Dr. Kelsey Baran

Dr. Kelsey Baran didn’t grow up knowing she wanted to be a surgeon. After earning her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Puget Sound, she planned to go into business and took a position with a medical device company. But when she shadowed emergency medical teams, and experienced first-hand the unique combination of deep expertise, hands-on care and problem-solving under pressure, she discovered medicine was her calling.

Dr. Baran earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences, graduating fourth in her class. She completed her general surgery residency at Berkshire Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident and earning the Resident of the Year Award, then went on to complete her plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Florida, where patients recognized her with the Patient Appreciation Award. She is board-certified in general surgery and board-eligible in plastic surgery.

Throughout her training, Dr. Baran earned numerous awards recognizing her surgical knowledge, her compassion, her leadership, and her dedication to patient care. These honors, including multiple resident teaching and humanistic care awards, reflect the qualities that continue to define her practice today.

A Patient-First Philosophy

Specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery and body contouring, Dr. Baran believes exceptional plastic surgery should enhance a person’s individual beauty. Her aesthetic philosophy is rooted in subtle, balanced results that help patients look refreshed and authentically themselves.

Her meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the operating room. From thoughtfully planned incisions and scar placement to techniques that minimize discomfort and recovery time whenever possible, every aspect of care is designed with the patient’s experience and long-term satisfaction in mind.

Patients frequently describe Dr. Baran as kind, personable and easy to talk to. She strives to build lasting relationships by creating an environment where patients feel empowered and supported throughout their surgical journey.

“It means the world to help someone feel like themselves again. It is the best feeling to help someone through their journey, whether it’s weight loss, post-pregnancy, cancer, etc, to achieve their aesthetic goals and build confidence in their body and lifestyle.” — Dr. Baran

Areas of Special Interest

Dr. Baran performs a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures with particular interests in:

• Breast Augmentation 
• Breast Lift (with and without implants)
• Breast Reduction 
• Breast Implant Removal & Replacement 
• Breast Reconstruction 
• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) 
• Liposuction 
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) 
• Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) 
• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) 
• Brow Lift 
• Scar Revision and Skin Cancer Removal

What to Expect in a Consultation With Dr. Baran

Dr. Baran believes that every successful outcome begins with listening. Before discussing a surgical plan, she takes time to understand what brought you in and what you’re hoping to achieve. One of the most common compliments she receives is that patients feel comfortable talking with her. 

Dr. Baran also emphasizes education. She explains your treatment options, realistic expectations, risks, recovery and answers your questions thoroughly so you have the knowledge and confidence you need to make the decision that’s right for you.

She is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that align with your anatomy, lifestyle and goals while maintaining the highest standards of safety and surgical precision. 

“I hope you leave your consultation feeling informed. I hope you feel heard. And most importantly, I hope you feel confident that you’ve made the decision that’s right for you. Whether that’s surgery with me, or simply having the information you need to move forward when the time is right, I believe that’s what exceptional patient care looks like.” — Dr. Baran

The Details Matter

Beautiful surgery happens in millimeters. Every detail matters because every detail contributes to the final result. Some of the things Dr. Baran thinks about before every procedure include:

• Creating beautifully concealed scars
• Using techniques that minimize discomfort and support recovery
• Avoiding surgical drains whenever possible
• Incorporating local anesthesia and nerve blocks to reduce post-operative narcotic use
• Optimizing skin health before and after surgery with medical-grade skincare and professional laser treatments from Skin Artisans, our med spa
• Creating results that look beautiful today and continue to look beautiful for years to come 

Coming Home

Dr. Baran has had the opportunity to train at hospitals across the country, from the Pacific Northwest to New England to Florida, but she chose to return to Minnesota because it always felt like home. She is happy to be back in a community known for its niceness, cultural diversity, and a real ‘tater tot hotdish.”  

Outside the Operating Room

When she’s not in the operating room, you’ll likely find Dr. Baran outdoors hiking, skiing, camping, fishing, or exploring the next national park on her bucket list. She enjoys gardening, cooking, cheering on the Vikings and the Minnesota Wild, and spending time with her two Labrador Retrievers, who happily accompany her on every adventure they can.

Dr. Baran is now accepting new patients and offering complimentary consultations for a limited time.