February 2, 2025
Dr. Fernando Serra Combines Artistry, Precision and a Personal Touch to Transform Lives

By Akers Editorial
Dr. Fernando Serra Combines Artistry, Precision and a Personal Touch to Transform Lives

With a career spanning nearly three decades, respected board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Fernando G. Serra has been transforming lives and restoring confidence. With deep roots in Central Florida, his practice, Central Florida Plastic Surgery, reflects his dedication to meticulous care, personalized attention, and advanced surgical techniques. From his childhood in Bushnell to becoming a leader in aesthetic surgery, Dr. Serra’s journey is a testament to his passion for helping others.
A Legacy of Care

Early Inspiration and Education
Born in Easton, Pennsylvania, and raised in Bushnell, Florida, since the age of five, Dr. Serra found inspiration early in life through his father, Dr. Gene Serra, a retired general surgeon.
“I accompanied my father during hospital rounds on the weekends and helped out in his office. He was a general surgeon in Leesburg in the seventies and eighties,” Dr. Serra recalls. “At a relatively young age, I already knew that I wanted to be a physician.”
As valedictorian of South Sumter High School’s class of 1985, Dr. Serra’s academic prowess set the stage for his future in medicine. He pursued his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Florida, participating in the prestigious Junior Honors Medical Program, an accelerated seven-year curriculum that combined a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine.
During this time, Dr. Serra was introduced to the field of plastic surgery through externships with Dr. Hal Bingham, then Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of Florida.
“Plastic surgery was simply amazing—from cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructions, a plastic surgeon could apply his surgical knowledge and skills to make a positive change in people’s lives,” he says.
Training and Professional Milestones
After earning his medical degree in 1992, Dr. Serra completed a rigorous six-year plastic surgery residency at The Ohio State University under the mentorship of Dr. Robert Ruberg, the program’s chief.
“Ohio State was a wonderful place to train,” he says. “We learned sound surgical fundamentals and cutting-edge techniques in plastic surgery. They taught us to be thorough and conscientious doctors.”
In 1998, Dr. Serra returned to Central Florida to establish Central Florida Plastic Surgery, initially opening offices in Leesburg and The Villages.
“The tremendous growth in Central Florida was a wonderful opportunity for my new practice,” he explains. “Plus, the weather is much nicer here than it was in Ohio!”
By 2011, the practice had found its permanent home at Lake Sumter Landing Professional Plaza, the heart of The Villages, where people come from all over Central Florida and beyond.
“Being at the same location for so many years makes a difference and word of mouth travels, so I have patients coming to see me, not just from The Villages and Central Florida, but from all over,” Dr. Serra says. “I’ve been blessed.”
A Boutique Practice with a Personal Touch
Over the years, Dr. Serra has maintained a small, close-knit team consisting of Joy, his office manager and Rodlynn, his surgical first assistant and certified scrub tech (CST).
“It’s just us three in the practice. We’re kind of the ‘A’ team,” he shares. “It’s a very cozy, intimate setup that allows me to really get to know my patients and spend quality time with them, plus they all feel comfortable with my team because it’s us they always see and talk with.”
This boutique approach has been instrumental in creating a welcoming and personalized experience for every patient.
“The art of plastic surgery is really about listening to patients, understanding their desires and goals and determining the best solutions to achieve those goals,” Dr. Serra explains.

Comprehensive Services
Dr. Serra’s practice has evolved from its initial focus on reconstructive cases to a primarily aesthetic practice.
“When I first started, I handled emergency room calls and reconstructive cases, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, skin cancer removal with reconstruction and facial and hand trauma,” he says. “But over time, breast and body contouring cosmetic procedures became a significant part of my practice.”
“At this point of my practice, I’m also doing a lot of facial rejuvenation surgery as well and I seem to stay quite busy, especially with all the affluent baby boomers now here in Central Florida.”
Today, Central Florida Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of procedures, including, but not limited to:
- Breast and Body Contouring: Enhancing body proportions and restoring confidence.
- Facial Rejuvenation: Providing surgical and non-surgical solutions to maintain a youthful appearance.
- Injectables and Minor Procedures: Botox, fillers, and other minimally invasive treatments performed in-office.
For procedures requiring anesthesia, surgeries are conducted at the Santa Fe Surgery Center, a state-of-the-art facility located just minutes from his office.
“We work hard to ensure a positive patient experience from start to finish,” Dr. Serra says.
A Dedication to Excellence
Dr. Serra’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the operating room. He remains actively involved in continuing medical education to maintain his board certification and stay current with the latest advancements in plastic surgery. In September 2024, he was invited as a guest speaker at The Ohio State University’s plastic surgery symposium, where he presented cases and reconnected with his mentor, Dr. Ruberg.
“It was very exciting to represent myself, represent The Villages and represent plastic surgery,” Dr. Serra says.
Beyond the Practice
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Serra enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife of 12 years, Teri, and a new grandchild in Ohio. He also has a passion for golf, martial arts and music. “I’ve been practicing martial arts for many years with my instructor, Ricky Adams, a ninth-degree black belt,” he says.
As far as music goes, Dr. Serra plays guitar, the upright bass and sings harmonies in a band alongside singer Lou Barry; both performing regularly at various venues in Sumter and Citrus counties.

Enhancing Lives Through Care
Dr. Serra finds immense satisfaction in helping his patients achieve their goals.
“It’s very rewarding to help people look on the outside the way they feel on the inside,” he says, explaining that whether it’s a small procedure like Botox or a more involved surgery, his goal is always to enhance his patients’ confidence and well-being.
In addition to surgical offerings, Dr. Serra has incorporated advanced wellness technology into his practice, such as the TheraLight infrared bed.
“The TheraLight bed is somewhat of a game changer. It’s all about well-being and anti-inflammation, especially for our post-operative patients,” he explains.
Building a Legacy
Now in his 27th year of practice, Dr. Serra remains deeply grateful for the trust his patients have placed in him. “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful practice,” he says. “Even though I’m now so established, I’ve stayed true to my roots as a small specialty boutique. I love The Villages and I’m proud to have been part of this community for so many years.”
For those seeking transformative care with a personal touch, Dr. Serra’s practice offers the perfect blend of expertise, innovation, and compassion. As he reflects on his career, his gratitude shines through.
“I feel like I’m at the prime of my career where I’m still young and healthy and immensely passionate about what I do,” he says. “My years of experience really help me in terms of doing a good job for all my patients and ultimately, I feel that practicing plastic surgery is really an honor and a privilege.”
Ready to enhance your confidence and appearance? Contact Central Florida Plastic Surgery to schedule your personalized consultation today.
