Filipino Aesthetic Medical Leader Endorses European Wellness' Premier Center in Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (Nov 7, 2024) – Dr. Hayden Kho, Managing Director of the Philippines’ renowned Belo Medical Group, has highlighted the transformative potential of regenerative medicine in aesthetic treatments during his inaugural visit to the new European Wellness Premier Center in Kota Kinabalu. The center, which opened its doors on August 22, 2024, has already attracted notable figures in the aesthetic medicine field, including Dr. Vicki Belo, who was the first to receive treatment at the facility.

Kho, who works alongside his wife Dr. Vicki Belo at their prestigious aesthetic clinic chain, believes regenerative therapies will become “the foundation of anti-aging and wellness” in the future of aesthetic medicine. Dr. Belo, a prominent figure in the beauty and aesthetics industry, has established herself as a sought-after expert among celebrities and the general public alike through her innovative approaches to beauty and wellness.

“Regenerative therapies will complement aesthetic treatments significantly,” Kho explained. “While aesthetics focuses on fixing the external surface, regenerative therapies repair at the cellular level. This combination allows us to offer something more holistic to our patients.”

The 44-year-old physician’s collaboration with European Wellness founder Professor Mike Chan stems from a shared vision of advancing innovative medical practices. During his visit, Kho had the opportunity to meet with a group of American doctors and clients, highlighting the center’s international appeal and collaborative spirit. “Our future partnership with European Wellness and Prof. Dr. Mike Chan will help us stay at the forefront of innovation in regenerative therapies,” Kho said. “More importantly, it will help us offer better solutions to our patients while elevating Filipino beauty expertise on a global stage.”

Kho, whose Belo Medical Group has been integrating regenerative approaches into their practice, noted they have successfully incorporated exosome treatments for skin issues over the past five years. He emphasized the rapid evolution of advanced stem cell technologies and the importance of staying updated with the latest developments.

Kho predicted the state-of-the-art facility in Kota Kinabalu would become a pivotal hub for regenerative medicine in Southeast Asia. “The opening of the European Wellness Premier Center in Kota Kinabalu will set the standards in the region and help us become a global player in regenerative therapies,” he stated. “It will provide people in Southeast Asia access to technologies and advanced healthcare previously only available elsewhere.”

Kho also highlighted the center’s potential impact on medical tourism. “This facility will attract people from the West to our region, not only to benefit from these treatments but also to enjoy Southeast Asia’s natural beauty,” he said. “Through medical tourism, it will also benefit local communities throughout the region.”

However, Kho acknowledged several challenges in the adoption of regenerative treatments, including public understanding, accessibility, regulatory requirements, and cost barriers. “People generally don’t try something they don’t understand,” he noted. “The price is a barrier because regenerative therapies, being based on recent technologies and significant R&D, are costly.”

Despite these challenges, Kho remains optimistic about the future of combined aesthetic and regenerative treatments. “Eventually, I won’t be surprised if regenerative therapies replace some cosmetic surgery procedures, offering less invasive options with lower downtime and more natural-looking results,” he predicted.

The Belo Medical Group, founded by Dr. Vicki Belo in 1990, has been at the forefront of aesthetic medicine in the Philippines. Together, Kho and Belo have built a reputation for innovative approaches to beauty and wellness, with their clinics serving as pioneers in introducing new technologies to the Philippine market.

Through future collaboration with European Wellness, Kho aims to make advanced regenerative treatments more accessible while maintaining the highest safety standards. “As we integrate more technologies, we must balance this with safety and patient education,” he emphasized. “Most people don’t fully understand regenerative therapies yet, so education is crucial.”