About Salvatore J. Pacella, MD

Dr. Pacella has utilized his talents and experience to create a singular philosophy for Plastic Surgery: Cosmetic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery go hand-in-hand. To Dr. Pacella, every anatomic body part, be it the face, eyes, breast or body, has a unique function that cannot be separated from its aesthetic appearance. If you have been injured, suffered from cancer or disease, or simply do not like the appearance of aging, your anatomy must not only be restored to a natural and youthful appearance, but it must function as nature intended. To Dr. Pacella, this is the secret to success in Plastic Surgery. Plastic Surgery is Reconstruction. Plastic Surgery is Cosmetic Improvement. It is one. Dr. Pacella’s vast training has resulted in a simple formula: He takes the energy of a New Yorker, the values of the Midwest and the personality of the South to deliver exceptional care….now on the West Coast. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Dr. Pacella graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Bonaventure University with a B.S. in Biochemistry. He obtained an M.D. from the University of Rochester where he graduated with high honors, earning a distinguished Dean’s Letter of Commendation. Dr. Pacella was accepted into the highly competitive Integrated Residency in Plastic Surgery at The University of Michigan, where he was awarded several distinctions for clinical research and teaching including The Micrins Microsurgical Resident Research Award for Clinical Science and The Bronze Beeper Medical Student Teaching Award, and he was nominated for the Department of Surgery’s Young Investigator Award. Having a specialized interest in healthcare economics and the efficiency of healthcare delivery, Dr. Pacella also obtained an M.B.A. at The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan, widely recognized as one of the nation’s top business schools. Although eligible to begin practice, Dr. Pacella opted to continue his training for an additional year in order to study the most advanced techniques in cosmetic surgery. He completed a six-month fellowship in Cosmetic Breast Surgery in Marina Del Rey, California with Dr. W. Grant Stevens and a specialized six-month fellowship in Facial Aesthetic and Oculoplastic Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia with internationally-renowned Drs. T. Roderick Hester, Foad Nahai, Clinton D. McCord and Mark A. Codner. With clinical staff appointments at Scripps Green Hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Encinitas and Rady Children’s Hospital, he is often consulted by other surgeons to treat the most complex reconstructive problems. As an avid believer in extending care to the disadvantaged, Dr. Pacella volunteers regularly with San Diego-based Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a non-profit organization providing donated surgical services to children with facial and bodily disfigurement. In 2010, he was awarded a San Diego Heath Hero Award for his philanthropy efforts. In his free time, Dr. Pacella enjoys spending time enjoying the San Diego weather with his wife, two children and yellow Labrador. As a former rugby player and avid fan, he continues his passion for the sport as a local referee. Dr. Pacella serves as Division Head of Plastic Surgery at the prestigious La Jolla-based Scripps Clinic and was voted three years in a row as one of San Diego’s Top Doctors in Plastic Surgery ( 2013, 2014, 2015) by San Diego Magazine. In 2015, he was voted as a Healthcare Champion by The San Diego Business Journal for his dedicated work with skin and breast cancer patients. He has authored over twenty peer-reviewed publications in plastic surgery and healthcare economics, as well as seven book chapters in cosmetic and eyelid surgery and he has been invited to present regularly at national and international plastic surgery meetings. More information on these publications including Dr. Pacella’s entire list of works can be found here. Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Pacella is an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The California Society of Plastic Surgeons, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Pacella is also an active member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Start the journey toward restoring your youth and make your dream a reality.