Dr. Aivee On Building A Legacy Beyond Beauty

There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise, and when her mission empowers others to rise with her, the impact is limitless. In the highly competitive arena of aesthetics and dermatology, Aivee Aguilar-Teo—doctor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, thought leader, wife, and mother—has emerged as a dynamic trailblazer in every sense of the word.

The visionary force behind the acclaimed The Aivee Clinic, now celebrating its 15th anniversary, has turned her facility into a sanctuary for those seeking not just enhanced appearances but renewed self-esteem and refreshed vigor for life.

Beyond aesthetics, Dr. Aivee digs deep into the power of holistic beauty and self-belief with a profound understanding of inner wellness, aiming to embolden her clients to live life happily, beautifully, and confidently.

Doctor with a Mission

Dr. Aivee isn't your average Board Certified Dermatologist. While she excels at helping patients look their best, her true passion goes beyond physical appearance. For Dr. Aivee, beauty is a journey of empowerment and confidence, which perfectly resonates with the strong, savvy Preview woman.

Graduating at the top of her class from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) after completing a rigorous three-residency in dermatology, Dr. Aivee’s constant pursuit of growth and learning took her across continents, from specialized training in Louisville, Kentucky, to experiences at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, and a prestigious scholarship at the National Skin Center of Singapore.

Her attendance at international conferences around the world to improve her knowledge and skills has led to her clinic being lauded with prestigious awards such as the Tala Award by Merz Aesthetics for her clinic's outstanding work in Ulthera treatments for a decade, the Galderma Diamond Awards 2024 for outstanding performance in Galderma aesthetics nationwide, the Allergan Aesthetics Platinum Award 2022 for facial aesthetics, and recently, Teoxane's Most Dynamic Award for the fifth consecutive year.

Glamorous accolades aside, Dr. Aivee's dedication to patient care extends far beyond the clinic walls. A true believer in striking a balance between professional success and social responsibility, she nurtures her philanthropic nature through initiatives that give back to the community.

"I always believe that everything needs to be balanced," Dr. Aivee explains. "It cannot be all work. This is why I have Beauty Beyond Borders, which is my foundation to give back to the community with free dermatological and surgery services and free medicines for those who cannot afford them."

The Aivee Family

The Aivee Clinic's success isn't just measured by awards or accolades. The true testament lies in the enduring loyalty of its patients. Many who walked through the doors years ago continue to look youthful and radiant, a living showcase of the clinic's expertise. This, Dr. Aivee shared, is one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey.

Another thing she’s most proud of is how the company has grown to over 300 strong Aivee staff from its humble beginnings with merely three employees. “Keeping them happy and motivated,” said Dr. Aivee, underscores her commitment to not only delivering excellent results but also nurturing a thriving and supportive workplace culture.

With confidence-driven aesthetics at the core of her philosophy, Dr. Aivee’s mission transcends conventional beauty standards and practices. Her approach is all-encompassing, focusing on the overall well-being of her patients rather than just concentrating on the physical.

“I treat the patient as a total person. I become their friend, confidant, and advisor,” she shares. “I never judge, and I always listen. Sometimes, the physical transformation is secondary to their inner transformation.”

The Aivee Clinic goes beyond delivering top-notch results. They've mastered the art of building genuine connections with their patients and creating a welcoming and supportive environment. As Dr. Aivee puts it, “What we really want is for a patient to have a total experience where they feel that it's really time for themselves and time to take care of themselves.”

This philosophy extends beyond the treatment room. Dr. Aivee adds, “We also make sure that their procedure is comfortable and that we understand their needs, not only in terms of treatment but also develop a strong relationship, like a family.”

Imagine stepping into a space that transcends a clinic. A place where skilled professionals not only help you make you feel your best self, but where you feel a genuine warmth, a sense of being understood. Dr. Aivee captures this perfectly: “A lot of our patients feel like their family to us. And the bond is really very strong. And they keep coming back because they feel that this is their home.”

Confidence for All

In celebration of The Aivee Clinic's 15th anniversary, the Aivee Confidence campaign extends beyond procedures and treatments. It's about real-life transformations. As Dr. Aivee herself highlights, "We believe that building confidence and changing lives is the core of what we are doing in Aivee. Aivee is not just about doing a laser or doing an injection. It’s about making a difference in the person's perception of themselves.”

This philosophy isn't just words; it's woven into the clinic's DNA. “It’s about making someone smile again. It’s about helping someone be happy again. It’s really about changing lives," she adds.

One poignant example of the campaign’s manifestations is a 15-year-old with severe acne who withdrew from school, rarely spoke, and avoided eye contact. After unsuccessful treatments elsewhere, she came to The Aivee Clinic and availed of the clinic's advanced technologies and medications. Six months later, her acne cleared significantly. She returned to school as a confident, joyful teen, making new friends and reconnecting with the world.

In a heartwarming testament to the power of aesthetic care, Dr. Aivee recounts another story with a 50-year-old woman who, devastated by her husband's departure for a younger woman, arrived at the clinic crippled by low self-esteem and depression. Beyond administering treatments, Dr. Aivee lent a compassionate ear, turning each session into a therapeutic journey.

“As I started doing treatments for her, I also listened to her frustrations and anger. Every session in the clinic became like a therapy session as I erased her wrinkles and gave my advice,” she shares. “In nine months, she was totally transformed. She had a new lease of life and looked at her situation with a new perspective. She was no longer angry, and she started going out again meeting up with new friends.”

Dr. Aivee adds: “Her confidence came back because all her friends were saying she was glowing and looked years younger than her age. Her life changed and she came back after a year and gave me a bracelet that had the words ‘thank you’ inscribed on it. That meant the world to me. It was life-changing both for her and for myself.”

It’s stories like these that only prove The Aivee Clinic's impact extends far beyond physical treatments and beauty trends, restoring confidence and renewing hope in those who once felt isolated by their conditions.

A Lasting Legacy

Looking back on her 15-year journey, Dr. Aivee’s advice on crafting a lasting legacy—whether in business or life—is uncomplicated and deeply honest: work harder than you ever thought possible. “In everything in business and life, my one advice is to work harder than you think you can even imagine,” she highlights. “Hard work & grit. That’s the key. It’s never a bed of roses in life and business.”

Running a successful clinic like Aivee takes dedication and perseverance. But where does Dr. Aivee find the motivation to keep pushing boundaries? The answer lies in her commitment to a well-rounded life.

“I try to learn new skills to keep my life interesting and add different colors to my stressful life,” Dr. Aivee explains. “I am trying to learn how to sing properly now, for example.”

This pursuit of fresh experiences extends to her family life. “Traveling with the kids is always exciting,” she continues. “It allows us to bond and get inspiration from all the wonderful places around the world.” Dr. Aivee's passion for design also plays a role. “I love interior design as well so I am involved in all my Aivee clinics' designs.”

Balancing a demanding career with family, personal interests, and spiritual well-being can seem like a juggling act. Dr. Aivee offers a solution: “Sometimes people ask how I manage to squeeze it all in. It’s really all about time management and having the mindset that we can truly do it all if we put our mind to it.”

For Dr. Aivee, achieving balance is key to her overall happiness. “When I feel balanced in all aspects of my life—work, marriage, family, spiritual, and personal—I feel happy and confident," she says. "And that translates to happiness in what I do at The Aivee Clinic.”

As The Aivee Clinic enters its post-COVID phase, Dr. Aivee looks forward to opening new clinics, including their first branch outside Manila, in Clark, Pampanga. With exciting developments in Aivee Skin's skincare and makeup line, and plans for an enhanced Aivee experience with the new and improved Aivee Cafe, the future of cosmetic dermatology promises to be confidently full of possibilities.

While embracing a confident and fulfilling life can be challenging, The Aivee Clinic stands by Filipinos on their journey towards self-assurance and renewed vitality. Dr. Aivee's philosophy—achieving balance for personal happiness—translates into a clinic experience that caters to each individual's unique needs. The Aivee Clinic offers a diverse range of services, from rejuvenating facials and state-of-the-art body treatments to advanced hair care solutions. So whether her patients seek subtle enhancements or transformative procedures, Dr. Aivee is the north star that guides them to a path toward their best selves.

For more information, log on to theaiveeclinic.com, or send them a message on Facebook and Instagram. Book an appointment or visit any of their five (5) branches around Metro Manila.

***

Photographer: Alan Segui (@alansegui)
Creative Director: Kat Tapang (@kattpower)
Managing Editor: Deb Austria (@debausm)
Production Manager: Mary Paul Agpalo (@agpalotherese)
Art Director: Mariella Alaine Lao (@ylalao)
Writer: Rebecca Silvestre (@mariarebeccs27)
Hairstylist: Paul Nebres (@paulnebres)
Makeup Artist: Angelo Eugenio (@jellyeugenio)
Stylist: Studio 24c (@studio.24c)
Wardrobe: For the Cover (neutrals) - Saint Laurent (Dress), Materiel (Trench), Finders Keepers (Shoes), and Tiffany & Co (Jewelry); For the whites - Olivia and Fifth (Top), Zara (Pants), and Saint Laurent (Shoes)
Final Art: Coleen Beatriz Bognot (@beabognot)
Set Design: Kamila Arianna Garcia (@sets.hereandthere)

Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!