The name Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo is synonymous with medical excellence. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Aivee has carved a path to innovation and leadership in the field of dermatology and aesthetic surgery. Her dedication to her profession and the community she’s serving has earned her multiple recognitions throughout the years, such as the Merz Tala Award and the recent Galderma Red Diamond Award. We could go on and on about her achievements but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo Photography by Pat Buenaobra

For this year’s Metro Fascinating Women feature, she was gracious enough to give us a chunk of her extremely busy day to sit down and talk so we can dig deeper. We wanted to learn more about her pivotal moments, personal philosophies, and her commitment to uplift women in both her professional and personal spheres. Truly, the hidden gems behind the numerous awards on her shelf.

Not your ordinary derm clinic

Dr. Aivee's rise to prominence can be traced back to 2009, the same year she, together with her husband Dr. Z Teo, established the Aivee Clinic in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. With a vision to redefine dermatology as a lifestyle and the desire to serve more and more people, she took the road less-traveled and built her unique version of what a dermatology clinic should be like. With fresh, relaxing scents, instead of the typical sterile hospital smell, emanating from the four walls of her pristine yet artistically designed beauty haven; a harpist’s melodies calming patients as soon as they enter the establishment; and a café especially built to serve patients and guests the healthiest meal they could ever eat during their visit, there’s no denying her personal touch when it comes to the all the Aivee clinics.

While it remained true to its purpose of being a venue for treatments and medical procedures, its expansive 450-square-meter space exuded French-inspired elegance—a stark contrast to the traditional white-walled clinics we see often. “From the usual just a small clinic, [based] from what we see in the metropolis, we created a big space where people can do their treatments and at the same time feel pampered,” she shared.

Related Story: Beauty Beyond Borders: How The Aivee Clinic Champions Accessible Beauty

With zero plans of stopping just yet, Dr. Aivee expanded her vision seven years later with the inauguration of The A Institute. A 1,200-square-meter facility that seamlessly integrated dermatology, plastic surgery, and hair transplant services under one roof. This further highlighted Dr. Aivee's holistic approach to wellness where she started offering clients a comprehensive suite of treatments to enhance both their appearance and well-being.As someone who obviously loves to break barriers, Dr. Aivee, in a bold move with Dr. Z, opened their first international branch in Singapore years after.

Breaking barriers through 'Beauty Beyond Borders'

Speaking of breaking barriers, Dr. Aivee's commitment to social impact can be seen through her philanthropic endeavors with Beauty Beyond Borders. What began as a small clinic project around 20 years ago, where she offered free services on Saturdays, has evolved into a foundation dedicated to transforming lives and instilling hope in marginalized communities. “My advocacy is really building confidence and changing lives,” explained Dr. Aivee. “The platform which is ‘Beauty Beyond Borders’ has really helped me to be able to really make a difference in the lives of people, not only in the people who see me in the clinic, by going to the different communities and changing the lives of people.”

Beauty Beyond Borders

Through Beauty Beyond Borders Foundation, Dr. Aivee and her team work with local government units and hold mission trips to barangays and other remote areas. They provide surgical and dermatological interventions to those in need but with not enough means to pay for their services. “I provide free dermatological services and free medication for them. We attend to at least 500 patients every visit,” Dr. Aivee shared. “I bring my whole team of about 60 people composed of doctors, surgeons, dermatologists, nurses, and staff. We provide surgical and dermatological, services. We take out moles, warts, lumps, and cysts, and we really created a big positive change because these people have no means to be able to afford these services. I think this is really not their priority. And us being able to do that for them really creates a very very big change in their confidence.”

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Empowerment is not just a buzzword but a lifelong mission

Apart from her advocacy initiative, it is pretty obvious that this award-winning doctor’s life-changing influence extends far beyond the confines of her clinics. With every professional goal that she accomplishes, it is also interesting to note that women dominate the majority of her team.

'I employ 95% women. I think the fact that I’m able to provide employment to a lot of women, I’m encouraging women to be financially independent,” Dr. Aivee proudly declared. 'My management team is 100% women. I’m teaching [them] to grow as a person not only in their family life but also in their career as well. I make sure that they rise from the ranks.

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Moreover, Dr. Aivee's impact resonates deeply with her patients, many of whom find newfound confidence and self-assurance under her care. As a dermatologist, she not only enhances their outward appearance but also instills a sense of empowerment, encouraging them to embrace their unique beauty and sense of self. “In my line of work as a dermatologist, I deal with 90% women. So I help them be confident and feel good about themselves and I think that empowers them to become better people,” she said.

Fulfilled in many aspects of life

Given her foundation, the people she continuously empowers, as well as the achievements and accolades she has under her belt, the definition of being an accomplished person for Dr. Aivee doesn’t just revolve around one’s life’s work. For her, success also includes her many little wins through her other roles as a wife and a mother.

Despite the demands of her career, she approaches the delicate balance between work and family with grace and determination to do what she needs to do. She confidently shared that though taxing at times, “it’s not challenging to be a mom, a wife, and also having your own career at the same time. I think it’s about proper time management and setting priorities. I think it also helps that I have a capable team who helps me execute the things that I need to do.”

Like the power woman that she is, working 6 to sometimes 7 days a week, she further elaborated on some of the many things that push her to move forward when it gets a little tougher. “I feel very fulfilled if I’m successful in my career by having my own career that I’m proud of [and by] being financially independent as well. At the same time, having a successful family life, being a supportive wife, being a good mother, and raising responsible obedient kids,” she said. “At the same time, also, making sure that you take care of yourself. I think self-care is very important. Valuing yourself as a person [and] as a woman is important [by] making sure that you’re also being able to build your personal needs.”

Related Story: A World-Class Act: The Aivee Clinic Wins #1 in Ultherapy in Asia Pacific

Future filled with females

Looking ahead, Dr. Aivee, who grew up surrounded by equally empowered and accomplished sisters, envisions a world where women continue to rise and lead across all industries. She sees a future with more women finding their voice, assuming leadership roles, and inspiring others through their own advocacies. “A lot of women have a voice now. They’re outspoken, they’re more responsible, and they’re making a name for themselves,” she shared. “I feel that these women are the ones who will continue to inspire other women to also do the same. I foresee that there will be more women leaders in the future and holding key positions not only in the Philippines but in the world as well.”

Photographer and Videographer: Pat Buenaobra
Editor-in-Chief: Geolette Esguerra
Sittings Editors: Red Dimaandal, Kate Paras-Santiago, and Grace Libero-Cruz
Makeup retoucher: Team Muriel Vega Perez for Dior Beauty
Hair retoucher: Dwayne Santos Bautista of Marqed Salon BGC
Shoot assistant: Mika Yusay
Shot on location at Moda Interni
Special thanks to Jenica Chuahiock, Nikki Sindiong, and Manam Comfort Filipino