Staff

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Our expert staff is here to make your surgery or aesthetic treatment a comfortable and rejuvenating experience. Meet our full team. 

Dr. Saldaña

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Edgar Saldaña is a board -certified plastic surgeon who has 20 years experience at St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates in Duluth.  In 2020 he started Plastic Surgery Center of Duluth in the Medical Arts building to give people a personalized approach to plastic surgery.  He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons. He earned a medical degree from the University of Texas HSC in San Antonio, finished his training in General Surgery in Flushing, NY and did his residency in Plastic Surgery at St. Louis University Medical Center.  In addition, he did a fellowship in Craniomaxillofacial surgery in Dallas, Texas.
Dr. Saldaña also serves patients at St. Luke’s, Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital, Duluth Surgical Suites, and Northwoods Surgery Center in Virginia, Minnesota.

 

Why did Dr. Saldaña choose plastic surgery?

“One of the most common questions I get is why I chose to become a plastic surgeon.  

Since 4th grade I’ve wanted to become a surgeon. About that time, I overheard an adult speaking about me describing me as an “ugly kid.” Now, I don’t know if they meant my behavior or appearance, but that thought stayed with me and made an impression and decreased my confidence around others. I gravitated to and empathized with the kids with birth defects and became friends with them.

When I was in high school, I saw a NOVA documentary on Paul Tessier, the father of craniofacial surgery, and his pioneering work with facial deformities. Plastic surgeons could help. I had found my surgical calling.

Sometimes physical things about our face or body bother us and affect us deeply. Others may not see or understand. I understand that and will work together with you to improve it.”

Veronica Ramos

Licensed Advanced Practice Esthetician

Veronica has been in the medical field since 2002. She has always had a passion for skincare and pursued her Esthetics career in 2016 at Aglaia Esthetics. Veronica is a results-driven Esthetician that places high value on listening to her clients’ concerns so she can provide a personalized service to help reach everyone’s skincare goals. Veronica is committed to continuing her education in all aspects of the esthetics industry so she can help others achieve confidence in their natural skin. 

Favorite Products: iS Clinical® Cleansing Complex and Active Serum 

Favorite Treatment: SkinPen

Favorite Injectable: Botox® and Lip Filler

Favorite Skincare Tip: A great at home skincare routine will enhance all your esthetic treatments, so protect your investments!

Veronica grew up in Hermantown, MN and enjoys traveling back to Puerto Rico to visit her family. She now lives in Duluth with her fiancé and daughter.

Tara Kobus

Medical Assistant

Tara has been a medical assistant for over 22 years, working in an OB clinic, dermatology, and plastic surgery. She has worked with Dr. Saldana since 2017 and has enjoyed being a part of his team. 

Tara’s favorite products are ZO gentle cleanser, ZO renewal creme, ZO oil pads, and Revision Intellishade. She has very sensitive skin so finding these products has been amazing for her!

Tara lives in Duluth and has a teenage son.

Jeannine Leste

Clinic Coordinator

Jeannine has worked as a clinical coordinator for over 6 years in plastic surgery, pediatrics, and dermatology. Jeannine also has a background in Aesthetics. Her favorite skin care products are Revison’s anti-aging SPF Intellishade , and Zo Gentle cleanser.
Jeannine grew up in Duluth, MN, and enjoys spending her time with her son, especially watching him play basketball and baseball.

Dee Bartlam

Registered Nurse/Aesthetic Injector

Dee is a registered nurse with over 25 years experience caring for patients. Her caring and gentle approach now help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. She started Fresh Look Duluth in 2022, specializing in injectable products such as Botox, Dermal Fillers, and Skin Pen with PRP.

She joined Plastic Surgery Center of Duluth in April 2023.

She lives in Duluth with her husband Paul and enjoys spending time with family, traveling, mountain biking, cross country skiing, fly fishing, and kayaking Lake Superior when she isn’t seeing patients.

Dee loves getting to know her patients and strives for natural looking results.  Achieving her patient’s aesthetic goals and continuing education on the latest aesthetic techniques are Dee’s highest priorities.

Kaelynn Boles

Registered Nurse

Kaelynn grew up in Duluth. She knew from a young age that she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a nurse and completed that dream in 2010. She has worked as a surgical nurse in the Duluth area  for the past 8 years.

“I enjoy being a part of the patients care from the very beginning and following them throughout their entire journey.  Establishing those relationships from the very first visit gives me the ability to individualize each patient’s care, ensuring they have the best possible outcome and experience.  I feel excited to be part of a team that works hard to provide exceptional care to each of our patients.”

Melissa Pelayo

Patient Care Coordinator

As someone with a lifetime of of interest in skin care and beauty, I am passionate about sharing my 12 years of healthcare experience with the clients of Plastic Surgery Center of Duluth. My greatest joy in my career is seeing how one’s inner beauty and confidence comes out as they go through treatments.