefit from a panniculectomy to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
Individuals with mobility issues: An excessive pannus can hinder physical activity and cause mobility problems. A panniculectomy can improve quality of life.

The Panniculectomy Procedure

Before undergoing a panniculectomy, it is crucial to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Walter Bernacki. During this consultation, the surgeon will assess your medical history, discuss your goals, and explain the procedure in detail.

The surgery generally involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: An anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Incision: A horizontal incision is made across the lower abdominal area, typically extending from hip to hip. The length of the incision will vary depending on the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed.
Removal of excess skin and fat: The surgeon will carefully excise the pannus, taking care to preserve underlying muscle and tissue.
Closure: After the removal, the incision is closed using sutures, creating a flatter and more aesthetically pleasing abdominal contour.
Recovery: Following the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area. You will be given post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Benefits of a Panniculectomy

Panniculectomy offers several significant benefits, including:

Improved Aesthetic Appearance: The procedure can provide a flatter and more toned abdominal area, enhancing your body’s overall appearance.
Enhanced Comfort: Patients often experience relief from skin irritation, rashes, and hygiene problems caused by the excess pannus.
Increased Mobility: The removal of excess skin and fat can significantly improve mobility and physical activity.
Boost in Confidence: Many individuals report a boost in self-confidence and body image after a panniculectomy.

What to Expect After a Panniculectomy

Recovery: It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions diligently. Recovery times may vary, but most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks.

Scarring: While some scarring is an inevitable part of the procedure, it can usually be concealed with clothing and treated with over-the-counter creams of balms. Over time, scars tend to fade and become less noticeable.

Long-term Results: A panniculectomy can provide long-lasting results, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If you are considering a panniculectomy, consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial. At Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists, Dr. Bernacki and his team are dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic and wellness goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you through skin removal surgery in Columbus. Your journey to a more confident, comfortable life begins here.

Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists in Gahanna offers a wide array of treatments to help you achieve your desired look, including excess skin removal surgery and more. Located conveniently at 1085 East Johnstown Rd., plastic surgery Gahanna services are performed by experienced professionals dedicated to delivering outstanding results. Our team is committed to ensuring you feel confident and satisfied every step of the way.

In addition to surgical solutions, we provide non-surgical options such as laser hair removal Gahanna residents can trust. For those beyond Gahanna, we also offer laser hair removal Columbus Ohio clients will find effective and reliable. Whether you’re considering skin removal or exploring laser treatments, contact us today at 614-682-5095 to schedule your consultation and begin your journey towards the best version of yourself with Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists.