MEDICAL SPAS
SALTZ PLASTIC SURGERY & SPA VITORIA
Inside the culture of care at Saltz Plastic Surgery and Spa Vitoria
By Tamara S. Wolfe | Photograpgy by Spenser Heaps
“WATCHING DR. SALTZ IN THE OPERATING ROOM, I saw a man who treated every team member with the utmost respect — whether it was the person counting the sponges or the one monitoring the patient’s heart,” recalls Patty McIntosh, a Licensed Medical Esthetician (LME) and Master Aesthetician, who has worked alongside Dr. Renato Saltz since the beginning. “I knew he was an exceptional plastic surgeon, but what I witnessed was a human being of the highest caliber, laser-focused on the best in patient care, safety, and results.”
This window into Saltz Plastic Surgery and Spa Vitoria, of Salt Lake City and Park City, offers a glimpse into the deeply human-centered culture that Dr. Saltz has cultivated since he opened the doors in 2002. Built on a foundation of hard work, discipline, and service, instilled in him by his parents, Jayme and Berta Saltz, the practice has become a place where every patient feels safe and supported, every team member finds fulfillment, and every aesthetic journey is tailored for the best possible outcome.
At the heart of that care model is something Dr. Saltz envisioned long before his practice came into being — the Complete Aesthetic Package. “The goal of this model is to provide something for everyone so that patients seeking rejuvenation will be able to identify treatments that will meet their particular needs,” says Dr. Saltz.
“This approach to aesthetic care begins with a detailed patient evaluation and consultation,” he explains. “We then design a customized plan that combines modern surgical and non-surgical procedures with advanced medical spa treatments to expedite recovery, optimize safety and outcomes, and ensure patient satisfaction.”
Dr. Saltz knew from the start that achieving this kind of care would take a special team. So, he built one — handpicking surgical nurses, medical assistants, master aestheticians, massage therapists, makeup artists, and front desk staff who shared his vision for patient-centered care.
Tara Thompson, a registered surgical nurse and one of the top cosmetic nurse injectors in the country, describes how that team works in tandem: “From the moment a patient walks in, we’re all invested in their journey. Whether they come in for surgery or something as simple as a brow wax, we take the time to really understand their goals. It’s never just about the procedure — it’s about helping them feel confident and supported every step of the way.”
For patients undergoing surgery, especially something as intimate as a facelift, the physical recovery is only part of the healing. Often, it’s the emotional recovery that’s most unexpected.
“Believe it or not, a facelift isn’t typically a painful procedure,” she says. “But what surprises many patients is the emotional weight that follows. It’s hard when it’s your face — you see it every day, you look in the mirror and wonder, ‘Will the bruises disappear? Will the swelling go down?’ It’s very common to feel anxious or melancholy in those first few weeks. I call it the baby blues of cosmetic surgery. But I always tell patients, ‘I promise it will get better. Healing takes time, and we’re with you, through all of it.’”
This is where Saltz Plastic Surgery and Spa Vitoria’s commitment to care truly shines. Patients are never left to navigate their recovery in isolation — in fact, they’re seen the very next day.
“Our aftercare is truly unique,” says Patty. “They meet with Tara to ensure everything is going smoothly. Then they come to me for lymphatic drainage treatments which help reduce bruising and inflammation, improve well-being and aid in recovery. Weeks later, when patients begin to see themselves again and feel restored, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness this transformation. It’s such a privilege to share in these moments and then to say, ‘Look how far you’ve come.’”
“Dr. Saltz pushes you because he wants you to succeed. And because he wants every patient to receive the very best care,” Tara shares. “He expects excellence, but he also creates space for it. That kind of leadership trickles down. It’s why we all give our best, why we work with an open heart and a genuine sense of purpose. And it’s why our patients stay with us.”
“It’s not unusual for someone to come to us after a loss,” Patty says. “Sometimes after breast cancer treatment, or the death of a loved one. They come because they want to feel like themselves again, they want to feel whole again. And that takes time, compassion, and really listening. You can’t rush that. You just walk with them.”
That walk with a patient through healing, hope and restoration is at the center of what makes Saltz Plastic Surgery and Spa Vitoria feel so remarkably different. The team doesn’t just focus on visible results. They listen, guide, and care, especially when patients are at their most vulnerable. From the initial consultation and treatment plan to aftercare check-ins and recovery therapies, every part of the aesthetic journey is handled with gentleness, clarity, and respect for each patient’s experience. It’s a level of care that transforms lives and often turns a patient’s initial visit into the beginning of a long-lasting connection.
“I’ve been with many of my patients for years,” Tara shares. “I’ve seen their children grow up, shared in their success, and supported them through challenges. That personal connection is what makes my work so fulfilling — we’ve become part of each other’s stories and family.”