Most of us visit a skin or aesthetic clinic with a concern. It could be stubborn acne that refuses to go away, the wish to look a little more refreshed, or simply curiosity about a new treatment. But these are often just starting points. Knowing what your skin actually needs, and which treatment is right for you, can be another matter altogether.

For the family behind One World Skin and Wellness, choosing a treatment begins with proper medical guidance. The medical aesthetics and wellness center recently opened at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong, expanding from its first location in Quezon City.

Established by chief executive officer and plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Christopher Uy Ang, chief operating officer Suzzane Ong Tan, and dermatologist Dr. Charlene Marie Ang-Tiu, who heads its dermatology department, One World has grown from a single branch in Quezon City to six branches, along with the One World Surgery Center.

The company opened during the pandemic in 2022. It wasn’t the easiest time to start a company, especially when it involves close contact with patients. “We wanted to reach more people and provide expert, personalized care without compromising on quality,” Dr. Brian tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “We chose to open during the pandemic because we saw an even greater need for accessible, trustworthy healthcare, and wellness services.”

He added that during uncertain periods like this, people were paying closer attention to their health, self-care, and wellbeing.

As One World expanded, the challenge was not simply opening more branches, but making sure patients received the same level of care whichever branch they visit.

This meant finding a balance between maintaining quality and keeping services reasonably priced. Suzanne emphasizes, “Our clients’ trust and satisfaction matter greatly to us. One of our biggest challenges is managing the rising costs and expenses while still keeping our services affordable.”

One World calls this approach “One Standard.” Whether a patient comes in for a facial or undergoes surgery, the same attention to safety and care applies. Recommendations are based on proper assessment, while patients are encouraged to understand and take part in decisions about their care. They put importance on making the experience feel personal and being clear about what a treatment can and cannot do.

Doctors and staff across all six branches undergo regular training and follow established protocols. Doctors are also on duty at the branches, while procedures that require a physician are performed only by qualified doctors. “We keep all our branches aligned through regular training, clear protocols, and shared goals among our doctors and staff,” says Suzzane.

These protocols also apply to the One World Surgery Center. The facility is accredited by the Department of Health and the Philippine College of Surgeons and follows guidelines covering pre-operative assessment, the procedure itself, post-operative care, and follow-up.

Social media has made it easier to learn about the latest facials, injectables, lasers, and skin boosters. But Dr. Charlene says the first step should still be finding out what your skin actually needs.

Among the treatments she recommends are Korean facials, Alma treatments, acne treatments, and doctor-led injectables such as Botox and skin boosters. Dr. Charlene says choosing the right treatment depends on what each person’s skin needs. “These are some of our underrated treatments that can make a noticeable difference when done consistently and appropriately,” she says. This is why doctors assess each client first before recommending treatments that can give the best and most natural-looking results.

For those considering a dermatological or aesthetic treatment for the first time, she offers this advice—“Start early, be consistent, and take care of what you can prevent.” She adds that there is nothing wrong with wanting to maintain healthy skin as we get older. What matters is choosing treatments that are safe, appropriate, and guided by a qualified doctor.

From the start, One World wanted its services to be accessible, and that meant more than keeping prices reasonable.

With six branches in key cities, the goal is to make regular skin and wellness care easier to maintain. Packages are also offered for treatments that require several sessions or ongoing maintenance. “We believe that great skin takes time and commitment. There’s no instant fix unless you opt for surgery,” says Suzzane.

They also offer services under health and wellness, including hair and scalp care, hair regrowth, slimming treatments, Indiba services for slimming and intimate wellness, Body Reboot, and doctor consultations. As with its skin and aesthetic services, patients are assessed first so recommendations are based on their individual needs.

Wellness is also not limited to what can be seen in a before-and-after photo. “It’s about making time for self-care, feeling good, and becoming more confident in yourself,” Suzanne says. “Sometimes, it’s the way a client feels after a treatment, the confidence they carry, the way they feel more comfortable in their own skin, and the renewed sense of self-love.”

Running six branches and a surgery center also means learning how to grow the business while maintaining the trust that helped build it.

Suzzane says working as a family has helped them through the challenges that came with expansion. “We’ve gone through challenges together, and each one has only made our relationship stronger. We support each other, learn from each experience, and continue to grow together.”

Even as One World continues to expand, she says the relationships behind the business remain important. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about the work or the business. It’s about the relationships, trust, and family we build along the way.”