Maria Katrina Paras

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The Scar Project by Belo Medical Group

<p>Launched in 2024, <a href="https://beloscarproject.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Scar Project</strong></a>, the brainchild of <strong>Dr. Hayden Kho</strong>, is back with amazing news: <strong>seven individuals </strong>have already been chosen and have started to get life-changing treatments by the <strong>Belo Medical Group</strong>. From seemingly fatal scars to bodily deformities, these seven participants gain a semblance of hope through this meaningful cause. Just recently, the Belo group presented its progress.</p><p>Leading this milestone is a historic surgical achievement: Belo has performed the <strong>first-ever facial bone reconstruction in the Philippines using a custom-made, 3D-printed high- density polyethylene implant</strong>, restoring the underlying structure of a patient’s face with a level of precision previously unavailable in the local setting. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779092645388The Scar Project Belo Medical Group event 2026.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">L-R: Belo Medical Group CEO Gina Lorenzana, Dr. Vicki Belo, Dr. Hayden Kho, and Dr. Dax Pascasio at The Scar Project progress report event</span></span></span>The procedure was performed on <strong>Kirsten Sofia Barin</strong>, a 20-year-old born with multiple facial clefts—a rare condition where portions of the cheekbones, lips, and surrounding facial structures did not fully form at birth. This resulted in severe facial asymmetry that could not be corrected using standard techniques.</div><p>&quot;Because of the asymmetry and the irregular contour of the defect, there is no pre-fabricated implant that could give a satisfactory result for Kirsten’s case,” said<strong> Dr. Dax Pascasio</strong>, the lead maxillofacial surgeon on the case. “As far as we know, there is no documented case of a facial cleft repaired using a custom-fabricated HDPE implant in the Philippines.” </p><p>The surgery required careful planning and execution, especially given the complexity of operating on previously treated areas.               </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779093574298The Scar Project Kristen.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Dr. Hayden Kho with Kirsten Sofia Barin</span></span></span></div><div>                                         </div><div><a href="https://metro.style/metro-style/beauty/2025/6/22/the-belo-scar-project-1354" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a href="https://metro.style/metro-style/beauty/2025/6/22/the-belo-scar-project-1354" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Belo Medical Group Launches The Scar Project, Calls for Seven Brave Stories</a></div><div><br/></div><p>The Belo Scar Project is a purpose-driven initiative aimed at providing advanced, fully customized treatment to individuals living with life-altering scars. The overwhelming response underscored the scale of need, with hundreds of Filipinos sharing stories of trauma, illness, and long-term physical and emotional impact.</p><p>“The volume of submissions changed us,” said <strong>Dr. Vicki Belo, Founder</strong>, <strong>Chairwoman</strong>, and <strong>Medical Director of the Belo Medical Group</strong>. “You begin to realize that scars are truly never just physical. They shape how people live, what they avoid, and what they believe they deserve. Choosing the First Seven was about identifying where we could create the most meaningful change.”   </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779092975269The Scar Project Belo Medical Group First 7.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Clockwise: Audrey, Ayen, Christinelle, Camille, Kirsten, Sophia, Pyra, and Dr. Vicki Belo</span></span></span></div><p>Another participant is <strong>Sophia Abalon</strong>, an 8-year-old whose life is being changed through The Scar Project and an admirable, unshakeable, joyful outlook. “I want to dance again”, says the burn victim, who has had to undergo 26 surgeries in the past months. Dr. Hayden encouraged her and promised to help her achieve her goals for her future.</p><p>Her treatment involves staged contracture release surgeries, advanced scar remodeling, rehabilitation, and comprehensive long-term care designed to restore both function and quality of life. </p><p>Across all seven cases, Belo’s medical team applies a fully customized, multi-disciplinary approach that combines surgery, laser technologies, regenerative treatments, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Each case is approached as a long-term journey, recognizing that meaningful transformation takes time.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779093804599The Scar Project Belo Medical Group Iza Calzado.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Iza Calzado, Sophia Abalon, and Dr. Vicki Belo</span></span></span> With the help of amazing partners, brilliant medical expertise, and the application of cutting-edge science, these individuals have started to go through physical transformation that would eventually lead to better lives. The goal is to reflect on the inside what is seen on the outside. </div><p>“This project represents a different level of responsibility,” said <strong>Gina Lorenzana</strong>,<strong> CEO of Belo Medical Group</strong>. “We are not treating isolated concerns. We are committing to full journeys. That requires coordination, discipline, and a system that supports patients every step of the way.”                                                        </p><p>Sophia and Kirsten are just some of the many lives being changed by this project. A project that once began as a dream for Dr. Hayden Kho and Dr. Vicki Belo is now a reality unfolding for seven people. Seven lives can eventually grow to the thousands, not just in the country but all over the world. The Scar Project is transforming pain into beautiful reminders of purpose and hope.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>To support or learn more, visit <a href="https://beloscarproject.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">beloscarproject.com</a></em></div>

<p>The Scar Project is transforming pain into beautiful reminders of purpose and hope.</p>

The Scar Project is transforming pain into beautiful reminders of purpose and hope.

Why You Should Care About The Scar Project by Belo Medical Group

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Why You Should Care About The Scar Project by Belo Medical Group

Metro.Style Team

Published May 19, 2026 12:00 AM PHT

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