Dr. Pie Calayan: The doctor is ‘in’

Gone were the days when cosmetic surgery was a secret waiting to be revealed. Movie stars and public figures alike eternally conclude their TV appearances with that infamous line "Salamat po, doc!" — as if that three-day-old nose job is as ordinary as the zit on their forehead.

This trend has been working to our advantage as a nation. The Philippines is fast becoming a haven for cheap surgical procedures that even maids have their breasts enhanced. Hence, cosmetic surgeons are having the time of their lives — at least, financially.

Liposuctions, eyebag removals and tummy tucks, however, don’t end with the last stitch, so to speak. Continuous maintenance is a must. So cosmetic surgeon to the stars Dr. Manny Calayan must be all too lucky he has someone in the know in his own backyard — literally and figuratively, in the office and at home — in the person of his equally famous wife, Dr. Rosario "Pie" Calayan.

"It feels good because we contributed a lot to the industry in terms of information campaign. We let people know that it’s not really changing your whole self, it’s just enhancing the features," begins Dr. Pie, the tone of her voice spells out authority, an attestation of her professional savvy.

With Manny and their three daughters — Hanna, 16; Bernice, 14 and Andrea, 11 — Dr. Pie has cut-short her clinic hours from eight hours to five hours so she can spend quality time with her family. Their destination: the gym. "As early as now, I also want them to realize how important it is to have a healthy lifestyle," beams Dr. Pie, who is a recipient of the "Parangal sa Magulang" Award in the Field of Medicine in 1996 and "Gintong Ina Awardee" and "Celebrity Mother Award" in 1999.

From a small clinic in Makati in 1995, Calayan Surgicenter has grown into one of the most visited skin specialization clinics in the metropolitan. "TV exposures and word-of-mouth have helped our business thrive," quips Dr. Pie. "The best thing about being in the profession is making people feel good about themselves and not really giving them false hopes. It’s giving them hope that they can do something to improve whatever their concern is."

With a comprehensive line of cosmetic, aesthetic laser and dermatological services, Calayan Surgicenter is equipped with the most recent technologies in the field of dermatology and cosmetic surgery.

"The patients come to the clinic because they know we do the procedures ourselves. They look for us to attend to them," she shares. Asked on her beauty secrets, she says, "I use our products (they have it formulated and you can only buy them at their clinics) and the products I endorse. It is also important to know your skin type in order to know what procedures you need to do with your skin."

All 15 years in the business only brought out the best in Dr. Pie. She’s someone who will not rest on her laurels. "In my clinic, what clients can expect is the continuing service which means I will do the procedures hands-on. I always try to achieve the best," she says. What about the price, is it affordable? Dr. Pie answers: "It depends on what affordable is to the clients. We work on their budgets."

A philosopher once said that anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. That exactly is Dr. Pie Calayan, always "in."