Dr. Salvatore Pacella

Dr. Salvatore Pacella Professor and Division Head, Plastic Surgery Scripps Clinic San Diego. Specializing in Eyelid Surgery Plastic Surgery is Reconstruction. It is one.

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Pacella believes 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 intende

d. To Dr. Pacella, this is the secret to success in Plastic Surgery. Plastic Surgery is Cosmetic Improvement.

05/01/2026

Aging of the face is not just about sagging—it’s a combination of descent of facial tissues and progressive volume loss. Treating only one of these components leads to an incomplete result, no matter what type of facelift is performed.

In this 62-year-old patient, a deep plane facelift was used to restore the natural position of the underlying facial structures—lifting in a way that avoids a pulled or artificial look. At the same time, fat transfer was performed to replenish volume where it had been lost over time.

The result is not just a tighter face, but a more balanced and youthful restoration. Notice how her cheeks appear fuller, softer, and more natural—this is what true facial rejuvenation should look like.

A comprehensive approach matters. Lift + volume = harmony. Choose classy…every time

Wrapping up an incredible week focused on rhinoplasty—challenging cases, thoughtful planning, and results that truly hig...
03/20/2026

Wrapping up an incredible week focused on rhinoplasty—challenging cases, thoughtful planning, and results that truly highlight the artistry of nasal surgery. Always pushing to refine technique and deliver natural, balanced outcomes for every patient. Always pushing for perfection.

Carried that same energy into a deep, nuanced discussion on the Beauty and the Beast podcast—breaking down decision-making, technique, and what really defines a great result.

Grateful to practice and teach what I love here in Southern California.

Before & After.A refined nasal profile, improved tip support, and better harmony with the surrounding facial features.Rh...
03/17/2026

Before & After.

A refined nasal profile, improved tip support, and better harmony with the surrounding facial features.

Rhinoplasty is about control, structure, and experience—delivering results that are both aesthetic and durable over time.

03/14/2026

New episode of the Beauty and the Beasts Podcast is live. My colleague Dr. Sam Jejurikar in Dallas and I connected to talk about one of the most nuanced procedures in aesthetic surgery—rhinoplasty. We dive into surgical philosophy, patient selection, balancing function with aesthetics, and the technical details that can make or break a result. Always a great conversation when two rhinoplasty surgeons start talking shop.

Honored to be recognized as one of the Top 20 Reviewers of 2025 for and Peer review in Oculoplastic and Aesthetic Eyel...
03/13/2026

Honored to be recognized as one of the Top 20 Reviewers of 2025 for and

Peer review in Oculoplastic and Aesthetic Eyelid Surgery is one of the most important ways we move our specialty forward—challenging ideas, refining science, and helping bring meaningful innovations to plastic surgery.

Grateful to contribute as a Section Editor and to work with such an outstanding community of surgeons and researchers at Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

At 81 years young, this wonderful patient came to see me with a debilitating condition known as ptosis, where the muscle...
02/24/2026

At 81 years young, this wonderful patient came to see me with a debilitating condition known as ptosis, where the muscle that elevates the eyelid stretches or detaches over time. Beyond affecting her appearance, it significantly impaired her daily life — she had to manually lift her eyelids with her fingers just to read. One can only imagine how frustrating and limiting that becomes.

This is a perfect example of where eyelid surgery bridges function and aesthetics. Our goal was not only to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance, but to dramatically improve her quality of life and visual function.

Two years after her procedure, she kindly shared these photos. She looks beautiful, vibrant, and rejuvenated — and more importantly, she can now see comfortably, watch television, and look overhead without strain. Moments like this are why I am passionate about being a San Diego eyelid specialist, helping patients regain both confidence and independence.

02/15/2026

EXPERT FACIAL REJUVENATION IN SAN DIEGO BY DR. SALVATORE PACELLA

A 72-year-old patient came to our San Diego practice feeling unhappy with the appearance of her face and the way aging had affected her confidence. She wanted meaningful, natural-looking rejuvenation — not a pulled or overdone result. Through a comprehensive facial rejuvenation approach, Dr. Pacella designed a customized surgical plan to restore youthful contours while preserving her unique features.

Her transformation included a direct brow lift to elevate and open the upper face, upper and lower blepharoplasty to refresh tired eyes, and canthoplasty for improved eyelid support and shape. To address midface descent, jowling, and neck laxity, she underwent a deep plane facelift and neck lift, allowing for vertical repositioning of deeper facial structures rather than surface tightening alone.

To further enhance facial harmony, fat transfer restored volume to areas of deflation, and a lip lift refined perioral aesthetics for a more youthful, balanced smile.

The result: a natural, refreshed appearance that turned the clock back nearly 20 years — never tight, never overdone, and always true to the patient’s identity. This case highlights the power of expert surgical planning and advanced techniques in achieving elegant, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.

If you’re considering facial rejuvenation in San Diego, choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in deep plane techniques can make all the difference.

02/10/2026

New episode of the BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS PODCAST is now live!

Dr. Sal Pacella (San Diego) and Dr. Sam Jejurikar (Dallas) discuss the latest advances in facial rejuvenation, with a special focus on fat transfer to the face—an increasingly important technique used to restore natural facial volume, improve skin quality, and enhance long-term facelift results. If you are interested in modern facial cosmetic surgery, facelift techniques, and natural-looking facial rejuvenation in San Diego, this episode provides expert insight into how fat grafting is transforming facial surgery outcomes. Watch now to learn how advanced facial surgery approaches create youthful, balanced, and natural results.

01/27/2026

This 39-year-old gentleman was born with a very heavy brow, something he felt made him look angry or unapproachable despite feeling otherwise. This is a common concern I see in men seeking eyelid and brow surgery—where the goal is restoration and balance, not feminization.

We performed a direct brow lift, an excellent option for men that stabilizes and elevates the brow while preserving a strong, masculine appearance. To further improve eyelid heaviness and visual openness, an upper blepharoplasty was also performed. The procedure is straightforward, effective, and associated with minimal downtime when done thoughtfully and precisely.

As an eyelid surgery specialist, my approach to male facial surgery is focused on respecting male anatomy and achieving natural, confident results.

If you’re interested in male plastic surgery, we dive deep into these topics on the Beauty & The Beasts podcast, now available on YouTube, where we discuss everything from eyelid surgery to facial balance and modern approaches to men’s aesthetic procedures.

01/19/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE — Mommy Makeovers | BEAUTY & THE BEASTS Podcast

Motherhood changes everything — including your body.
On this episode of Beauty & The Beasts, we dive deep into the real conversation behind Mommy Makeovers: what they are, who’s a good candidate, and how to approach them safely and intelligently.

We break down:
• What a Mommy Makeover actually includes (and what it doesn’t)
• Timing after pregnancy, C-section, and breastfeeding
• How to customize surgery instead of using a “package deal”
• Recovery myths vs. reality
• When combining procedures makes sense — and when it doesn’t
• How to avoid overcorrection and prioritize long-term results

This isn’t about chasing perfection.
It’s about restoring confidence, function, and proportion — thoughtfully and safely.

🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

👇 Listen, subscribe, and tell us what topics you want next.


11/30/2025

✨ BIG NEWS ✨ We’ve just launched our brand new podcast and website — Beauty and the Beasts — where real plastic surgery meets no‑filter conversation. 💉🧠

I’m teaming up with fellow board‑certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Jejurikar to cut through the hype, expose the myths, and lay bare what really works in modern aesthetic medicine. From breast augmentation and body contouring to facial rejuvenation, injectables, and revision surgery — we cover it all.

Whether you’re a patient, a fellow surgeon or just plain curious about beauty culture — we bring decades of experience, data‑driven insight, and real-world operating‑room truth to your screen. Expect honesty, humor, and clarity.

📲 New episodes drop regularly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Head over to beautyandthebeasts.com (link in bio) and join the conversation.

🔹 Follow, listen, ask questions, and be part of a movement bringing transparency and real expertise to aesthetics.

Let’s change the way we talk about beauty. — Dr. Pacella

SoCalSurgeon Facelift BreastAugmentation BodyContour FacialRejuvenation RealTalk PlasticSurgeonLife AskTheExpert

A well-placed brow lift does more than elevate the brow — it can subtly lift the mid-cheek, brighten the eyes, and resto...
08/21/2025

A well-placed brow lift does more than elevate the brow — it can subtly lift the mid-cheek, brighten the eyes, and restore youthful balance.

📍 Serving San Diego, La Jolla, Encinitas, and Del Mar, I specialize in advanced eyelid and brow surgery with a focus on natural, subtle results.

➡️ Swipe to see the before & after: notice how a carefully tailored brow lift not only opens the eyes but also enhances cheek contour — without looking ‘done.’

Why patients choose me:
✔️ Professor of Surgery & Division Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Scripps Clinic
✔️ 15+ years specializing in eyelid surgery and complex facial rejuvenation
✔️ Trusted by patients across Southern California for results that are refreshed, not overdone

👁 If you’ve been searching for San Diego eyelid surgery or brow lift near me, come see why patients throughout San Diego County choose Scripps Clinic for the most advanced techniques and natural outcomes.”




Address

12395 El Camino Real, Ste 112
San Diego, CA
92130

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18585549930

Website

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