More Filipinos are embracing cosmetic procedures, a trend that Dr. Joseph “Zeph” Songco has personally observed over the past nine years since founding MedSkin Prime Clinic.

Among the notable clients and ambassadors of Doc Zeph’s clinic are My Day actor Aki Torres, content creator Aldrich Nartia (known as Fonz), and newbie actor Ely Cellan, among many others.

Interestingly, the clientele now includes individuals as young as 18—and even younger.

“Surprised kami kasi mga 18 years old, nagpapa-ano [enhance], may mga 16 years old pa nga kami client,” he revealed in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and select members of the press during an intimate gathering celebrating the clinic’s 9th anniversary at its Pasig City branch.

The cosmetic doctor emphasized that procedures on minors were performed only “with parental consent.”

He added, “Minsan yung parent pa yung nagdadala sa amin. Gusto nilang pagawa yung anak sila.”

Doc Zeph has also noticed an increase in male clients, indicating that more men are now embracing aesthetic treatments.

He said, “Dito sa clinic, pantay na. Fifty-fifty na male and female. Dito sa Pasig, madalas male mga client namin.

“Depende sa kung saan, e. Kkasi sa Pampanga, more on female. Dito sa Pasig, more on male kasi.”

BEAUTY TRENDS

Besides noting an influx of male and younger clients, Doc Zeph also offered some insights into current aesthetic enhancement trends.

Notably, skin brightening still ranks as a leading procedure among Filipinos.

“Marami pa rin yung gustong whitening lalo na sa mga Pilipino. Gusto lang ng tao na makinis. Hindi lang makinis, pantay yung kulay. Bright yung kulay.

“Kasi may mga dull. Usually when we get older, mas nagiging dull yung skin.”

Aside from skin brightening, Doc Zeph has noticed a growing interest in non-surgical nose enhancements among his clients.

And when it comes to celebrity inspirations?

Liza Soberano and Dingdong Dantes top the list!

He shared, “May mga patient ako kay Liza [Soberano]… Usually kay Liza [na nose] yung gusto nila [ipagaya]… Sa lalaki, si Dingdong. Yun yung mga usually na gusto nilang ipagaya.”

Does he always agree to the clients’ desired pegs for nose enhancements?

Doc Zeph replied, “Dapat realistic tayo. I-e-explain ko sa kanya [client] na, na ano talaga, na may puwede ma-improve, but not to copy.

“Kasi may sarili side identity ang ilong natin or yung ibang features natin. Ma-e-enhance lang natin pero hindi natin mababago.”

MEDSKIN’S NINE-YEAR JOURNEY

Meanwhile, Dr. Zeph expressed his gratitude as his clinic marks its ninth anniversary—a milestone that holds deep significance for him.

Before establishing himself in aesthetic medicine, Dr. Zeph worked abroad as a family doctor.

When asked about his decision to make the shift, he said, “Iba yung fulfillment pagka napapaganda mo yung tao. Parang nabibigyan mo sila ng hope.

“Parang ganun. So yun ako, yun ang dahilan kung bakit nagka-interest ako sa aesthetic medicine.”

Reflecting on his journey, he remains dedicated to his core mission of delivering top-notch service at an affordable price.

For Doc Zeph, this dedication is what sets his clinic apart.

“Siguro yung service namin, yung compassion namin sa patient, yung gusto namin mabigyan sila ng magandang result, yun yung dahilan.

“Yung price, economical, affordable. Tapos yung care sa patient, pagka pumasok na yung patient sa amin, we see to it na hindi na sila aalis. Kasi we treat them as family.

As his clinic approaches its 10th year, PEP asked Doc Zeph about his big goals for the future.

He mentioned his plans to expand by opening another branch and further improving each clinic’s services.

“Siguro, balak namin, siguro pinag-isipan namin to branch out more. One more clinic. Tapos to elevate pa rin yung service namin. To improve our service. Siguro yun muna for now.”