Dr. Z Teo is busy as a bee. Aside from performing cosmetic surgeries at Aivee Institute, the skin and laser anti-aging center he cofounded with his wife, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo, he also takes on trainer and administrative roles at the clinic’s various locations including the newly opened branch at SM Megamall Fashion Hall.
Dr. Teo attends to a daily average of 60 clients, 90 at most. That’s an incredible workload, especially since he also runs two other clinics in Singapore and still finds time to bond with his wife and kids.
When not working, Dr. Teo plays tennis. Though he jokes that his career doesn’t leave much to enjoy life, he says that his priorities are “God, wife, children, work and leisure— in that order.”
Backstage Pass asks the celebrated cosmetic surgeon on the most in-demand procedures, including the treatments he gets for himself.
Addictive
The most common aesthetic procedures Filipino women undergo at my clinic are… acne, laser, nose lift and whitening procedures.
For Filipino men… it’s acne, hair loss, Botox, liposuction and weight loss.
The oddest inquiry I’ve encountered is… someone asking me to put fillers in the ear lobes because the fortune teller said it’s for good luck.
The ages of my youngest and oldest patients are… a 3-year-old who had stem cell therapy for autism and a 95-year-old woman who wanted Botox and fillers for her coming wedding. She met her partner in an old folks’ home. They were both widowed and wanted to marry again.
I think beauty and laser procedures are addictive… simply because they boost one’s confidence. After the procedures, one gets nice comments which are always pleasant to hear.
One of the most interesting treatments we now offer is… the Geneo facial. It’s a 45- minute procedure which uses radio frequency that contours the face and helps the body release
oxygen for antiaging.
Hair grooming
A perfect shower always includes… Aivee Skin Science Acnerase Face Wash, Dove soap and Aivee Skin Science Anti-Loss Shampoo.
My fail-safe grooming products are… Aivee Skin Science Acnerase Pads, Aivee Skin Science Acnerase Gels, Retinol Cream, Molton Brown antiperspirant stick and Angeliques Sous La Pluie fragrance by Frederic Malle.
I spend the most time… grooming my hair. I use Gatsby hair gum or gloss with Gatsby hair spray.
A treatment offered at the clinic that I often have for myself is… Geneo once a month, Gentle Laser Pores for exfoliating, Laser Genesis to tone the skin, Exilis Protégé for tightening and body contouring, Vanquish and Revage Hair Growth.
Dr. Teo says that the Geneo facial treatment is a gentle, noninvasive procedure for exfoliation, facial skin nourishment and oxygenation through the use of TriPollar, the most advanced radio-frequency (RF) technology. When it heats the skin, the collagen fibers contract, causing the skin to immediately tighten and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It costs P6,000 per session.
Top tip
Hair loss is one of the biggest concerns of men who visit Dr. Teo’s clinic. For seasonal hair loss, Backstage Pass recommends a treatment you can take home: Davines’ Natural Tech Energizing Gel (P1,700) has antioxidant caffeine phytoceuticals combined with natural active ingredients which awakens the hair, leading to proficient growth.
The Energizing Gel has natural essential oils that has a pleasant fragrance as well as a clean, light, cooling sensation on the scalp. It strengthens and gives body to fine, brittle or stressed hair. The gel texture also lightly fixes the hair, allowing you to style easily. Available at leading salons.
The Aivee clinic is at 5/L, SM Megamall Fashion Hall. Call 6424833 or 0917-8719500.
To see Dr. Z Teo himself, call Aivee Institute BGC at 4033245 or 4031982.