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As one of the top practitioners in the aesthetics industry, Tatler Asia’s Most Influential 2022 honouree Dr Victoria G Belo MD opens many avenues to self-confidence
Armed with a mission to make world-class cosmetic surgery and medical aesthetics accessible to Filipinos, Dr Victoria G Belo founded the Belo Medical Group in 1990 and has since brought many ‘firsts’ to our shores. In her pursuit of transforming the Philippines into a global tourist destination for beauty, she has garnered multiple awards and recognitions from reputable organisations like the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging World Congress.
Though, like everyone else, the pandemic put her visions to a brief stop. But she’s back on track to revolutionising the beauty industry through her determination, focus, and sheer will.
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What projects in the last two years are you most proud of? Why?
Dr Victoria G Belo (VGB): Coming from the pandemic, we had to figure out how to safely reopen our clinics and fit them out for the new normal. I was one of only ten aesthetic physicians worldwide to publish guidelines on reopening aesthetic clinics post-pandemic. The paper was published in the International Journal of Dermatological Therapy.
Another thing I am the proudest of is bringing in Exosomes. This treatment is the latest way to improve skin quality by addressing it from a cellular level by using a cell signalling system. The Exosomes can signal Fibroblasts, cells that help form connective tissues, and get them to produce more collagen and elastin, giving the skin a stronger, firmer, and healthier appearance. Signals are also sent to Melanocytes, which are cells responsible for skin pigment and help control and prevent skin issues like hyperpigmentation and melasma.
We brought Exososmes in from Korea, and we are proud to say that we are ahead of the USA and Europe with this technology.
What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?
VGB: A relevant challenge affecting many in the medical industry is a vast shortage of syringes due to the escalating need for vaccines. During the pandemic, we had problems sourcing syringes for our Botox and fillers, so when we found a supplier, we ordered a crazy amount of syringes and stocked up our clinics.
Another challenge we’ve faced is the emergence of clinics out of nowhere backed by business people, not medical doctors. At Belo, we are passionate about using our professional experience and background as pioneers, researchers, and developers in the aesthetic space. Though we have all the latest technologies money can buy, these are merely our palettes and paintbrushes. As artists that craft beauty, we have to ensure that there is experience behind every stroke.
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What can you say to those who want to follow in your footsteps?
VGB: Never forget the ‘why’. Behind everything we do, there should be a solid ‘why’ that keeps us grounded and helps remind us why we are chasing our goals and dreams in the first place.
Maybe ask yourself: “Why do you want to follow in my footsteps?” Is it because of the money? The travelling? Being a “rockstar doctor”? Because if that’s all there is, that’s a weak ‘why’.
My ‘why’ has always been about finding a way to make people more self-confident. I was on a mission to ensure that people could be happy and comfortable in their skin by offering the power to eliminate things that bother them. Find love and passion in what you do, propelling you to your most authentic and best self.
Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration or mentorship?
VGB: With fourteen clinics that rely on physical treatments, the lockdowns took their toll on us. We shut down for five months in 2020 and another five in 2021. We tried to keep as many of our Belo Family on board as possible while juggling all the shortages and uncertainties—there was a time I just wanted to give up. But I’m very prayerful, so I just kept praying and took each day as it was, one day at a time. I kept reading my Bible for strength and guidance. The one power I look up to and go back to in times of hardship and being lost is Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
What are your plans for the coming years, and what keeps you going?
VGB: I have always dreamt of making the Philippines a global tourist destination for beauty like Thailand and Korea. To achieve this goal, we have presented papers abroad in dermatological and aesthetic conventions and published them in journals. We are proud to have won the 2022 Award for Best Results in the World using energy-based devices, including laser, Thermage, Ultherapy, and Radiofrequency, from the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging World Congress. We are a clinic that puts your results first. And we are so happy to see our efforts being recognised.
We try to reach the world by utilising social media to feature our world-class services in which we combine at least three different modalities, making us unique in the world. For example, we have the Zoom Lift, combining Sofwave, Exosomes, and Threads for a dramatic yet classy facelift effect. We continue to strive to provide services that are scientifically backed, thoroughly researched treatments that will deliver every time.
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Credits
Photography: BJ Pascual
