Young doctor sets up multimillion-peso skin + laser clinic

INTERNATIONALLY-trained physician Dr. Shahana Pearl Uy has embarked on a multimillion-peso aesthetic clinic as she expressed confidence on the growing prospects of the beauty business in Cebu.

Uy, the person behind Pearl Medical Aesthetic + Laser Center, said people are now aware of the importance of having good skin in a fast-paced work environment and fierce competition.

Uy said a major part of the initial investment went to the purchase of state-of-the-art machines which are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

As a new player in the market, the 29-year-old physician said they aimed to open a clinic which clients will find reliable and trustworthy.

This is why the 205-square-meter clinic is located on the 7th floor of MSY Tower in Cebu Business Park.

“This is a capital-intensive business because it involves equipment needed for our skin services. In this business, you have to get the machines of the most trusted brands because they give us the desired results,” said Uy.

The Philippine beauty business is topbilled by the likes of Dr. Vicky Belo and Drs. Manny and Pie Calayan who have since established clinics in Cebu.

There are aesthetic physicians and dermatologists in Cebu with established names after several years of practice. They have also built their own client base.

But Uy said they can offer “a more personal touch and pampering treatment” for its clients rather than just a “clinical and antiseptic” approach in dealing with skin issues.

The center currently has nine employees, who underwent intensive training to address the specific needs of clients.

Services include diamond peels, facials, body contouring and skin tightening. The clinic also specializes in removing fine lines and wrinkles, pigments and melasma, face acne scars and abdomen stretch marks.

The young doctor brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is the youngest child of Goldie and Serafin Uy who have business interests in retail and construction. She is a registered nurse and passed the Physician Licensure Examination in 2015.