I have seen Dr. Pacella for breast reconstruction following my bilateral mastectomy after breast cancer diagnosis. I cannot recommend him and his caring staff/nurses enough! After seeing other doctors before and after photos, I was convinced I wouldn't look even close to myself afterwards and be permanently disformed. One even said "well your not going to be perfect!", and would leave in tears. During my consultation with Dr. Pacella, not only did he make me feel heard, but seeing his work and confidence, he mentioned to me "Are you kidding, I'm going to make you look even better when I'm done", and he did!! I have had issues with the recovering process that had nothing to do with his work and I have had nothing but the best service. I am very pleased with the results and recommend anyone going through that tough experience to go to him, because you are definitely in good hands! He is a perfectionist and will make sure you are perfect until you're done. read more

My husband underwent reconstructive eyelid surgery with Dr. Pacella. The procedure was unsuccessful and we are disappointed with the outcome. Sadly, my husband has unsightly scars, is unable to wear contact lenses, close his eye, or blink properly. We regret not consulting a board-certified ASOPRS Oculoplastic surgeon. As a result, he will now require additional surgeries to correct these issues. Despite sharing our concerns, we have not received any calls to discuss the matter further. read more

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I underwent a facelift with Dr. Salvator Pachella on June 21, 2021. He is the head of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Scripps Health Institute in San Diego, California. Unfortunately, my recovery was difficult and the results were unsatisfactory. Most concerning, I am now unable to fully close my left eyelid. Additionally, I was left with facial palsy on the left side of my face. Please see atttached photo below. read more

Feb 2025 I had a brow lift, lower blepharoplasty and fat transfer to cheeks. Postop I have not been able to totally close my eyes and my lower eyelids hang loosely. He kept telling me to massage my eyes which I did. I have to use eyedrops and ointment because my eyes are dry. Dr Pacella said he would fix it for free, but in several months (maybe September). I have lost all confidence in his ability and will go to another surgeon. He would not refund any portion of the cash I paid for this surgery. Do not let him touch your eyes. His staff are great. read more

I recently had Hughes Flap surgery and post op follow-up on my right eye performed by Dr Pacella. The outcome has been far beyond what I expected given the results of the Mohs surgery required to remove a tumor from my lower eyelid. From the pre-surgery visit through the post op office calls and care there has been a true demonstration of concern for my well-being and recovery by Dr Pacella and his staff. Should you need Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, you would do yourself a favor by choosing Dr Pacella to perform your surgery. Dr Pacella and his staff exemplify the true meaning of "Outstanding Professional Medical Care." L. Stapleton read more

Dr. Pacella is a great surgeon! My wife and I both had Mohs Surgery on our faces and we were referred to him for closures. He and his staff are professional and caring and the results are amazing. read more

Total confidence with Dr Pacella. He's professional and caring. There is no one better than Dr Pacella. You will get the best results!

I wanted to say 10 years ago I had a breast reduction due to back issues and Dr. Pacella did an awesome job. I healed in a week and never had to go back. Best Doctor for plastic surgery. read more

Literally the worst surgeon. He absolutely butchered my breasts. The scarring has been horrific and he didn't even make them symmetrical. Not to mention he has the worst BO, I honestly didn't even need any anesthetic because I was going to pass out from the smell. Also, he will make you feel incredibly insecure about your body. Honestly shouldn't be a doctor. read more

Dr. Pacella did an amazing job on my daughter's breast reduction. His whole team is professional and courteous. Nurse Jane and Cynthia are so caring and kind. Highly recommend! read more

If I could give him no stars I would. I had a consultation with him recently and he is one of the most arrogant, self centered doctors I have had the misfortune to meet. I found him more interested in the sound of his own voice than anything else. He never made eye contact with me, He allowed no time for questions. It was like a production line. Awful experience. He came recommended by a good friend. No way would I allow him to operate on me. read more

Dr. Pacella did an absolutely outstanding job with my breast reconstruction following my bilateral mastectomy after breast cancer diagnosis. His goal for breast reconstruction is to make your breasts even more beautiful than they were before you had cancer, and in my case, the final result has surpassed anything that I even thought to hope for. I began my reconstruction journey with a different provider and was told that I would always live with some level of deformity after my mastectomy/reconstruction. I had come to accept it. When Dr. Pacella told me what he could do for me; I actually cried in his office. Dr. Pacella and his team showed the utmost compassion, professionalism, patience, and kindness. He took the time to answer my many questions, explained everything so well, and always treated me with respect. My results are gorgeous! Looking in the mirror used to make me feel self-conscious and sad. All I saw was what my cancer diagnoses had left behind. Now, when I look in the mirror, I feel so pretty. I feel like myself again. read more

I am thrilled. Dr. Pacella performed upper and lower eyelid lifts and brow lift. I was one of his more difficult patients as my age was 77 and took longer for me to respond BUT it came and I am thrilled. He was patient, he saw me regularly and walked me through each month of recovery. My take on it was that I paid for it and I scheduled it and put my trust in him. His staff is the best and I highly recommend him, BUT if your going to have cosmetic surgery, do it sooner than age 77. It's tough at that age but Dr. Pacella is the one to go to and trust if you decide late in life for a change. Thank You over and over, Dr. Pacella!!! Bev D. read more

I came to Dr Pacella for a consultation only- and I have a friend who had a tummy tuck procedure performed by him & was very happy. My experience during the consult wasn't so great. He seemed rushed. This is the only Dr I paid to have a consult with first of all, and was happy to pay since he was highly recommended by my friend. I found out however if you mention real self you don't have to pay the $100 fee. Bummer. Also I was looking for a mommy makeover (but perhaps tummy tuck only) and a rhinoplasty. He insisted that I "pick two" for my consultation. So we went over the mommy makeover portion and skipped my nose. I wound up having my nose done first and still haven't have my stomach done. I went to another surgeon who botched my nose, and had Dr Pacella given me a consult I probably would gone with him instead. I'm bummed! You could've have two to three surgeries from me, and I think maybe I was judged as not really having money or something?? Not sure.. I am not flashy but we are def well off.. and i wouldn't come in for a consult unless I was serious. With kids to care for I don't have time for that! I've heard he is a great Dr but I was disappointed with the bedside manner and feeling a bit brushed off at the end of the day. read more

I've never written a poor review of a doctor but after my post-op visit on Friday I felt I had to as Dr. Pacella was so rude and actually "stormed" out of the exam room (or it seemed that way to me). I had some nose re-work after some Mohs reconstruction a year ago to open up the passageway. The 12 days following the procedure before I saw the doctor was the worse recovery I've had since major surgery years ago. I couldn't breathe thru my nose at all and was exhausted and miserable. Also surprised because the doctor told me on at least 2 occasions the recovery would be a day or so. When the doctor came into the room and asked how I was doing I told him how difficult it had been. He then removed the stints without saying a word and then just headed for the door but noticed some paperwork on the chair with his name. I'd written him a note and attached it to the 40 pages of pre and post op instructions I'd received as they were so confusing, conflicting, and vague. I though future patient would be helped. He glanced at it and immediately left the room as I was calling out to him "do I see you again?" He responded thru the partially closed door "not if you don't want to." I said "and if do" and he said "4-5 weeks" and the door closed. I know he is very pressured and is a very good surgeon but I was stunned by his action. His office seems to be pressured too as during my pre-op 3 days before my surgery the nurse told me to stop taking a supplement a week before my surgery but when I told her my surgery was in 3 days she just said OK. The pre-op paperwork also included hundreds of prescriptions and OTC to be stopped 7-10 days before but again I received it 3 days before. There doesn't seem to be any coordination or awareness of timing clear info about pre and post op procedures. An example is in one of the materials I got it said to sleep elevated but no details. I asked the nurse the day after the surgery and she said 3 days but when I asked again a week later (just curious) I was told by another nurse it wasn't that important. I could give dozens of examples. I note that the majority of the good reviews are for cosmetic procedures which I find interesting and most of them are several years old. I don't think I've ever received such poor care from a doctor, the material he is responsible for, and in some cases his staff. read more

I had a full abdomen re-sculpture after my excessive weight loss. This included a tummy tuck, skin removal, and backside lift. Doctor Pacella and his team were great!! They listened to my concerns and answered all my questions, since this was a difficult decision for me to contend with. But they made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process and procedure, before and after. This included Doctor Pacella making sure I was pain free and comfortable through the whole process. I did research before the surgery on tummy tucks and heard horror stories of patients who were in severe pain. This was not the case with Doctor Pacella. Diane and staff were caring and dealt with my surgery re-scheduling without a complaint. My outcome was fabulous!!! I could never thank him enough for the change he has created in my life. I thought I would never see my body in this excellent form, since it was something I lived with since childhood. Thank You Doctor Pacella!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This review is not really for the dr but for his staff. I scheduled a consult 8 weeks ago and my appt is for tomorrow . I called the office to ck on my time and they informed me they had to reschedule. So it was perfect that I called. No, not perfect. Now they have me rescheduled for April 27th. I hope they don't cancel that appt as well. I understand about emergencies but not even try and get me in. And then have an attitude. And by the way the consult is $75. So not free. I hope it's worth it. :( read more

Dr. Pacella did an incredible job reconstructing my nose after I had Mohs surgery. In addition, he listened carefully to all my concerns and addressed all my questions. He also schedules several follow-ups to make sure the tissue is healing as expected. His staff is also great and always willing to help. It has been less than a month since my plastic surgery repair and so far I have noticed a big progress. I definitely recommend him. read more

Had a great experience from the first meeting with Dr. Pacella and his staff. Going in for plastic surgery at age 24 seemed crazy to me but I was so unhappy with my chest size, back pain and neck pain that I knew it was time to do something. Dr. Pacella made me feel comfortable and that I had nothing to be embarrassed about. He made sure that all of my concerns were addressed and that I was fully prepped for the entire procedure before I made any commitments to having the surgery. Once my insurance company approved me for a reduction I was able to get the surgery not even a month later ( which was great!) I was so comfortable the morning of surgery and I swear when I woke up the very next day my neck pain was gone!!! 4 months later I have never felt better. I would recommend Dr. Pacella and his staff to anyone :) read more

I had the good sense, prior to derm surgery on my chin, to request a plastic surgeon do my 'closure'. Good thing! Dr. Pacella was great. He's informative, explaining what he's going to do and why. Also, gives you self-treatment suggestions for post op, and the office schedules you for follow-up visits. And the office staff within his clinic were knowledgeable, friendly, and super efficient. You're gonna love the results. I have to 'point out' where re work was done! I'm glad I requested this step be made available, after all-- it's on the face. read more

Dr. Pacella brought his expertise down to my level so that I felt confident and comfortable with my surgery. He is extremely competent, professional and I had a very positive experience. He is the go-to man if you need any kind of corrective or cosmetic plastic surgery. He is top-notch! read more

Words can not express how grateful I am to have met Dr. Pacella. I was diagnosed with a rare cancer, near the temple area of my head. After multiiple surgeries to remove the cancer, I was left with a softball size hole (from what I've seen in pictures), and Dr. Pacella performed the reconstructive surgery. I'm in complete "AWE" of his work. Compared to what was removed and what it looks like now, Dr. Pacella is truly a miracle worker! I would recommend him to ANYONE I know for any time of plastic surgery work! For me, going through such an emotional experience, I really appreciated Dr. Pacella's genuine, honest, and caring bedside manner! I honestly can not say enough good things about this doctor! read more

Dr. Pacella was amazing! My results are better than I could have even imagined. He answered all of my questions, explained my options, and gave me an AMAZING result. His staff was great from my initial consult and even now 6 months later. My only regret is that I waited so long to have my surgery. read more

7 months ago i was diagnosed with Breast CA. Dr Pacella and complete staff (all the nurses, schedulers and sporting staff- worked on my EDD filing and orchestrated all my needs: including two surgeries and multiple follow up appointments with Dr Pacella and nursing staff). I could not ask for anything more. After everything was said and done .... My journey is coming to an end... Dr Pacella did an amazing (2) reconstructive surgery! I feel very blessed to have him and his staff on my support team! Very compassionate and a true artist in his work! He went above and beyond in his care and work! Highly recommend Dr Pacella and his staff at Scripps Clinic ! Scripps Clinic RB and Del Mar locations. read more

Worst Dr. ever. Unprofessional and greedy. Asked me to get an eye brow lift (I'm 35!) and mini face lift. I came in for a second opinion from a colleague of his and he bad mouthed the colleague who referred me to him stating I should just go to him and he 'would do a better job'. Avoid him like the plague! read more

Dr. Pacella performed my breast reconstruction following a bi-lateral mastectomy. He is very skilled and has a very good eye for how a woman's body should look. His staff was professional, compassionate and knowledgable. I could tell that Dr. Pacella was making a great effort to answer my questions and make sure I was prepared for each procedure( there were three surgeries total). The end result ( while I would still preferr to have my natural breasts) are truly beautiful and eye catching. read more

I just had surgery this past Thursday. I am so happy to say that Dr. Pacella did a wonderful job. I'd had previous skin cancer removed and a not so good repair done (by a different physician). This time Dr. Pacella did the repair surgery and it looks like it's healing exactly the way it is supposed to. His staff is excellent and he is an excellent surgeon!!!! Thank-you all for helping me. It's a very uncomfortable procedure and you all were very kind! So glad I got a second opinion!! read more

Highly skilled, dedicated, detailed, forthright. Talk to his staff, they will verify.

Dr. Pacella did my Mohs Surgery plastic surgery repair on my face after being diagnosed with infiltrative basal cell carcinoma. Dr. Pacella did a consult before the surgery explaining the surgery and expectations. Dr. Pacella was mostly concerned about restoring the contour of my face after the Mohs surgery as was I. He took his time to explain, drew a diagram, and answered all of my questions. I never felt rushed and after the visit was very confident I was in good hands. Dr. Pacella also schedules a follow-up after 2 weeks and then another 6 weeks out, again same great experience. It has been almost 3 months since my surgery and my scar and repair looks amazing. I am happy with the progress and highly recommend Dr. Pacella, great doctor, great staff, great bedside manner. read more

I went to Dr. Pacella for a Tummy Tuck with Lipo and could not be happier. Everything from my consultation through my recent 6 week follow up have been outstanding. He was patient and professional with all my questions and concerns, took his time and made the whole experience great. I could not be happier with my result and scars. I am only 7 weeks and already so excited with my new body. read more