Fernando G. Serra, MD

Dr Serra is a very caring doctor who took the time to explain to me what will Work and what won't and why! I trusted him completely and have had several procedures with him and am very happy with him work! Highly
Recommended

Words cannot do justice when speaking relative to Dr. Serra. He is an outstanding surgeon whose skills cannot be replicated in my opinion. After having done months of research and meeting with three other surgeons for a breast augmentation, picking Dr. Serra was without hesitation the one I chose. His reputation in the area is astounding and I have heard from countless others--friends, coworkers, and healthcare providers alike--that he truly exemplifies what a plastic surgeon should be in all areas. From the second he walked in the door he was kind, honest, and genuine. By the time he was finished explaining everything about the procedure I have ZERO questions left. In meticulous detail, he described the before/during/afters of breast augmentation and what all it encompassed. He treats his patients like they are family and makes you feel so comfortable. He and Joy (who does all the scheduling) were so accommodating even with some extraneous events occurring that resulted in the changing of surgery dates. I cannot recommend him and his office enough!!!!!

Several of my friends had recommended Dr. Serra to me over other doctors in the Orlando area and once Imet him and have experienced his work, he is worth the little extra drive to The Villages. I actually had my first consultation in his Clermont, Florida location. I had SmartLipo with Dr. Serra and he is great. I was very pleased by how easy the procedure was and how well I was taken care of by his staff. The pricing was reasonable. I now understand why New Beauty has rated him as one of the best for Smartlipo amoung other procedures.

The Redefinition in the Chin Area Was Exactly What We Had Hoped For.

The chin area was connecting more and more to the throat area, loosing any definition between the two. Now a chin is more pronounced and jowls are minimized. The only better solution would have been surgery, and even the thought of cutting and knives was not what I wanted at this time. Dr Serra was in full agreement and offered the Smart Lipo as an alternative method of achieving the look I wanted.

I'm 36 years old, 5ft 6' tall and weigh 150lbs (dress size 8). For as long as I can remember I've had 'muffin top' flanks when I wear low rise jeans and my thighs have always been very full. Recently I've been very aware of the fat in my inner thighs...particularly as I've moved to FL and wearing bikinis more often!

I'm scheduled for SmartLipo on 02/11 and here are my before photos. I'm feeling a little nervous tonight (02/10) but have been taking Vitamin K supplements and Arnica tablets to minimize bruising/bleeding. I live alone and no one knows I'm getting this procedure done. So I hope I don't feel too unwell after the SmartLipo and don't get dizziness associated with the compression stocking. My doctor's office staff have been very professional and reassuring regarding the procedure.

I'll post again tomorrow evening after the procedure!


Updated on 13 Feb 2010:
Post-op Day 2

I'm in a little less discomfort today. I'm still in pain, but it feels like I've had some consecutive, very gruelling gym sessions and I ache all over! I'm still maxing out on extra strength Tylenol and Arnica tablets. Last night I woke up feeling itching in the incision on my right knee. It was hard to ignore and return to sleep. If that happens again, I'll try some Benadryl, particularly if it occurs during the night.

My appetite has returned today. I'm trying to eat fruit and ignore the cravings for carbohydrates such as bread. I've also been trying to drink lots of water although that is a struggle.

I increased my walking today to four miles (2 x 2 mile sessions) and will try to maintain this for the next week before I can get back to the gym. I return to work on Monday so hopefully the pain will subside even more before then and I'll fall into a routine of walking after work.

I noticed a little more bruising and slight swelling this morning when I removed the compression garments/dressings. But still very little drainage. One part of me that was very swollen was my ankles. They were huge. Probably as my venous return is being compromised by the compression stockings around the knees and thighs.

I'm getting excited looking at clothes in my wardrobe which fell into the 'I'll slim into that one day' category. Although for now, I feel huge with the compression garments and have been seeking the loosest, most comfy pants and sweaters I can find.

First I want to thank all the people that posted reviews.  It was your input that helped me make my decision and choose my doctor.  I had my smart lipo on Friday, January 23rd and so far I am recovering fine. 

After reading all the reviews I made sure the doctor I was looking at was a board certified plastic surgeon and not some orthopedic doctor  or some other doctor doing smart lipo on the side.  It seems that is a common practice so make sure you check out your doctor.  Also I went to the web site for the state medical board and checked out the doctors creditials and license and made sure there were no disciplinary actions.  This can be done in any  state and all that is needed is the doctors name.  I aslo checked his PA listed on the clinics web site.  I then checked the status of the clinic with the Better Business Bureau.  They had never had a complaint and they was a member, his medical license was also clean.  I felt very confident with this clinic and these health professionals there.

The people at this clinic were GREAT!  I felt welcome at the office like the staff really wanted you there.  The doctor was running a bit behind so they gave me a free microdermabrasion and gentle waves while I waited.  They got me some light food while I waited really made me comfortable.  All that's on top of driving me there and home which is an hour away.

Now to the procedure.  It was a bit painful with the needle to numb you first then the numbing solution they put inside.  They had a digital projector and played a movie on the ceiling for me.  I had my upper and lower abs done and my flanks.  The worst for me was around the rib area, it kind of felt like my ribs were being poked.  during the procedure it was just a little uncomfortable.  I was sore and bloated that night but it was manageable.  the next day I went to meet friends and did some walking, sat and played cards and was out and about with a little discomfort.  Today, day two after surgery was even better I walked 2 miles and was moving pretty well.  My doctor strongly advised me to walk 1-2 miles a day.  I am still a little swollen and I am almost done draining.  I drained quite a bit the first night and very little the second.  I feel bruised but only see a couple.  I am not sure what makes such a big difference with the pain if it's the doctor and their technique or the size of the person and amount of fat removed.  Maybe it a little of both. 

I wil post some pictures when i get them, I need the before pictures from the doctor.  I really can't say enough good things about my doctor and his staff.  Not only did I have a good experience but they gave me a nice bag filled with supplies (gause, tape, pads and the pads to protect your bed and furniture), a nice terry cloth rob I wore while there and some slippers.  They made sure I had everything I would need, this was all included in the price along with the pain meds.  That is another you should ask, make sure they supply the meds and needed medical supplies.  Also that they pay for lab work and all the extra little things that add up. 

I hope this was helpful, I know reading other people's experiences both good and bad helped me.



Updated on 26 Jan 2009:
Today is day three after.  I am still sore and have some bruising but not bad.  I was told to massage, with heat the areas lipoed especially where there are some lumps (fiberous tissue).  I had a massager and used a gel pack that can be heated in the microwave and put that over the area and used the vibrating massager.  This was a little painfull but I want the best results so I will do whatever they suggest.  I still have some areas that still feel a little numb, but I read in some other reviews others have experienced this so I guess its normal.  I walked two miles again today, this should also help with my over all weight loss. 

Back to my doctor and his staff, on Saturday I got a voicemail from my doctor asking how I was and if I had any questions to call and he gave me his cell number.  I called his PA earlier that day and he called me back as well answering my question.  Not only did I get the calls they sent me an eddible arrangement (the fruit basket that looks like a flower arrangement).  Can you believe the personal care this place gives?  If you live any where in central Florida I would HIGHLY recommend my doctor.


Updated on 27 Jan 2009:
I washed the car today and I am moving pretty well.  I see the bruises are turning yellow.  I can see a difference but it's nothing dramatic.  I guess the swelling needs to go down before I can better results.

I am not obese but I do have big legs, I am a size 4 or 6. I was "blessed" with my mothers saddlebags and large thighs. I exercise and run regularly, about 2-3 times a week. Even doing this, I have excess fat on my hips and a small belly pouch from having 3 kids. I went to a doctor in Winter Park FL. He looked at me in the consultaion said he could do lipodissolve on my saddlebags and my belly pouch if I wanted the additional area. I paid the $1400 for my hips and it included up to 4 injections The injections were spaced out every 3-4 weeks. I didn't need the 4th injection as after the 3rd I was extremely happy with the results.

The procedure itself is painful. If you go to a Doctor (which I highly recommend) they should be able to give you a pain pill to take before you come for the injection. Be sure someone drives you if you take medication. They numb the skin for 15 minutes with a numbing creme and then draw a grid on the area followed by multiple injections to the grid site. It swells immediately and feels like a intense burning and stinging pain. I have a high pain tolerance so I didn't need the cooling machine but if you can't stand it, they have this machine that blows very cool air that you can hold over the site as he injects you.

You will be swollen a lot for 3-4 days then it starts to slowly diminish. I was still able to wear my normal clothes. It takes about 3-4 weeks for the swelling to completely go away and then you go back for another injection if you need it. After my 1st, I had excellent results but still went back twice more to even out the areas as my left thigh was a tiny bit smaller than my right. I lost 2 inches off each thigh.

If you are considering Lipodissolve and are more than 10-12 pounds overweight, I would tell you to have liposuction instead because this won't work for you. If you are average to thin and have trouble areas, this is wonderful!

I had smart lipo on my saddlebags last friday. The office I went to was great! The procedure went well. I have done pretty good so far, I have had some bruising not too much drainage. I am of course still sore, which I know is normal.

So far I see a little result but I know I am still swollen. I know I have to give it time but I can't wait to see it progress. I have had this problems with my thighs all my life, even at my lowest weight. I know it will be worth the wait.

I would highly recommend this office to anyone, they treated me very well they even sent me a fruit basket the next day. That was very nice!



Updated on Jun 8, 2009:

Smart Lipo 2nd time better results. I had a touch up on my thighs after 6 months. I saw mild results the 1st time and went in for a touch up on May 24. I must say I was a little more sore this time but definately worth it. The Dr. was a little more aggressive this time and now the saddlebag area looks better. I know it will take time to see the final results, but I am already seeing a dffierence. I can't wait to see the progress over the next few months!  I definately recommend if the Dr suggets it for a touch up then go for it!



Updated on Jun 15, 2009:

I had smart lipo redone on my outer thighs 6 months later. I was not happy with my results and the Dr said he did not want to be to aggressive. He was nice enough to redo my area over. I did se a little difference but not quite what I wanted. Well this time it is much better!! It's been a month and my saddlebags are all but gone!! I would definately recommend my Dr. I understand why he did not want to be to aggressive and I love the results I have now. I hope it continues over the next few months!

After months of using this site I went to meet with some doctors in my area. I decided on one pretty close to me because i liked his personality and office. He is also a board certified plastic surgeon with lots od smartliop experience. (He also had good reviews on realself a big plus) I will write a new review after my procedure June 24th, have my preop June 15th. I will take some pictures on my own soon and add them to this review. Just looking for some words of encouragement and tips for best results. I'm a pediatric nurse 23, 5'5'' 130 pounds. My stomach has been the bain of my existence after years of yo-yo dieting and disordered eating I've been trying to get recovered for the last year. In the process of recovering came a good 20 pounds and like always just in the waist. I believe I can truley accept a healthy frame on me if i can just look proportional. I will update along the way thanks for all the ideas and support so far!


Updated on 13 Jun 2010:
Silly thing to add but since my BF is totally not on board with this ( He thinks any cosmetic procedure is unecessary no matter what) I really appreciate the camaraderie here.


Updated on 12 Jul 2010:
Here are my before pictures. I'm almost 3 weeks out now going to get pics taken soon.



Updated on 3 Jul 2013:
So wanting more procedures done I some how stumbled on RS again. I had completely forgotten I had this review. I was never really happy with my smart lipo and never got my flat stomach. Two months after the procedure I started grad school and started gaining weight. In the two years following I gained almost 40 pounds. I have since lost 35 of the pounds (at 137) and I think my smart lipo might not be as bad as I orginally thought. I think when i get back to 130 I will look much improved from the photos I see here but I am also doing a strength training program that focuses on muscle building so even at the same weight it may not be a great comparison since my body fat % may be better now. Anyhoo looking back what my body really needs is a BBL thats what i really need to balance out my frame. Otherwise to have a flat stomach I have to starve and be about 110 at 5'5''. I would love to have that perfect body at 125 and be healthy and build muscle on an hourglass shape. Anyway just thought I'd update I'll consider putting pics up just to see where I'm at. Also I did do a long review with pics years ago but it never showed and I no longer have either so can't give any true post ops sorry.

Updated on 3 Apr 2014:
Well I was never really happy but these are photos of abdomen at 140 lbs (about 10 pounds heavier) then before and I can def see I'm better off. Doing a lot of weight training and hope to get to 130 soon. Look out for coolsculpting review. Just don't have time for surgery. What my body really needs is a bbl but I want to lose weight and be fit right now.

(¯`·._.·[ HiSTORY ]·._.·´¯) Im 19 and im a mommy of a qorqeous 2year old boy. Hence is the reason for my stubborn unwanted belly fat! i have made huge efforts to make this belly fat vanish,but i was never able to get back to my pre-pregnancy body. I went to the gym 5times a week;i did pilates,zumba,belly dancing,plus my cardio on the treadmill and my weight training. just recently [April] i gave up and stop going & gained back 10 lbs. I am hopinq Smartlipo would give me the results ive been looking for,i do plan on resuming my work out plan as soon as i can! i am 5'4 and i currently weigh 167 lbs

(¯`·._.·[ NiGHT BEFORE ]·._.·´¯) Today is June 22,and it is the night before my procedure. Over all im am feeling pretty nerious,but not about the precedure or pain..i am more nervious about the RESUlTS! I think i may have done a tad bit too much research lol, the fact that i have seen some really good results and not to good results has me kind of scared.. i will post my awful looking before/pre-op pics please excuse my "motherhood strechmarks" lol well im off to bed to rest up for the big day tommorrow! wish me L U C K =]


Updated on 22 Jun 2010:
& ill try my best to keep updating!


Updated on 23 Jun 2010:
(¯`·._.·[ MORiNG OFF PROCEDURE ]·._.·´¯) with less then a couple hours away, i find myself getting very nervious;but as i said before,not about the procedure...more about the outcome and results! well im keepin my fingers crossed and will keep updating.


Updated on 24 Jun 2010:
(¯`·._.·[ PROCEDURE ]·._.·´¯) JUNE 23,2010 I had my procedure done in Lady Lake,Fl. As soon as i went in one of the nurse took me back to the rooms, i changed into the gown and as soon as Dr.S came in,he came straight to me and marked me up. And before i knew it i was in the operating room. The staff and nurses was very accommodating. I have to say i have a VERY high tolerance for pain and the worst part of the procedure was the NUMBING,i actually got teary eyed. Once the numbing was done it was pretty much a piece of cake, although i have to admit my lower abbs hurt the most. When he was done with my abbs he turned me over and did my flanks and upper back...I DIDNT FEEL A THING. Dr.S took his time and went back and re-did every area 2 more times, he wanted to make sure that he got everything. All in all he removed 2 and a half containers of fat. When i got home i felt very light headed, i had intentions of taking a walk around the block but i just couldnt. I tried eating but i threw up the couple of times i did eat a spoon full of something. I ate strawberries and watermelon and i was able to keep that down.


Updated on 24 Jun 2010:
(¯`·._.·[ DAY 1;MORNING AFTER PROCEDURE ]·._.·´¯) JUNE 24,2010 I was able o sleep through most of the night,i got up 5am to use the bathroom and take some pain meds. Im having a lot of drainage, when im laying down i could actually feel the fatty liquid draining. The pain is manageable,it feels like ive had a really intense work out at the gym. so far my back is looking good,i can actually see my back bones again..haha And also my stomach looks flatter.I am currently wearing 2 compression garments because i want that EXTRA tightness.


Updated on 24 Jun 2010:
(¯`·._.·[ DAY 1/EVENiNG ]·._.·´¯) JUNE 24,2010 Today the pain was very uncomfortable,i am very sore. I have a lot of swelling.I took a shower a warm shower i made sure the water was not too hott,but the shower helped relaxed me a bit. I managed to eat some Special K cereal and lots of fruits today. And i was even able to take an evening walk around the block a few times.Im not really draining anymore.I am still wrapping with the Ace bandage and wearing a compression garment over it,the soild firm tight hold helps a lot with the soreness. well good night everyone, i am going to attempt to get a good night rest =]


Updated on 30 Jun 2010:
(¯`·._.·[ 1 WEEK POST-OP ]·._.·´¯) JUNE 30,2010 So it has officially been 1 week since my procedure, and i am feeling great. I am able to move about and get things done. I was able to cutt the grass in the backyard today and i also was able to run around at my sons birthday party [i was only 3days post op] I took everyones advice and got the Arnica tabs & gel and started using it & its pretty amazing..all of my brusing is gone! looking at my pics from my 1 day post op i look really good,i look bigger now and i feel bloated! but i saw Dr.Serra yesturday for my post-op and feeling my belly and back he said that i am REALLY swollen,and when i finally decided to poke around my belly and sides its really hard and sore..so i will also asume that the reason i look bigger now is because im swollen...Dr.Serra also said that he removed roughly about 2000cc from all of my areas [abbs,flanks,upper back] I am very please with Dr.Serra, i can basically say he is a perfectionist, he loves what he does and he makes sure its done right! my only thing i have an issue with is that in my pre-op letters with instructions it said that directly after the procedure i will be given a compression garment to wear,so when i came out of the operating room i assume that the nurses will give me the garment and help me put it on..boy was i wrong. I was just wrapped in Ace bandages and was sent on my way. when i asked them about the compression garment, they gave me a confused look as if they didnt know what i was talking about. so all i all, when i got home the Ace wraps were SOAKING WET from all of the drainage, my mom had to run out and buy more Ace bandages and padding and also spent big money on girdles garments she brought 3 different types for me.. but all in all i feel better and im back to my every day life and activities. my only problem is the ITCHING! omg i feel like im going crazy when i start to get the "itch" lol ohh and weighed myself today and i now weigh 158lbs, pior to the precedure i weighed 168lbs


Updated on 1 Jul 2010:
Posted udated pics [1week post-op]


Updated on 4 Jul 2010:
Its 4th of July today $ only been 1week and 4days since ive had smart lipo, and i suppose its still early to tell if i am happy with the results or not. But for now i am not really happy so far, my belly and sides are hard and i have a few lumps..the front of my belly also is uneven,there like deep sinks here or there...i just hope this is just a phaze and that it will get better,hoping for the best..i have been doin abbs and push ups..but just not seeing the results i expected is kind of discouraging.


Updated on 6 Jul 2010:
posted 2week post op pics still swollen and lumpy on the sides. Not sore at all.I am working out doing abbs/push ups & evening walks around the block pushing my son on his baby bike.


Updated on 11 Jul 2010:
(¯`·._.·[ 3 WEEK POST-OP ]·._.·´¯) im in the beggining of my 3rd week and i still dont see any improvements. My belly and sides are still feeling rock hard when i poke the areas, the lumps are no longer there. But as for now I AM NOT HAPPY with the results so far. I am doing my own diet and working out,so hopefully i will get the results im looking for thru my diet/workout plan because i refuse to fork out any more money to get a "touch up" done. At this point i am feeling a little disappointed and discouraged. I have my 3week follow up in the morning so lets see how that goes and what the doc says.Ill keep on posting and post my 3week post op pics soon =]


Updated on 12 Jul 2010:
so today at my 3week post op visit Dr. S said that i am swollen and that theres still some fluid pockets in my belly. He said that in his opinion he thinks i look great just 3weeks post op and he also stress the fact that it does take 3 FULL MONTHS to get the final results. i understand that everybody is different,but looking at other reviews and before/after pics on here..i personally think that i should have more visable results by now. I am watching what i eat and im also working out. my work out consist of walkin 2 1/2 miles a day, doing abs and push ups. I posted 3weeks post op pics and i DONT see any improvements.. I can really use your honest opinion ladies =]


Updated on 13 Jul 2010:
--as of now just 3weeks out i am not happy at all with progress! i feel as though i wasted that $6000 and those of you who have kids will understand the sad feeling of wasting money of that great amount. at this point i am very disappointed,discouraged, and dissatisfied. =[


Updated on 21 Jul 2010:
[4week post up] updated pics


Updated on 3 Aug 2010:
6 weeks post up pics; still have lumps and still VERY UNHAPPY! i guess only time will tell,still hoping for the best =\


Updated on 23 Aug 2010:
9 weeks post-op, and I do in fact see a slight difference. I do look smaller, especially with clothes on. However I am not really totally satisfied with the results. I still have a lot of visible fat around my belly and my back area with what I like to call "the jiggles" because when I walk or do an activity my belly fat still jiggles lol and thats what I hate the most =/ added my [9week] post-op pics


Updated on 9 Sep 2010:
3 MONTHS POST-OP and I am very unhappy with my results! I have my 3month post op on monday so we shall see how it goes. I still feel very disappointed, honestly it is to the point where i regret doing it and i think i would of been happier just the way i was before instead of now.. =[


Updated on 20 Sep 2010:
September 09, 2010 [3 and a half months post op] So guys I am 3 and a half months post op and i am not happy at all, I feel as if i wasted $6000 just to look like i lost 5 lbs. I am highly upset, because i paid $6000 just to get the same results i would of got if i did a proper diet. And probably I should of took that same money and invested in a personal trainer and i most likely would have had BETTER results with just spending a couple hundred dollers instead of spending $6000 for SMARTLIPO that had no tremendous affect on me. I am even ashame to tell anyone that i had the procedure done, because most cant even tell! I am left with loose skin,i still have heavy fat areas in the places i had the procedure. My stomach is far from small and firm, i have a fold right about my belly button that makes my stomach looks abnormal [i am thinking that is where all the fluid settled] I spent countless amounts of money on compression garments from regular ones sold in department store to the Ardyss Body Magic, and just recently this week i paid over 70$ and brought another garment from Hourglassangel.com. OVERALL I AM NOT HAPPY AND NOT SATISFIED, i invested another $200 and brought Beach Body Insanity Workout Program..[again more money to achieve an eye catching presentable body] I am going to start the workout program today, so whatever results i get from now on out will be from this program.


Updated on 22 Oct 2010:
10/22/2010 5 months post-op

Well i am still VERY unhappy with my results, i went back to my doctor to tell him about how i was feeling. He offered to do a free touch up on ONLY my bra roll/upper back. And not on my tummy, he is now saying that i need a TUMMY TUCK for an additional $6500!!! I am very displeased because if that was the case he should of told me i needed a tummy tuck when i first went to him for the initial consultation and i would of probably invested my money into that and not the "SMARTLIPO" that HE HIMSELF recommended i do, he mentioned nothing about a tummy tuck in our consultation and now 5 months later with already $6000 of my money flushed down the drain he is now telling me i need a tummy tuck. *sighs* words cannot express how frustrated and unhappy I am. I am going to take him up on his offer on the free touch up on my back i am scheduled for next week.



Updated on 2 Nov 2010:
11/2/2010
I am about 4 days post-op from my touch up on my bra rolls, and i am very happy with how my back looks now!!! the procedure was in office and not bad at all. i was very comfortable and wide awake during the whole thing. He only took about 45mins and it was quick and very pain free.All in all i am very happy with the results in my back..cant say the same for my tummy.