Vicki Belo glad that cosmetic surgery has become more accepted

In the Philippines, cosmetic surgery has been under the scrutiny for so long.

There would be people criticizing one's procedure for altering his/her appearance, mostly claiming that it is against a religion's teachings or beliefs.

As time goes by, more and more people are brave enough to go under the knife, not just because of the painless advanced procedures available but also because they are becoming more open about cosmetic surgery.

For popular cosmetic surgeon, Vicki Belo, this is a good sign.

"I am happy that people are more comfortable and more open about cosmetic surgery.

"Sa TikTok, ang dami naming patients na nagpapakita ng day one, before surgery, after surgery.

"So proud sila na may pinagawa sila. They are proactive with their lives and, I think, it's very good," the founder and medical director of Belo Medical Group told GMANetwork.com in a recent virtual interview.

Beauty-related or not, it has always been Vicki's mindset to find a solution to her problem, especially if it's something that makes her uncomfortable.

"For me, kapag may problema ka, ayusin mo, 'di ba, if it bothers you.

"So I love when people are more comfortable that they know it's very safe and that there's nothing wrong with doing it and that's what I want kasi."

She went on, "You know, in life now, it's so competitive. We need every advantage that we can get.

"So, just like brains are an advantage, good looks are definitely an advantage.

"So. I just want to level the playing field kasi it's almost instinctive na kapag may nakita tayong maganda o gwapo, kaagad-agad may plus points na 'yan, 'di ba?

"So, kung nakakatulong 'yun sa tao with their career, or for being popular, whatever they want to achieve; if they are self-conscious and now they are comfortable kasi maganda na 'yung skin nila; for me, that's very, very good and there's nothing to be ashamed of.

"It's just giving yourself the best advantage that you can give to make it in this world."

Vicki also said, "If you can do something about it, you feel comfortable, then do it for yourself. You don't do it for other people. Just be happier."

While cosmetic enhancements could cost a lot of money, Vicki likewise gave a piece of advice to those who want to go under the knife but do not have the means.

Sharing her experience with her patients, she said, "Sa mga nakikita ko sa mga pasyente namin, meron silang nilalagay every month aside, beatification budget.

"And then they forget that that's part of their money or whatever percentage of what you have na extra.

"Let's say ten percent, over the years aabot ka rin do'n and it's an investment.

"Just like you invest in a property, you should invest in yourself and put money aside to make your dreams come true so that you will be more confident and happier."

Vicki feels gratified every time her clients are satisfied with the result of the enhancement.

However, the beauty doctor noted she does not take advantage of it to earn more because it's in her principle to not interfere with her clients' decisions, just like what happened with her recent client, reigning The Clash champion Jessica Villarubin.

Vicki recommended to the Kapuso singer to take breast augmentation but when the latter shook her head, that's when Vicki kept her hands off.

Vicki explained, "Kami naman sa Belo, nagsa-suggest lang kami.

"Tinitingnan naming 'yung pasyente, kung feeling niya okay naman, hindi ko na pinu-push [magpagawa.]

"Parang it's discussion lang between friends. I always think of myself as your best friend in beauty.

"I don't sell, I don't push but I am a knowledgeable person, na if you have questions about beauty and cosmetic surgery, masasagot ko nang mabuti and thoroughly.

"But I will never force anything on anyone 'cause... Of course, if they are comfortable, like other people, kunwari, pango ang nose but komportable sila, I applaud them.

"I'm just here for people na katulad ko na naba-bother talaga sa mga problemang gano'n.

"Pero may may tao d'yan na confident na sila, 'di mo naman kailangan baguhin kahit ano, masaya sila sa sarili nila. Hindi sila naba-bother." -- with interviews by Bong Godinez.