Salvatore Pacella, MD

Dr. Pacella is the Division Head of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Scripps Clinic & Scripps Green Hospital.

Dr. Pacella’s practice includes a full range of cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures of the face, breast and body. Fellowship trained in facial plastic surgery and oculoplastic (eyelid) surgery, he performs a wide variety of cosmetic procedures, including blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty (nose), facial rejuvenation, cheek lift, breast augmentation, breast lift, body contouring (liposuction) and tummy tuck. Dr. Pacella also has an interest in advanced reconstructive procedures, including breast reconstruction, utilizing natural musculature in abdominal wall reconstruction, and facial surgery following traumatic injuries.

Understanding that plastic surgery is an art, and believing there is no cut-and-dry, singular surgical approach that works for all patients, Dr. Pacella believes in a surgical philosophy of individualized assessment of form and function to ensure optimal results. With an exceptional eye for aesthetics, he ensures that patient consultations are comprehensive and tailored to an individualized surgical plan.

After completing his medical education, Dr. Pacella opted to continue training for an additional year in order to study the most advanced techniques in cosmetic surgery. He completed a six-month fellowship in aesthetic breast surgery in Marina Del Rey, California and an additional six-month specialized fellowship in facial aesthetic and oculoplastic surgery in Atlanta, Georgia. The completion of these advanced fellowships demonstrates Dr. Pacella’s commitment to exceptional care in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Pacella also works with the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts Foundation, volunteering his skills by performing free reconstructive surgeries to transform the lives of uninsured infants, children and teens who suffer from deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease.

Dr. Pacella has authored more than a twenty peer-reviewed publications in plastic surgery and health care economics as well as seven book chapters in cosmetic and eyelid surgery. Being committed to advancing the specialty of plastic surgery, he has also been invited to present regularly at national and international plastic surgery meetings.

Having spent two decades as an avid rugby player, he continues to pursue this passion today, as a referee official around San Diego and Orange County.