Special Features

The Scar Project: Healing Scars On The Skin and Soul

by Kevyn Gohu
June 24, 2025

Behind every scar, there’s a story. And with the launch of The Scar Project, every story deserves a chance to heal.

Scars are both physical and emotional. Even eating at our healthiest won’t completely rid us of the wounds. Some of these can leave discolored shadows or thickened areas known as keloids, haunting us with the memory of a bad decision or a toxic situation we had to endure. And as parents, we’re no strangers to those kinds of scars. Whether it’s from an emergency C-Section for moms, a terrible freak accident, or an abusive relationship, so long as these scars don’t go away, it’ll be hard for us to heal and find who we are again.

Thus, The Belo Medical Group launched The Scar Project last June 10, 2025, as “an initiative that brings together decades of medical expertise and a deep understanding of the emotional weight scars can carry.”

Behind every scar, there’s a story. And with the launch of The Scar Project, every story deserves a chance to heal.

The Scar Project: An Initiative Built Over Thirty-Five Years

“Scars are some of the most difficult conditions to treat. But sometimes, life happens—and when it does, we want to be the experts you can count on. Not just to treat the scar, but to walk with you through the healing,” shares Dr. Vicki Belo.

Most healing starts when the physical marks begin fading. As one of the more complex skin problems, scars can take a while before we notice any healing progress. Especially for wounds that run deep, the amount of repair work can sometimes be overwhelming even for the human body to do on its own. The Scar Project, however, sends a message that no healing journey is done alone. The emotional and physical healing work hand-in-hand, with the complete removal or erasure of the scar sometimes being the ultimate form of closure.

“This project is for those who feel stuck in the past because of the scars they see in the mirror every day. It’s for those who’ve done the inner work, but still carry the outer reminder of something painful. This is our way of giving back,” shared Dr. Hayden Kho, Belo Medical Group’s Managing Director.

During The Scar Project’s launch, the Belo Medical group was joined by its ambassadors: moms like Iza Calzado and Belle Daza, and stars of the next generation, Bianca Umali and Donny Pangilinan. A panel discussion was moderated by Korina Sanchez-Roxas, and joining Dr. Vicki Belo were Dr. Lutgardo Caparas Jr. (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery), Dr. Dax Carlo Pascasio (Craniofacial Surgery), Dr. Gary Bunagan (Oculoplastic Surgery), and Dr. Joan Mae G. Perez-Rifareal (Psychiatry)—a few of the specialists from the team of doctors volunteering their expertise for this healing journey.

Transform Scars Into Something Empowering

The guilt and shame of having a scar on our bodies can sometimes prevent us from seeking help. It paralyzes us with thoughts, “What if they don’t understand?”, “It was my fault to begin with.”, “I’ll keep it to never forget and to make sure I don’t make the same mistakes.” But these thoughts can also leave us closed off from new experiences — ones that can prove that the scars we have are only a small part of who we are.

And sometimes, the best way to change those thoughts is to go on a journey. One that’s a witness to real physical change.

The Scar Project is a commitment to walk alongside those who carry their scars every day, offering not just treatment, but understanding. Applications are now open for those ready to share their story and begin their healing journey. Submit your stories at https://www.beloscarproject.com/. Follow The Belo Scar Project on Instagram and Facebook for more information.