From acne scar correction to “glass skin” procedures, demand for aesthetic dermatology continues to rise among Filipinos seeking both medical and cosmetic skin treatments.
Riding that momentum, dermatologist Dr. Kei George Rebolledo has opened a larger Kutis by Kei (KBK) clinic in Mandaluyong City, complete with expanded treatment rooms and a new German laser platform designed for rosacea, post-acne redness, and vascular skin conditions.
Located on the second floor of the Zitan Building along Shaw Boulevard corner Sto. Cristo Street, the new clinic spans 150 square meters and features seven treatment rooms and cubicles, significantly larger than the brand’s previous Mandaluyong branch.
“We saw a consistent increase in demand, especially in this area. We had a smaller clinic in the same location, but it became clear that we needed a bigger space to accommodate more clients,” Rebolledo said during the clinic launch.
The dermatologist revealed that the original Mandaluyong branch measured only 45 square meters, forcing some patients to wait outside during peak hours.
“I felt sorry for the patients because sometimes they would line up. We actually needed to put chairs outside because there were so many,” he recalled.
The expansion marks another milestone for Rebolledo, whose practice began during the Covid-19 pandemic inside his family garage after lockdown restrictions made it impossible to immediately open a formal clinic.
Today, KBK operates four Metro Manila branches located in Parañaque, Makati, Mandaluyong and Quezon City.
Dermatology beyond aesthetics
While aesthetic medicine has become increasingly mainstream, Rebolledo emphasized that dermatology extends far beyond cosmetic enhancement.
“When we say dermatology, it means treating both skin diseases and aesthetic concerns. Dermatologists can do both,” he explained.
Among the clinic’s most in-demand procedures are acne scar treatments, severe acne management, and melasma therapy, conditions commonly encountered among Filipino patients.
“So many patients with acne scars think nothing can be done anymore. But now, because of many developments with procedures, it is treatable,” he said.
The clinic has also seen rising interest in newer regenerative procedures such as bio-stimulators, which encourage collagen production naturally rather than relying heavily on traditional fillers.
“We want tighter, lifted skin and glass skin. We can achieve that using bio-stimulators and skin moisturizers,” Rebolledo said.
He noted that patients today are increasingly informed about aesthetic trends because of social media platforms such as TikTok.
“The challenging part about aesthetics is every few months there’s something new,” he pointed out.
New laser technology introduced
During the opening, KBK introduced the QuadroStarPRO Yellow Laser, a Germany-made dermatologic laser system currently exclusive to the Mandaluyong branch.
Manufactured by Asclepion, the device is designed primarily for redness-related skin conditions including rosacea, telangiectasia, post-acne erythema, hemangiomas, and other vascular lesions. It may also be used as an adjunctive treatment for melasma and certain pigment-related concerns.
“This is one of the gold standard treatments for rosacea. A lot of patients now have redness or visible blood vessels on the face,” he explained.
The laser operates at a 577nm wavelength, which closely aligns with oxyhemoglobin absorption, allowing more precise targeting of blood vessels while minimizing surrounding thermal damage.
Compared with traditional 532nm green lasers, the technology is reported to offer improved vascular precision and reduced melanin interaction, making it particularly relevant for patients with darker skin types that are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Rebolledo also highlighted the importance of using medically reliable equipment amid the growing number of lower-cost aesthetic machines entering the market.
“Laser is a very exact science. Cheaper machines may mean cheaper treatments, but safety is always the most important,” he said.
The system features integrated cooling and a scanning delivery mechanism that allows more uniform treatment across larger areas, improving patient comfort during procedures.
Beyond vascular applications, the machine may also be used for skin tone improvement and selected benign lesions such as keloids, keratoses, and warts.
Social media and patient trust
Rebolledo credits social media for helping grow the clinic’s audience, particularly among overseas Filipino workers who follow his content online.
“They watch me from all around the world. When they come here, they’re very excited to see me because they already know me from social media,” he said.
The clinic also attracts a growing male clientele, which Rebolledo attributes partly to the increasing normalization of aesthetic treatments among men.
Beyond technical expertise, however, the dermatologist believes patient relationships remain central to the business.
“The patient’s trust and confidence in you is sometimes even more important than all the things you know,” he said.
As KBK continues to expand, Rebolledo said the focus remains on balancing innovation with patient comfort and evidence-based care.
“We want patients to feel at ease the moment they walk in. The space should convey relaxation and trust in the quality of care we provide,” Rebolledo concluded.
