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CB Skincare American Laser Skincare unprofessional, dangerous, painful and no refund!
American Laser Skincare

American Laser Skincare review: unprofessional, dangerous, painful and no refund! 609

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12:00 am EDT
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After being burned by their laser on 4/13/07, I have contacted their corporate office dozens of times with no response . The procedure was so painful, I had to stop stop the treatment. It left burns on my legs.

I had paid over $2,700 for a service package, but will no longer return to their clinic. It was the most painful, unprofessional experience I've gone through. I have demanded a refund on services not rendered but cannot get anyone to address my complaint. The customer service department has transferred my case to the "appropriate department," but I am still waiting to hear from them. I have called almost every day since 4/13/07 (today is 5/16/07), and am always transferred to an unidentified voicemail box. I have left a message every time.

Beware people!

Update by Anonymous
Jun 13, 2009 8:42 am EDT

Update on my original post on 5/16/07 - With no success after letters to my state's AG, the BBB, and ALC corporate headquarters, I was contacted by ALC on 10/15/08, after they saw my posting. Here is an excerpt from their email to me, "I was notified by our marketing department for American Laser Centers about your blog, and am currently a member of the Customer Service Team. As a result, of course I am familiar with the refunding policy changes and am responsible for screening eligible clients for refund. I notice in your case you had started treatments, and I am guessing that is why you were denied refund. It used to be only clients that had not received any treatments could be refunded. However, ALC has reviewed their policies under new ownership and are refunding treated clients the unused portions of their contracts if they still wish to cancel services. Since yours was the first posting that I saw online I thought I would contact you first in the hopes that you would want to work with me to get your matter resolved. "

On 10/21/08, the representative asked me for my Care Credit information so they could process a partial refund.

On 1/6/09, I asked for a status of my refund. On 1/23/09, their response was, "I apologize but this still has not been completed." Also, "Accounting has given us 12-16 weeks as timeframes but I know that those are only estimates and that we truly do apologize for this delay."

I checked in again on 6/10/09 - EIGHT months after they said they were issuing a refund. Their response was a request for photos of the injuries I suffered! I'm back to square one.

I'm not holding my breath; it's obvious they never started the refund process at all. The only recourse I have is to keep you all updated on this blog.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

609 comments
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Anonymous
Nov 18, 2008 4:43 pm EST

Wow! Thanks for everyone posting. I also received a phonecall that i won $300.00 towards a package and the consultation was free. After reading this i canceled. It is not right that these people are taking money away from alot of brides ( filled out a raffle at bridal show)who i am sure are having a hard enough time paying for a wedding. Amazing what people do for money!

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Jossie
Nov 18, 2008 6:06 pm EST

I totaly agree with all of you, I also had the opportunitty to work for this company as an assistant manager, and believe me at the beginning I was so excited cause I have been working for medical spas the last 10 years, I thought that ALCP will be a great place to work for the beneficts...well it didn't take to long to figure thing out; I am a great salles person, but I am also really honest, I like to help my clients to get the right treatment for them...but like you said ALCP is about the $$$ only...after 6 month working for them I left, and I felt so bad cause a lot of clients have my cell phone and they called me to complaint how the manager and new assitant manager don't follow with the agreement they signed with me; I felt so bad, but I just don't know how can I help them...If anyone has an idea please let me know...Thank, sorry that I didn't posted my name is still to recent that I left the company.

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meme
Williamsburg, US
Nov 24, 2008 11:02 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Please please please, if ANYBODY is starting a class action law - particularly in VA, please let me join. I can even begin to say all the trouble I've been through with this company. And, by the way, Heater works for them. She is the rudest of the customer representatives. When you call, they will say that they are going to help you and they will never call again

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ruffriders23
Rio Rancho, US
Nov 24, 2008 12:38 pm EST

When you call the [protected] number and FINALLY get to someone, you have succeeded in a miracle! I spoke to their general council and they informed me that the office in Albuquerque, NM is individually owned and is not a franchise, even though they use their name and logos.

We will be filing a small claims lawsuit against the office locally.

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Amused
Nov 27, 2008 3:49 pm EST

I think it's amazing the amount of people on here who are "tricked" into signing and made supposed "verbal" agreements.
Unless you are mentally ###ed (which maybe some of you are) you are never TRICKED into anything! I have not had the BEST experience with American Laser but they have given me a partial refund because I got pregnant and don't see myself wanting to continue. Granted, they take forever to actually give the refund, and try to convince you to freeze your account, but YES I got a refund and have the teeth I pulled to prove it. I am not a promoter for this company, but I do have something to say about AGGRESSIVE STUPIDITY which many of you have (namely, "anonymous")!

I have had dental work, cosmetic surgery, etc. within my life (and I'm sure many of you have as well) and challenge ANYONE to go to any doctor's office after your freaking botox comes back after a month instead of the 3 - 6 months (happened to me) or your idiot dentist didn't pack the cavity tight enough so you have to actually get a ROOT CANAL done instead of just a freaking filling...(I can continue forever) and demand your money back. Yeah, go do it - and bring someone with you so they can witness as the staff looks at you like you are OUT OF YOUR MIND (because you are)!

GET OVER YOUR WHINING and realize that NOTHING in life is guaranteed I don't care what ANYONE says. If there was such a thing as getting your money back due to your OWN IRRESPONSIBILITY then I sure hope that is true! That means that ALL those people who got ARMs will be getting a refund on their mortgage and that "bailout" will actually help our economy.

How pathetic are you people to not realize that these "promises" that any company throws out there are set to ALWAYS suck you in (Marketing 101) and yet you eat up like a bunch of robotic sheep yet in the SAME stupid state of mind complain and boo hoo about it. WAKE UP and start taking ownership and responsibility for your choices in life (it's called a backbone), and quit wasting your time in life by lawyers that are also selling YOU false promises about their services of justice. Oh yeah, and when it doesn't work out for you? Go ahead and try suing the lawyer that directed you where to go because s/he lied to you too, right? THANK YOU TO MOST OF YOU FOR INTRODUCING THE DEFINITION OF IGNORANCE IN A VERBAL FORM!

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Anonymous
Dec 03, 2008 10:09 am EST

I have been going to the ALC in Lynnfield, MA, for three years. They have been working on my face and, more recently, my arms. While there has been reduction, the hair is most definitely not all gone. Once my alloted time was up, the hair came back. Thinner, but still there and darker and more of it in some places as opposed to others. I was told I could buy another package based on how much hair I thought was left (ie - if I thought there was 90% reduction, I could buy a package for 10% of the going rate, which was, naturally, much higher than what I paid originally).

They have the same problems in terms of staff turnover and one of the girls I saw just once did burn my face.

Also, I recently went for a microderabrasion and my face was *scratched* during the procedure. I called and the girl I spoke with started talking about dry skin - this wasn't dry skin, these were abrasions. I was promised a call from the manager - which I didn't recieve. I called back the next day and had the girl tell me she had a note to call me back - of course she did, she was the one who took my call the day before and promised me a call from the manager. I went in for them to take photos and "update my chart" - they gave me Aquafor and tinted SPF and again promised a call from the manager.
I had to call again and tell them I was still waiting (there was, apparently, no note made to my chart stating that I was waiting for a call. This may or may not have been true, but the manager called while I was in the room and I heard her say she would call.

When I finally spoke with her, she outright stated that the whole thing was my fault because of the face wash that I was using. Everything that I brought up as having gone wrong was somehow my fault and not the fault of the girl who did the micro.

I would have been OK if she'd just apologized. After all, I had been going there for years and not had any major problems. Her reaction, however, proved to me that they have no interest in anything but money and saving themselves from a lawsuit. She actually started talking about my "next micro" and was surprised when I told her they would not be touching my face again.

In an effort to appease me, she offered more laser treatments on my face, which I won't be taking, and to have them double-pass on my arms, despite the fact that they stopped doing this a while ago because their new machines are supposedly so much better. Doesn't exactly seem safe to me, so I will not let them do that, either. I told her that I would be going to my arm appointments only because they had been paid for, but that they would not get any more business from me.

To top it all off, I went to my next arm appointment the girl (again, whom I had never seen before) started to work on my face and when I told her she it wasn't a face appointment she was surprised and didn't know what area I was there for. Apparently, they don't bother to read files now before randomly starting to use a laser on someone!

I have referred a number of people to that location and have made sure to let them know that blaming the client for an employee's error is what they consider "Customer Service."

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Deb
Dec 04, 2008 12:22 pm EST

I spent over $7500 with American Laser Centers. Complained the treatments weren't working, was told they'd do double passes. Wow, kinda painful, kinda time consuming and STILL not working. When I complained to the manager again, she didn't even bother to respond and when I approached her in the office physically she RAN out! I filed a complaint with the Attorney General's office in the State of Michigan. They arleady had all their information because their were NUMEROUS complaints about them. When that wasn't getting anywhere, I filed a complaint with the local Better Business Bureau, no response, so the case was closed. Just recently I thought to myself, gee all these complaints and this company is taking EVERYONE's money. Time for a little justice. So I'm emailing every agency, newspaper and newstation I can to let them know about what's going on and to warn the general public. If they don't want to even work with us, let alone return a phone call, or answer a complaint, they can be exposed. Not refunding a little money in the long run is going to cost them their business. I suggest everyone's who had this experience and believe me there are many. Look up ALC on youtube: their laser is NOT permanent-it's documented-contact YOUR local news, radio, papers, tv. Also associated press who launches press releases nationally. Their email address is info@ap.org. It only takes a few minutes for each one of us. And, gee what else do you have to lose? If anything, I'm finding it AWESOME therapy and am really enjoying it myself. After all the hoops I've jumped through a customer service rep actually had the audacity to FINALLY contact me to tell me that if I would have complained before my 2 year guarantee expired she could have done something. WHAT?! Gee, thought I did - that's what the BBB is for, the Attorney General's office and their corporate offices. No reply? Well let's see if they reply to the media shall we? How much can ALC afford NOT to refund our monies? We'll soon see!

Also, please email info@glancylaw.com if you are interested in joining in a class action lawsuit.

Thank you for reading and remember if you don't stand for something you'll never stand up for anything . . .empower yourself again!

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ann54
Frederick, US
Dec 07, 2008 6:08 pm EST

STAY AWAY FROM VA & MD ALC THEY ARE BROTHER AND SISTER OWN. THEY HIRE AND FIRE EMPLOYEES FASTER THAN ANY DRIVE THRU. THEY NEVER TRAIN ANY OF THEIR EMPLOYEES AND EVEN MANAGERS TOO. THEY LIE TO PEOPLE, THEY NEVER BOTHER TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES OR PROBLEMS THAT CLIENTS MAY HAVE. THEY NEVER- NEVER RETURN MONEY UNLESS YOU SHOW UP AT THEIR FREDRICKS MD OFFICE. SHAME ON THEM THEIR FAMILY AND EMPLOYEES THAT LIED TO PEOPLE, SCAM PEOPLE INTO THESE PROCEDURES AND EVEN UNDER AGE KIDS.

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ALC VA AND MD. CALL THE BBB AND STATE COMISSION AND HAVE THEIR LISCENE AND BUSINESS SHUT DOWN. THEY ARE CURRENTLY SOON TO OPEN ANOTHER ALC IN THE TYSONS/ VIENNA AREA. SHUT THESE SCAM ### HOLE DOWN. JOIN TOGETHER AND SUE THEM.

THEY THINK THEIR IN HOUSE LAWYER CAN SOLVE ALL ALL SUITS. PROVE THEM WRONG. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY BUSINESS. STAY AWAY FROM THESE ### HOLE.

STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY!

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e.e.
Austin, US
Dec 07, 2008 10:14 pm EST

American Laser Center in Austin, TX is the worst experience of mine. First of all, 1.5 year of treatments seems not to be working at all. The hair is still there. Whenever I would express my cocnerns about the effectivness of the treatments, I was always told to give it some time. However, my patience has been running out as there are no effects. Secondly, this particular center has NO IDEA what a customer service is. They were very rude. One time I had an appointment - I came about 5 minutes before my appointment just to wait another 25 minutes for the technician to get ready. I got a little upset about that fact and when I tried to point it out, the technician got EXTREMELY rude to me. I have never been treated so bad in my entire life. Especially in a place where you pay a lot of money and you expect not only the good service but also good customer manners. It was a huge disappointment, they did not respect my time at all. Thirdly, they never answer the phone, it is always the answering machine. In order for them to call me back, I need to leave a few messages first as they never call back after the first message.
I wish I have never gone to that place. I have been reading what other people's thoughts and disappointments are and it looks like there is no chance of getting your money back. I think it would be fair to ask for some kind of reimbursement in a case where the service is not what was expected. Please, be careful in what you choosing. Do not choose Americal Laser.

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ann54
Frederick, US
Dec 10, 2008 9:24 pm EST

HEY MY NAME IS CHARRY AND MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS :

cbaldock@aolpartner.com

Iim gay and I love Melissa and Brian. They are all in the same faily and sleep with one another. I sleep with them too.

ALC love to screw you for money. Please give us your money if you want us to burn u and scam you.

Love Charry.

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Barbara
Marrero, US
Dec 13, 2008 12:00 pm EST

I was looking into Laser hair removal and came upon the ALC site. I entered to win the contest. I wasn't even off the site for 3 minutes when they contacted me by phone. Thankfully this raised big caution flags for me. Then I came upon this site. Thank you all foryour posts. This site has saved me from making a bigmistake. I hope you all get your money back and stick it to this company. It is shameful what they are doing to people.

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aggiepundit
Austin, US
Dec 18, 2008 11:23 am EST

Total Thumbs down. I went in there recently and was put off by their rush to get me to sign a contract. Like a fool, I did sign up but started having serious misgivings based on their eagerness to throw in free stuff with my asking (which indicates that even with deep 50%+ discounts, they are still overpriced), and the insistence on a complete financial commitment from customers before they even see one treatment.

Had I gone with my gut, I would've walked out, but I had stars in my eyes about being hairless.

Long story short, I had a medical contraindication, and was told OUTRIGHT that they could not do anything without a fax from my doctor saying it was ok. That's smart policy.

While the doc might have sent the fax, I decided that the pricing was horrible, and that the risk of burn was too high - especially given the nature of my other condition. So I had the doctor not send the fax.

Only problem is - they processed payment immediately. Talk about a red flag! They were willing to charge my account before they had medical clearance, despite their own policy.

Now they will refund 90% of the cost without question, since I never had any service done. BUT - they jumped the gun in processing payment, so I had the credit company close the account, place the charge in dispute, and have notified ALC that I will not be paying them a dime.

If you call the finance company and dispute the charge, they will sweep the entire amount back from ALC. So you're essentially protected there, but may have to fight ALC if they try to bill you for the 10%. I've written the CEO, and expect satisfactory resolution. I think i'm lucky - if it comes to a court case, my guess is a jury would side with me, even if the paperwork says I owe 10%. That is a company policy, and I don't think that you have a contract if it is contingent on a doctor's permission. At least in real estate, those contingencies count.

We'll see what happens, but the only recourse they have, really, is to bill me or send it to a collections agent. Time to go to FreeCreditReport.com and start watching things like a hawk.

Fight back! There is the better business bureau, the local newspaper, Clark Howard (national consumer radio show), the courts, and the credit card companies. It might take some effort, but I don't think in most cases, if you fight them or even just send a letter from a lawyer, it's worth it for them to try to collect a couple hundred bucks from you unfairly.

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Jennifer
Surprise, US
Jan 05, 2009 5:42 pm EST

It's hard not to laugh out loud at most of these. "I was tricked", "The manager made me sign up", "I didn't know what I was signing". Seriously? That's what happens when you're an IDIOT! Every gym I know of offers "free" two week memberships which require a sales consultation/presentation; what about time share presentations? ALC is a BUSINESS not a non-profit! Of course they employ sales people. Wake up! ALC is not unlike most other businesses trying to make a profit.

As a consumer it's YOUR responsibility to READ the credit app, know what you're signing and take some freaking accountability for your own ignorance if you failed to do so. And yes, I did work for the company and I had a great experience. Yes, there were some unhappy customers; yes, sometimes we had adverse reactions--it happens EVERYWHERE in EVERY company. Google "Nordstrom Sucks" and you'll find pissed off people who were wronged by Nordstrom. You can't please ALL of the people ALL of the time. For real people, those of you who were "tricked" should be more upset that you're in the bottom rung of intelligent people. Social Darwinism at its best.

And anyone who wants to swear at me and sound even more unintelligent, go right ahead. It only goes to illustrate my point.

For those of you who truly had an adverse reaction (i.e. a burn, scar) then ALC DOES offer a FULL refund--don't let anyone tell you different. Be persistent and if the clinic manager tries to tell you different, then request to speak to their regional manager. Also, call the customer service line on their website, you can usually get to the regional manager that way as well.

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BurnedByALC
US
Jan 09, 2009 6:29 pm EST

I was an unLUCKY winner and they hustled me into buying a 5 treatment each of microdermabrasion and IPL Foto Facial package for $1900. I don't want to go into the specifics right now but I did it to treat my Enlarged Pored on my cheeks. After 2 micro's and 2 IPL's I am starting to think that it is making my skin worse.

They also hustled me into buying their products, so they milked me for another $200+. I showed up and after the treatment was told I must purchase their "PLL (Post Laser Lotion)" and "Sunblock". I was told these two products were MANDATORY. I also bought at their recommendation the "replenishing mask" and some "Gentle cleanse face cleanser".

I was also burned on my nose and this mark looks like it may scar. I called them the day of and they said they would call the next day and I never heard from them. Its been 8 days and the scab is still their and the wound has not completely healed.

I just used the mud mask tonight and after about 10 mins I went to wash it off and it would not come off my face. I scrubbed and scrubbed (irritating my pores to the greatest extent possible) and finally got it off. It was a horrible experience and I can't believe how much of an idiot I am to have went through with this and spend all this money.

I could not find any conclusive evidence that these treatments would even work for my condition.

I am 1/2 way into the treatments. What should I do?

UPDATE: 3/27/08

If "cj" was referring to me I would like it to be known that I have been to THREE of their clinics which were all three located here in Southern California.

The clinic nurse who performed on me relayed a message claiming that I already had the weird blister on my nose (Note: it took 2 1/2 weeks to heal, only laser wounds or burns cause damage to skin tissue like that). I laughed in disgust and I told the lady speaking at the other end that I don't play games. I am known by my reputation to be as honest as they come.

Personally, I am trying to keep my name from the public because its my right to privacy. If I am pushed to that point I will reveal my name as well as all those involved and locations, dates and so on.

Well I decided to cancel the IPL Foto Facial and continue with the Micro. They said it was in my contract that I could not cancel. I pleaded how the laser burned my nose and how that was documented with my doctor and I have pictures. They remained firm and said they couldn't do anything other then offer me more micro's or something sufficient. I was also given a bag full of products and was told I would not be charged for any of them nor any of the procedures I have had done to date. If that's true my balance should be still around $2100. I should also have 19 Micro treatments remaining.

I received my third micro and they day after I notice a few deep lines on my face and a purple rash on my forehead. The other two times I had this procedure these symptoms never arose. Usually day after I felt a slight burn and the PLL would calm that. This time I felt lightheaded, dehydrated, had this purple rash on my head and almost cat scratch like lines all over my face. One next to my nose and the other above my left eyebrow.

I called and reported this with the clinic. They said just to use the PLL (post laser lotion) 3 times daily and the replenishing mask at night. I also noticed a
local place next to where I get my haircut who does Micro. I called and set up an appointment for today and will see what they have to say.

I will keep you posted accordingly.

p.s. I am not the only one, just one of few who has enough courage to stand up for what's right.

UPDATE: 1/09/09

This is BurnedByALC. I'm not going to respond to any comments left towards me. All I have to say is I pay my bills and take care of business. For anyone who questions the legitimacy of this I feel for you and wish you the best.

Now back to the matter at hand, ALC and how they burned me more ways than one. I was lead to believe that my refund was going through and I would receive it. I come to find out in July just 2 days before my birthday that it was denied. I did not get an explanation on why and the Clinic referred me or in other words "passed the buck" to Customer Service where I have tried on numerous occasions to contact the Supervisor.

After almost a month I finally spoke with the Supervisor in late August and she said she doesn't check her Voicemail's and that somebody else does for her. I explained the situation and she said would get back to me "later that day or early next week". After a a few weeks I tried to contact her again leaving voicemail's in September, October and decided to take some time off to enjoy the holidays.

Today (1/09/09) I spoke with a Customer Service rep and had them notate the account and left another Voicemail for the Supervisor.

I have notes regarding every visit, conversation as well as audio recordings and documentation from a outside source (Reputable Plastic Surgeon).

I have decided to move forward with a complaint with the California Medical Board and to follow with a Lawsuit. I strongly urge anyone else who is interested in doing the same to message me immediately so we can discuss this matter further. Please leave your name and best way to be contacted.

Thanks,

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alexandra88
Chicago, US
Jan 16, 2009 11:10 pm EST

I went into American Laser because they told me i won 500 dollars just to get me in the door, which i now have been informed everybody wins the money to get them in the door. I went in just for a consultation to find out about the money i "won." When i found out it was a lie, i said i was not interested, the lady then had me sign something stating that we had went through having a consultation. About two weeks later i got a bill in the mail for over thousand dollars from a credit card company that i had never heard of. I couldnt even recall why i would get this bill, i was convinced someone had stolen my identity until i put it all together. They refused to refund me and their customer service was of no help calling me back. Basically i was scammed into signing a contract that i never agreed to and sent thousands of dollars of charges that i never agreed too. I do not recommend anyone ever take their business there, they are desperate for business and do whatever it takes.

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dmwiecz
Owings Mills, US
Jan 21, 2009 6:33 pm EST

Glad I found this website before I gave ALC any of my business. I became suspicious right away when they refused to give me any price quotes over email and then even when I called, I had to twist the woman's arm to get them out of me (they insisted that I come in for a free consultation to get the prices). The woman was rude when she finally gave me the prices. Anyway, I'm in Maryland. Is anyone aware of a reputable laser hair removal place in the area? Thanks!

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annony
Eastpointe, US
Jan 24, 2009 12:24 pm EST

I went there and I have no hair on my bikini underarms and legs it took me about 1o times, you people must have went tanning ot missed ALOT of appointments SOrry to hear that! it worked awesome on me!works diff on everyone i guess HAHA

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IhateALC
DC, US
Jan 25, 2009 10:52 pm EST

I am interesting in joining in on any type of lawsuit to shut these people down. I have been burned by them (literally) and they offered nothing in response and the manager at the time tried to blame it on me for tanning but I did NOT tan. It has been many years now and I am worried that to much time has passed but it has been 6 years and the scars are still 20% there. They should NOT be in business. And they should NOT be allowed to work on people with color in their skin! I have seen other people who had the same problems with burns and tey are pretty much all people with color.

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kristina
Brighton, US
Jan 28, 2009 10:45 am EST

When I heard about this hair removal procedure, I thought it was a great thing to invest in. Since I shave frequently, saving time and money was an awesome thing. So I researched online and saw american laser center which is located in brighton MA right around my house. I went for a consultation where they got me to sign up for most of the laser services. I have pretty much all of my body done. The package cost was about $3, 800 at which I didnt have enough funds to pay for. The girl who was signing me up told me I can apply for their financing. My mom was very sketchy of the whole thing and told me it was probably a scam and wouldnt work, but I was too eager. I was also told that it takes 6 procedures a few weeks apart from each other and the results should be seen. There was also a 2 year guarantee afterwards which I thought if the results are almost always guaranteed, then it was a good thing. After a few treatments I didnt see much result at all. I also wanted to point out that the manager at that time was a complete RUDE lady who everyone hated and she was very mean when I tried to call the center to schedule appointments. They never had time to schedule appointments over the phone and said would call back with the appointments made but never did so I had to always call back a few times. It was such a hassle scheduling appointments to a point where they wouldnt have any availability for months at a time. I was also in school so if I scheduled an appointment for months ahead, important deadlines would come up and I would have to cancel, at which if i wanted to reschedule, it would take another few months to do! It was so horrible and frustrating to deal with. They kept signing people up but absolutely no time frame or space to do it. There were times when I would come to the office and wait for 30 min just to get in because they were so behind, and would cut my session short as well. I've also paid over $800 in interest fee which added on at one time on my credit card. Now its been over 2 years! i havent seen any results, i havent been able to make any appointments because they are so booked up. a month ago, a technician called to cancel my appointment the night before i had to come in. It was great inconvenience to me because i had to take time off from work, and so i scheduled it for the following early morning, but my work did not permit me to take another day off. I was charged a $35 fee for not showing up when it was their fault in general. then a week ago, i had another appointment scheduled and and 1 hour before i have to come in, i get a call that they dont have enough staff! 1 hour! so i call to reschedule and no picks up..i must've called 3 times at least. When i finally got through to the center the next day the first thing the manager was saying is she needs to collect the fees i owe for no show and would like my credit card information, at which point i lost it and said the center was just a rip off and unprofessional because there was no appology on their end for my inconvenience and when i cancel a day before its too inconvient for them so they charge fees! ive already spend over $5, 000 on this fraudulant service and there is no result of any kind and i have never been so mad and unsatisfied as i am with them. I am definitely going to be seeking legal advice and getting money back for this horrible service and unsatisfactory results! Ive had enough with them. I will never recommend them to anyone!

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David Lee Swann
Chatsworth, US
Jan 29, 2009 3:46 pm EST

I'm writing this note for Laura Wike. My name is David Swann I was paying for Ms. Wikes treatments. But
we went to the West Hills office, in person. The manager at the time was named Willow. I paid or I thought I paid off the amount that was 10 percent of the contract. To cancel !

I was looking at my credit report to see that a charge of over 3 thousand dollars and a note of 150 days over due, is on my report. I have paid all my bills on time! Not thinking that this was taken care of I let it go, because I thought the check I wrote in the Managers office would have taken care of it.

Sincerely,

David Lee Swann

RSVP-[protected]

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Ares7
McKinney, US
Feb 05, 2009 10:38 am EST

Hey these guys are liars and thieves. A good company doesn't promise results for SOME customers or MOST customers. A good company guarantees results for EVERY customer or their money back. Hell, that's what keeps me out of starting a hair-removal business; I can't guarantee anything in that field and I'm unqualified. Well, apparently so are they. I have been receiving treatments for seven years and they just flat gave up. They said, "Well, it's because of your hair color." LOL, ummm, didn't you fools recognize my hair color when I gave you my money? Seriously, where's the refund here? What terrible customer service. I read many of the complaints above and if their's a lawsuit to jump on I got your backs and I hope that bad things fall from high places.

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Amelia27
Waltham, US
Feb 11, 2009 4:51 pm EST

My complaint is slightly different. I was getting treatments for my upper lip at the Wellesley, MA center. I had three sessions, and it seemed like that the hair had been reduced slightly. Then on the morning of my 4th treatment, I got incredibly sick with the flu. I called at 6am, leaving the ALC a voicemail saying I was too ill to make it to my 4:30 appointment and I'd have to reschedule. Two days later, I called back, and they told me I couldn't make a new appointment until I paid a $35 rescheduling fee! I explained that I called as soon as I could to cancel (6am on a Monday morning---are they even open on Sundays?) and what was I supposed to do? I couldn't anticipate getting sick! She said that's too bad, it's policy, and that she wouldn't schedule another appointment for me unless I paid the fee, which I refused to do, and then told her forget it then, I would not be going back for any future treatments. I feel gyped. I basically paid $400 for 3 treatments that only removed about 1/2 the hair, as well as $40 for some facial lotion they insisted I use after treatments (that turned out to be nothing more than just plain old lotion I could have gotten at CVS for $3). This place had HORRIBLE customer service, and definitely only cares about taking your money. I will advise everyone I know to stay away from ALC!

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LStradtman
Cincinnati, US
Feb 12, 2009 3:49 pm EST

American Laser Centers is the WORST company EVER! I signed up to get the Velasmooth/Velashape package and put the amount on my credit card. I am in the military and due to committments, I was unable to use the package. I never went once! I called the manager, Hollie Lucas in Virginia Beach, several times. It took forever for her to get back to me in the first place. She said the refund would take 4-8 weeks. I first contacted her in July 2008. I still have not seen my refund. How is it that every other company in America can give you a refund back in two days but they can't do it in 8 months?! I filed a BBB complaint against them and am thinking of getting a lawyer. This is so ridiculous...

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chyna
US
Feb 13, 2009 8:58 am EST

PLEASE do not make the mistake of giving this company your money. I have been going to the Howell Mill office in Georgia for over two years. My mother paid an arm and leg for my facial hair removal and instead of making it go away it's made it worse. I made the mistake earlier in my sessions to refer my aunt and family of the friends and not to mention my sister refer me to them. They too have seen no results. Instead we have all been told that in order for us to continue being treated we would have to buy a new package. Yes listen to me______I have more hair on my face now than when I started getting treated and they have the nerves to tell us that if we want to continue treatments we have to pay for a new package. On top of all of this they never keep the same Office Manager or Staff. They are constantly getting new employees and half of them do sorry, quick jobs with the laser. Trust me you will not get what you paid for. We work to hard for our money to have some company scam us out of it by promising to help us get rid of unwanted body hair.

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wyldbl
US
Feb 17, 2009 11:26 am EST

Company is pure trash. Better Business Bureau has them on their hit list for advertising they are BBB members when in fact they ARE NOT. I wish I would have seen this before giving them my money. 17 treatments, no effect whatsoever. Waste of money and time. I sent complaints to State Attorney General of Michigan and BBB. Hopefully the Attorney General will shut them down!

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alcsuuucks
Portland, US
Feb 20, 2009 12:24 am EST

I had the same experience except it was a chemical peel that I had trouble with. I won the 300 and then went in to talk about prices and what I could afford. Wanted to do the laser hair, but when I found out how much it was even with the money off, I just decided I would wait. I should have known it would be that much before I went in for the consultation. I would never have gone in because that was all I was considering having done. The manager talked me into buying a package of six chemical peels/micros. There was definitely the used sales car approach. She kept trying to talk me into financing stuff and she acted like she was my sister or my best friend or something. Also the lab coat which makes me laugh considering that I NOW know thats she doesn't know a thing about skincare. I have talked to her several times since I had the peel done and she doesn't have anything intelligent to say. She really just doesn't know why I have been having problems with my skin since the peel. Don't you think you should? Right after the peel, a few days later, I broke out with the worst acne. It was horrible. I am a person who has never had any acne. She informed me that some women do suffer from acne later in life and I was aware of that. Thanks lady. I do not think it was any coincidence that it started only a few days after the peel! I never should have had it done. i had perfect skin before that and I did NOT need a peel. She just didn't want me to walk out without spending money so she talked me into having it done without consideration for my well being. My face never really peeled, no where near the amount that she promised me it would. Have no clue why? So, in the last few months I have watched my skin become a night mare. My face is covered with dry, dead, peely skin that I cannot get rid of no matter what I do. No exfoliator has worked. I have also noticed that the surface of my skin now has a shiny appearance. Almost like I have been burned? I am not sure. My skin looks terrible and I have already had to spend hundreds of dollars at a dermatologist trying to clear up the acne because it is that bad. I know that there are women who have peels done and it turns out wonderfully. I just wanted to say that. What makes me mad is that mine did not and they refuse to do anything about it. Anyway, she offered to swap out the remaining five peels for some laser hair, but now after reading all of this, I don't think so! Now I am kind of nervous to have that done. I don't want burns on my arms in addition to skin problems! Also, I do remember that she was VERY eager to open my care credit account for me. I never, ever do that. I would never give her my personal info and let her do that. She was very pushy about it. I thought that was weird. I just went online and applied to care credit myself! They don't like people to complain. The woman who did my peel is pissed because I am complaining. Guess she takes it personally? I never even said anything her, just about the peel! Grow up. I agree with everybody else. They are quick to take your money, but could care less about you, what is best for you.

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rakesh
simi , US
Feb 21, 2009 1:33 pm EST

All,

I am interested in joining any kind of lawsuits that will force them to give our money back..

the first time i went, around last april 08, i was told that the treatment for 6 times is enough to remove the hair from my body..the manager's name was "Shauntel " at Thousand oaks center in california...i remembered that she was reluctant and scared to give me the service as she might have known that time that it will be possible for my case.. 4 months later, after couple of treatments, i found out that they fired her ! the nurse told me that they fired her because the manager was taking business and giving promises to the clients even thought it was impossible in certain cases...then, nurse told me that there is no way that i can get all hair removal in 6 sittings ..i did not care much at that time...
but then in my 5th treatment, the new nurse told me the same thing.. she told me that i have to go atleast 10-12 sittings or more for my skin type and hair growth ! it may not be possible at all...this is crap now..i complained the current manager (christian) and she never bothered about it..instead she was offering me additional service for other part of the body for discount! WTF...cheaters..no morale...damn, i m calling customer support but getting no respond...

I want to sue these people...You can all email me at armystrong1980@yahoo.com or call me at [protected]... i m talking to the lawyers...call me or email me if you want to join me for initiating law suit to this company...

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nanik91
beverly hills , US
Feb 24, 2009 1:32 pm EST

they burned me and my money. in addition no results lost $7000 they don't care!

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Sarah Jacobs
Beverly Hills, US
Feb 27, 2009 12:06 am EST

I have been to American Laser Center three times now and have been extremely pleased with their services. The employees were very nice and the treatment has been very effective after only 3 visits. Ive noticed a 60% decrease already. I am very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend this company to anyone interested in laser hair removal. I have had my treatments at the center in Beverly Hills (off Wilshire)- I dont recall the name of the employee who did my hair removal but she works on Saturdays and is great!

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b.b.
US
Feb 27, 2009 11:39 am EST

beware of the american laser company! i was told that the hair on my face could be removed by them using the laser and i believed it. that was a big mistake as they only want your money and they don't care if the procedure works. i was told after the last hair treatment not to come back . even though i had purchased the two year policy which states that you will be given free treatments
for two years after your last hair treatment. they don't even know their own policies!

however, the point is that they knew they should not have sold me the procedure since i have blond hair. THE LASER DOES NOT
WORK ON BLOND HAIR AND THEY KNEW THIS!

please stay away from the american laser company unless you just have money that you don't want. your money can be put to
a much better use than throwing it away on them.

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frustrated
Portland, US
Mar 01, 2009 1:10 am EST

I am glad that there are people out there who have had good experiences with this company. There will be those people, but like another person mentioned, just wait until something goes wrong. They have been ### to me for complaining in what I thought was a reasonable and fair way. I have not gotten angry or yelled at anybody which is what they deserve. I have managed to stay calm in my dealings with them, but it doesn't matter. They are the problem, not me. What really makes me sick is that I can now see they were just being really great to me to get my money when I came in for the consultation. When I came in for my first appointment the manager had forgotten to put me in the computer so she had to have me wait while she found one of the women to do it and it wasn't even busy. I can't remember the last time there was somebody waiting in the lobby or whatever. I decided to let it go, I am fairly easy going, but I had trouble with the treatment and it was at that point that I could tell they did not care about me. They were just being nice to me to get me to spend thousands of dollars. I also fell for that $300 drag you in money off promise. I knew what I was signing and I have never claimed anything else. There is no refund. However, I signed the papers after having been promised results that were not delivered. There attitudes suck. They are so rude. Do your research before giving your money to these people. There are other places that offer these services. Why did I have to come across ALC's?

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American Laser Centers.. SCAM!
Canton, US
Mar 03, 2009 9:56 am EST

Gary Graves quit the company back in Nov. 08.

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scammed
New Y, US
Mar 06, 2009 11:10 pm EST

I would have to equate this company with a sleazy care dealership or one of those gyms that will tell you anything to lock you into a contract and then smugly tell you that you can never get out of it. American Laser Center will empty your bank account without any regards for your results or customer service. The people that work there are rude and irritated when it comes to booking appointments, but perhaps worse is that they constantly hound you to spend more money during your appointments. I have literally been spread eagle for a bikini line removal and sales reps will walk in and start pitching you. They will tell you that your hair will be gone in a certain amount of time, but when they pitch you they will say you need all these extended time periods that cost more money. For all the money, the time, the lost energy in dealing with the rude never-ending rotation of poorly trained staff none of it worked. This is a complete scam. Go for electrolysis if you want results.

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naty
Saint Cloud, US
Mar 07, 2009 4:12 pm EST

Wow I wish I would have seen these complaints before I ever dealt with this company. They are rude and VERY unprofessional. I have had issues with technicians also I did not see any results for one of the services I spent over a thousand dollars for. I'm currently finishing a laser hair removal and although I have already had my 6 services of course it's not working and I have to cotinuously go but since it's after my 6th treatment I'm not treated like a regular customer. I have been fighting for a refund on a service i bought because it was offered but the facility did not have the machine yet. It took me 3 months to get a partial refund when I was told I was going to get a full refund of course I get some type of fee taken out. Then I have to argue with the customer service rep because shes trying to tell me the fee is valid when it wasn't. The service i bought was not available therefore it was not my fault that I purchased a package that could not be given to me. So now I'm still waiting for this fee to be refunded even though it was OK'd by a manager I never got a call from this manager and it doesn't matter how many messages I leave. I left another one today lets see if it works.

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finewithit
Irvine, US
Mar 09, 2009 5:08 pm EDT

One thing that comes to mind after reading all the comments is that a lot of the experience must differ by location. I've used their services with good results, and I've been to two different locations. The first location, in Santa Barbara, CA, was okay; I wasn't a big fan of the staff there. The location I've transferred to, in Irvine, CA, is much better. I know the nurses and receptionist pretty well by now, as I'm on my 4th appointment, and they are pretty nice. I haven't had a problem with my contract because I haven't been burnt and I don't have a reason to cancel, so I can't vouch for that process, but I think that it's a fine company to do business with if you do your research ahead of time, set a budget for yourself and go into it knowing what to expect. I knew ahead of time that I was a good candidate for the procedure (I have very light skin and very dark hair, and my skin does not burn very easily), and I set a budget before I negotiated my contract. I will agree with the sentiment that a shy person could end up being charged much more, as it did take me a bit of haggling to get a good price on the package. All in all, I'm happy with the process, but I do feel bad for people fighting for refunds.

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Laura
US
Mar 14, 2009 9:50 pm EDT

I paid over a thousand dollars for a brazilian laser treatment. Then I found out I have epilepsy...they wont give me any refund, not even a partial one. All they offered me is some mini microdermabrasion thing. Anyway, they should give me a refund of some sort, esp since I am medically unable to continue what i paid for. I keep getting the run around from their medical board. Any suggestions?

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BurnedInCT
Colchester, US
Mar 16, 2009 7:16 pm EDT

My wife worked for these crooks in one of the Connecticut Offices. Because I could have the laser hair removal done for free, I figured I'd have my back done. What should have cost in the ball park of 10k, was free. I had around four or five excruciatingly painful treatments done with what was considered to be their most powerful laser. After each treatment my back was covered in burns, but I figured no pain, no gain. During one of the treatments my wife got a little too close to a tattoo that I have on my upper shoulder. The laser zapped the color right out of the tattoo and left a permanent raised scar.

After dealing with unprofessional managers who wouldn't blink an eye before throwing their employees under the bus, and constant complaints from the clients about how rudely they were treated on previous visits, my wife quit. I don't think anyone with a conscience could work for American Laser Center. Add to that the fact that everyone working there was pressured to do up sells. My wife said she felt like creep trying to pawn off more services and creams, etc. to people who were coming in for their first treatment. She said that the customer’s were very put off by the pushy sales tactics that they were assaulted with as soon as they walked in the door until the time they left.

After multiple treatments all of the hair on my back returned and just as thick as it was before the treatments. I know, that’s gross, which is why I went in the first place. This laser hair removal is a scam. If you decided to go to American Laser Center you might as well just throw thousands of dollars in the trash because truth is, this just doesn't work. Once they take your money, you'll see how their attitude changes. All the enthusiasm in the initial consultation will be gone. The only thing that they care about is sales. Think twice.

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a victim lady
scardale, US
Mar 17, 2009 8:31 pm EDT

American Laser centers in Scarsdale is very unprofessional, unexperienced and not reliable. and they make
my skin worse after treaments it was terrible ! and cost alot of money . don't go there . it is a awful place

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Cheryl in Idaho
Post Falls, US
Mar 23, 2009 12:22 pm EDT

Why I joined the American Laser: Reduce the size of my pores, a few age spots, lines and wrinkles on my face. It is a year later & guess what. I have the same large pores, age spots and lines & wrinkles.
What I payed for was a waste of my time...that's it. If I wanted to waste time I would and I would'nt have to pay. I am soooo upset!
Please tell me how a business can be in business and stay in business. Twice I complained and twice I was told someone would call me back, and guess what...no call back. This was very expensive. I changed my mind in the beginning when I signed up and she told me sorry you signed the contract. So I signed the contract and was robbed.
I want to let everyone to know not to sign up with this company.
Thanks for listening to me.
Cheryl in Idaho

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monkeygirl62084
US
Mar 25, 2009 2:03 pm EDT

Is it to late to join the lawsuit? It's been a little over a year for me and I'm going on my 7th treatment. The only thing I've noticed is that it takes longer for the hair to grow... The results aren't good and I am very fair skined and have almost black hair! I was told I'm the perfect person to have this done and there wouldn't be a problem! Guess they're wrong! Oh, I have seizures and during the paperwork signing I told them I had seizure but they were controled and she said that was fine. Then, when I went for treatment 4 I was told they couldn't work on me anymore untill I got a doctors note! I thought that was wierd since it was my 4th treatment... When I asked my doctor for the note, he asked me why would I need one for laser treatment that wasn't near my head and since I've been getting it done for awhile now... Made no since to him or me. He gave me a note to give to them and they started working on me again but, I would NOT get anything else done by this company! After reading the terrible story's, I'm just glad mine hasn't turned out that bad! We'll see. I moved to GA and now have to travel about 2hrs away to the nearest clinic... If I don't see results by the next treatment I'm going to ask for my money back and hopefully I wont have to join in on the lawsuit. If I do atleast I'll be in good company!

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American Laser Skincare Category
American Laser Skincare is ranked 83 among 117 companies in the Skincare category