New Plastic Surgeon Joins Scripps Clinic

Growing up in a middle-class family in suburban Buffalo, N.Y., Salvatore Pacella, M.D., M.B.A. inherited a meticulous attention to detail and a keen, concentrated work ethic from his Italian immigrant parents. Raised by a father who worked on cars and a mother who was a hairstylist, seeing that combination of manual labor and sharp, visual artistic skills helped shape Dr. Pacella’s upbringing and influenced his decision to become a plastic surgeon.

To Dr. Pacella, plastic surgery is a very rewarding, fulfilling field in which no two patients are the same—a challenge that he embraces with enthusiasm. He defines his approach to patient care in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery as “comprehensive, with a unique balance between form and function.” Dr. Pacella explains, “I appreciate the opportunity to see patients from any age group and with many different types of needs from head to toe.”

Research has confirmed that the eyes are the first thing a person notices about another. In fact, eye-contact is critical to emotional human bonding even from infancy. Fascinated by this fact, Dr. Pacella developed an interest in oculoplastic surgery—where attention to detail is imperative, as success in eyelid surgery is measured in fractions of a millimeter.

Dr. Pacella’s surgical philosophy is founded on his belief that no case is complete until he looks at it through what he calls “an objective lens,” and gives his final stamp of approval. His commitment to quality in the field of plastic surgery is demonstrated by his insistence on observing individual results—not just as the physician who performed the operation, but with an astute, unbiased eye as well.

“As I am performing an operation, I find myself envisioning all of the mentors and leaders in the field that have taught me so much, watching my every move,” explains Dr. Pacella. “It is a promise I make to myself to live up to that standard.” This results-oriented approach translates into greater quality and value for each patient he sees.

A competitive rugby player for the majority of his life, Dr. Pacella regularly treated his teammates for facial and hand trauma associated with the sport. As a person who appreciates and has spent a great deal of time in a team-oriented environment, choosing Scripps Clinic was easy.

“In a collaborative care setting with a team of dedicated physicians, each team member is critical for success,” says Pacella. “We’re all working toward a similar goal—which is delivering the best possible care for our patients.”

Salvatore Pacella, M.D., M.B.A. practices at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines and the new Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo. He is currently accepting new patients.