Beauty doctor Aivee Teo underscores the importance of seeking cosmetic procedures exclusively from certified professionals.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) has the opportunity to discuss this important reminder with Dr. Aivee during the Cosmopolitan Philippines' Women of Influence 2024 recognition, where she is one of the awardees.
The dinner is held on March 21, 2024, at Origine restaurant in Brittany Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
She says, "Well, of course, it's very important that we go to doctors who are really board-certified or have the experience to do a procedure.
"I feel that we have to really do our research. And it's important that you make sure that you're in good hands when you do a procedure."
Dr. Aivee's reminder came in light of Heart Evangelista's revelation about her traumatic lip-filler experience.
Heart, a well-known Aivee Clinic ambassador, disclosed that she underwent lip enhancement not at the clinic, but through a nurse who was "very, very close" to her but "didn't have license."
Read: Heart Evangelista recalls "traumatic" lip-filler experience
DR. AIVEE TEO ON COSMETIC SURGERY SHAMING
While the Philippines is gradually embracing cosmetic surgery, lingering apprehensions persist among many.
Additionally, a segment of society continues to hold negative views towards cosmetic procedures, sometimes resorting to shaming individuals who have undergone such transformations.
Dr. Aivee believes that these concerns and negative attitudes arise from a lack of education and understanding regarding cosmetic procedures.
She tells PEP.ph, "A lot of people are still afraid to do cosmetic surgery.
"Either takot sila because they're not familiar or they're not really in the know of cosmetic surgery.
"Or feeling na baka magmukha kang fake or you don't look like yourself anymore.
"I think it's important to educate yourself. Importante to do your research."
She assures everyone that there is nothing wrong with improving one's self through cosmetic procedures, especially if it helps boost confidence.
"I really feel that there's nothing wrong with improving yourself or being a better version of yourself.
"I feel that kailangan nating encourage everybody to be confident and to be happy with who they are.
"At the same time, if there's room for improvement, why not?"
With that said, Dr. Aivee encourages people to reject discrimination, and instead, promote encouragement and inclusivity.
"I don't think we should discriminate against people who believe that they can feel better and be more confident.
"If they look better and if they feel better about themselves. So I feel that we should encourage people and not really discriminate them."
DR. AIVEE TEO: WOMAN OF INFLUENCE
Meanwhile, Dr. Aivee expresses her gratitude to the editors of Cosmopolitan Philippines for including her in this year's edition of Women of Influence awardees and recognizing her efforts in Beauty Beyond Borders Foundation, which provides free dermatological services to communities in the country.
Dr. Aivee tells PEP.ph, "I’m so overwhelmed because this year’s list is so amazing, they’re really women achievers, and they all have their own story, and just listening to them just makes me so proud."
Dr. Aivee also takes pride in leading a company that empowers women.
"I'm so proud to say that in our company we employ a lot of women.
"And we're encouraging women to work. We're encouraging women to reach their dreams and to be financially independent.
"I think a lot of women are successful because women have certain characteristics that make them great. Like they're very detail oriented.
"They're very hardworking. And they really are very resilient.
"And I think these are the characteristics that make women successful. And that make women wonderful in the workplace."
@pepalerts What influence means to Aivee Clinic’s founder Dra. Aivee Teo. #CosmoWomenOfInfluence2024 #PEPNews #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH #WomenOfTikTok ? original sound - PEP.ph
Apart from Dr. Aivee, this year's awardees include Iza Calzado, Carla Abellana, Kaladkaren, Agatha Wong, Angely Dub, Pola del Monte, and Janina Vela.
When asked what influence means to her, Dr. Aivee replies, "Influence for me means that you’re making an impact to women.
"You’re making a good, um, influence to women.
"You’re encouraging women to be their best, and you’re encouraging women to speak out and to achieve their dreams, and be themselves."
READ MORE: