San Diego
Location
18+
Years
Plastic
Specialty
Dr. Salvatore Pacella is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Division Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital in San Diego, California. He earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1999, graduating in the top 20% of his class, and completed his plastic surgery residency at the University of Michigan. Dr. Pacella completed specialty fellowships in aesthetic breast surgery in Marina Del Rey and in facial aesthetic and oculoplastic surgery in Atlanta. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and holds an MBA in addition to his medical credentials.
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Michigan (Plastic Surgery)
Aesthetic Breast Surgery (Marina Del Rey) / Facial Aesthetic & Oculoplastic Surgery (Atlanta)
Scripps Clinic
Dr. Salvatore Pacella
★ 4.2 (10 reviews)
Rhinoplasty
March 7, 2026
I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in 2020. My initial treatment was a lumpectomy and 30 radiation sessions. Unfortunately some unforeseen complications developed and I ended up with a 4 year journey, involving 9 surgeries. I was initially referred to Dr. Pacella by a close friend who had reconstructive surgery by him for a double mastectomy due to breast cancer. Her end results were amazing. I liked Dr. Pacella from day one. He has such a calming presence, is patient, and explains everything in detail. Sometimes even drawing pictures to better demonstrate, so he thought. The truth is they made me giggle, because I can assure you his artistic skills are no measure of his surgical skills! Dr. Pacella and his absolutely wonderful nursing staff and clinical staff are outstanding. Over the 4 years I spent under his care, I was treated with such kindness, compassion, and respect. I actually looked forward to seeing my “ friends” at his office during my many, many visits. Lots of hugs and even laughter! I had my final surgery in January 2024. Last steps of reconstruction. With each step and each surgery Dr. Pacella would spend whatever time I needed, patiently reiterating each procedure and what to expect. Today, I am fully recovered, back to my workouts and work. Of course I have some scars. My battle scars. Or badass scars as my kids love to say! But my breasts are again looking good, normal and full, which is what I had hoped for as a final result. I am so appreciative of the kindness and incredible skill of Dr. Pacella. He may not be the best artist on paper, but he surely is an artistic and incredibly skilled surgeon in real life!
March 1, 2026
I had an absolutely wonderful experience with Dr. Pacella and his entire team for my rhinoplasty. From the very first consultation, Dr. Pacella made me feel heard, understood, and completely at ease. He took the time to carefully explain the procedure, answer all of my questions, and set realistic expectations. I truly appreciated how attentive and detail-oriented he was throughout the entire process. On the day of surgery, his team was warm, professional, and incredibly supportive. They made what could have been a nerve-wracking experience feel smooth and reassuring. Every staff member I interacted with was kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. The results have exceeded my expectations. My nose looks natural and perfectly balanced with my facial features—exactly what I was hoping for. The recovery process was also easier than I anticipated, thanks to the clear post-op instructions and consistent follow-up from the office. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Pacella and his team for their skill, professionalism, and compassion. I highly recommend them to anyone considering a rhinoplasty—you’ll be in excellent hands! Attached are my healed results with no makeup 3 years later and pre-op 2022.
February 17, 2026
Unfortunately I had a very small spot show up on the side of my face and after 5 days of removing tissue before I got clean margins from no more melanoma, my next stop the very next day was surgery with Dr. Pacella. I must admit the whole process was somewhat unsettling to say the least. However, I am glad to say that after a year of healing it would be fairly hard to notice that much work being done on my face. Dr. Pacella did an outstanding job from beginning to end and I would not hesitate to recommend him if plastic surgery is on the menu. As well, his staff has always been seriously helpful and very easy to work with. They are very encouraging and friendly for sure. So yeah, it's a complete 5 star recommendation from me. I won't lie, I hope I never have to go back, but if I did Dr. Pacella would be the place for me!
February 17, 2026
My mother's eyelids were so droopy that she could hardly see. We took her to Dr. Pacella and, wow what a difference! His work on her eyelids was superb. She looks fantastic and her vision has been restored. The entire process was easy and stress free beginning with the consultation, to scheduling, the pre op appointment, the outpatient surgery, and the post op appointments. Dr. Pacella is very personable and was very thorough while explaining the procedure to my mother during her consultation. His office staff and nurses are amazing. They are all very knowledgeable, professional, efficient, and friendly. I highly recommend Dr. Pacella and his wonderful staff!
February 12, 2026
Dr. Pacella was a big part of my breast cancer journey. He was my reconstruction surgeon. The other doctors on my team and nurses told me he was the best, and they were right! I had many questions which he always took the time to answer. Dr. Pacella was honest about what I should expect as my final outcome. Overall, I was pleased with how I looked and felt afterwards. I recently had to have a revision, and I am so happy that I was able to see Dr. Pacella again. His nurses are also very kind and understanding. They took great care of me and were always responsive to my messages.
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