American Laser Skincare review: fraudulent and an embarrassing! 33

I was very excited to find a place near my home that offered a wide variety of laser and aesthetic treatments. My enthusiasm was quickly crushed when I entered their facility. I arrived on time, and then ended up waiting for 30 minutes prior to being seen. The consultation was really a contract signing party. I was talked into treatments I didn't want, a credit line attached to my social security number, and an obligation for a contract I should have never signed. I was promised the world (but not in writing) just so I would sign their no-refund policy long-term contract.
This experience has been horrible. I hope everyone is aware of how horrible, incompetent and unprofessional this company is to work with.

I spent 400 at this place. Hair removal upper lip and it did not work. Was told I would not be issued a refund despiste the fact I had adverse effects to the laser. Then after traveling to my local clinic 10 minutes away. They call to tell me that my next appointment is cancelled due to this clinic clsing. The next clinic a mere 44 miles 56 minutes away. The tell me how equsite their clinic is yet I did not get my post treatment lotion until 3 mos. into services. They were very unprofessional and my appoinment was never taken on time. They told me that even though I now had to travel I still could not get a refund. DO NOT DO IT! It is a waste of money and they are ***!

DO NOT WAIST YOUR MONEY LIKE I DID at American Laser in Virginia Beach!
After the series of not such good events in my life, I thought I’d treat myself to something extra ordinary! Getting rid of the HAIR FOREVER sounded like just what I needed. Thrown in a “congratulations! You won!” certificate, great sales person who promised results in 6-10 treatments, multiple packages discount, finance plan, no more shaving … I felt I owed this to myself. I was sold (full legs, underarms, Brazilian bikini)! Over $4400.00, 17 treatments, and three years later here I am finding myself still waxing and shaving! What a SCAM! What a LIE! And the manager won’t even return my phone calls! I guess her job is done, why would she; they got what they needed-$$$ They do not offer any kind of refund, nor additional treatments to fix “the broken” product! I was offered to pay discounted price for maintenance! What a joke!

American Laser Center has the worst customer service department. I'm tired of reading responses from ALCPartner telling people who are complaining to call the 800 number. I've left numerous messages and no one has responded. There isn't even a live person to take the call--you are automatically transferred to a "general" voicemail. Even after emailing, the customer service rep who automatically responded to the email saying they will contact you shortly (yeah right) leaves the same general phone number. I'm on my way to hiring a lawyer and contacting the BBB.

Am looking for ex-employess who worked for ALC and treated like ...well you know! Contact me here.

I worked for ALC Tulsa, OK [protected] as a laser technician. I was put on temporary leave (fired) because they "had to cut down on employee's and hours during the 'slow season' and told I would be needed back to work as soon as business picked back up. I was due for a paycheck and called and called about it and just ignored. After about 3 weeks of getting nowhere and still unpaid, I called an attorney and tried to contact the store and the doctor, only to find out the company disappeared from town. I can only imagine all of the patients and customers that paid a lot of money for treatments and promises of results that were never fulfilled. I You may contact me if you'd like.
YellowBorn@aol.com

They are a scam, I paid thousands of dollars for laser hair removal with absolutely no results after going once a month for over a year. The "nurses" are very unprofessional and they never have my information correct (even though it's all stored in a computer right in front of them). I finally stopped going after so many times and never once seeing a bit of improvement. Wish I had researched ALC BEFORE signing the contract, a big waste of time and money! I never write reviews but hoping this helps at least one person not sign up with them.

Just try to call their number, always voicemail, why? Too many complaint calls, they never answer the calls and only call back the new clients who don't know about their scam. Dail their corporate head office number [protected], even more funny, no operator, whatever you say or you dial the directory doesn't work. A complete SCAM!

i have been going to ALC for several years now, and I LOVE IT. the staff is so great, and i have experienced hair loss much quicker than i had expected. i expect to keep going until my whole body is hair free. :) if you live in the brea area, do not worry about the horrible experiences that others have been having. the brea staff will take care of you!

I have bee receiving laser hair removal treaments for almost two years with no hair growth loss. I actually believe I have more hair growth. I initially reported my concerns about one year into the treatment and was told that I had to complete the full two years before anything would be done. I knew this wouldn't end in my favor. A new manager came on board and I expressed my concerns to her after I sent an email complaint to corporate (of course corporate didn't respond they sent my complaint to the office I had issues with?). This manager took pics as requested and sent it to corporate. they felt the pics weren't good and didn't show evidence of no hair growth loss. They are offering additional 6 treatments (that haven't worked the past two years) because they don't have any initial pics prior to starting treatments for comparison. Why didn't they take pics intially? Is this my fault? I asked for the name of the regional director and they wouldn't give me her full name. The regional director was supposed to call me but didn't. 24hrs passed and I was told she was sick and she would call within a week. No call ever. I showed up for a scheduled visit and was told the regional director was no longer in that position and I would have to wait until a new regional director was hired?!#@$!@#! Are you kidding me? There is always an interim director appointed. This is soooo not over!

Americxan Laser doesn't even use a real laser? Does anyone know that? That is why people aren't seeing results. I went to American Laser for years and still have hair on my face...and it is bad. After they decided not to treat me anymore...yup...they literally did not want to treat me anymore and let me walk out of there totally unhappy. I then went to Ideal Image. They use a REAL laser and you actually have results. They have a lifetime guarantee too which American Laser does no have. I could go on and on about how bad of a company America Laser is...but this message would go on forever. Please do not use this company! The one in Mequon, Wisconsin just closed...I wonder why?! I am now in the process of suing the company.

Is there a laser hair removal specialist here? I purchased a package of 6 treatments at a clinic (not American Laser, but apparently just as bad). I went in for my treatment, and what I am seeing now is this: no hair has shed (save for one or two), hairs are all still FIRMLY fixed to my leg, it looks as if I never got anything done. It has been weeks and still nothing. They tried to tell me that this is normal and I won't see anything after the first treatment, but everyone else says otherwise. I reported this to my bank because the place refuses to give me a refund. My bank says that I need documentation from a laser hair removal specialist describing what results should be seen after treatment, and that the results I am seeing are not of acceptable quality. I would highly appreciate it if someone could help me with this or let me know where I can go to get this documentation. Thank you.

I AM SUBMITTING A COMPLAINT ON AMERICAN LASER CENTER LOCATED AT, 8751 Commodity Cir # 2, Orlando - [protected]
I paid $4, 100.00 CASH, for 7 treatments in 4 areas of their Vella treatment which i was convincinly told would reduce celulite, tighten and rejuvinate skin on front & back of thighs, stomach and flanks. I went to my appointments every saturday at 10:00 for 3 hours each session, , , , , the same tech worked on me each week, , , , , after the 7 treatments we were still not getting any results, , , , they measure, take pictures and document before each treatment, , , , , my tech said she doesnt understand why i have made no progress and would speak to the manager "Chelsea" and get back to me, , , , , after a week i heard back and they said they decided to give me 3 free sessions and do not understand and admitted i had shown no results, , , , , , , , i showed up for all three extra treatments and still No results !, , , , I made numerous calls (which i can prove from my cell phone bill), , it took a week at a time of everday calls to get chelsea to return my call, i did not ask for a full refund i simply asked for a partial refund of $1, 500 to $2, 000, , , , , , after weeks of back and forth conversations with Chelsea, she said she was sorry that they could not offer any refund and could only possibly give me another treatment. she said i signed a contract and that myself and the company enetered into my treatments in quote "GOOD FAITH" that the treatments would work on me, therefore they will not honor any kind of refund !, , , , , , i could have in "good faith" had them do the treatments before i paid, but companies do not run on good faith, they run on money, , , , , , i paid $4, 100.00 for something that did not work . The last conversation i had with her was in regard to the last statement above and i told her that is not satisfactory and why would i go for more treatments if it doesnt work At All ! she said she would have her regional manager call me. I told her i expected a call back within 24 hours and it has now been over 3 weeks ! every time you call the office you get a voice machine and have to leave a message or if someone does answer the manager is always in a consultation and even if i call daily and leave messages it takes weeks to get a call back ! yet when i went for my first consultation and showed interest, i was getting continuous calls to come in and get it done ! ...i have been in sales and marketing and customer service for 14 years and am amazed at the indecency of this company and their unwillingness to make good on a service that did not work at all ! and they have records and documentation to prove it ! in addition to the fact that my technition and even the manager has repeatedly acknowledged the fact that their treatment did not work on me !, , , i have done research and see many shady complaints on this company online and i am extremely upset!, , , , , again i simply asked for a partial refund because i know they tried and took time and cost to do the treatments on me even though that is like still giving them $2, 100 for doing nothing ...i truly had No results and paid over $4, 000 cash. i am a single mother of three kids and worked very hard to save up money to try and do something to make myself feel better about me and now along with no results i cannot get anyone from the company to acknowledge my issue or return a call, , , , i simply get, well we are sorry but we entered into it with good faith and tried !

I do not know if my laser treatments would have worked or not, the office here (Eugene, OR) closed without warning or notification (I have read the same owner shut down the Beaverton, OR office as well). I showed up for my appointment, prepped and ready to go, to find a handwritten note on the door that said the owners told them to shut down. That was 2 weeks ago and I have recieved no call backs to the voice mails I left for both owners. ALC claims the owners told them the close was temporary, but given the complete lack of customer service, or even conatact, I don't believe they ever intend on reopening this business. How long do I wait before contacting an attorny?

IF YOU WANT TO THROW YOUR MONEY OUT THE WINDOW- SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

I AGREE WITH YOU. I HAVE BEEN TO 2 OTHER PLACES AND FELT MORE LIKE A PATIENT RATHER THAN A NUMBER. RIP RIP OFF

I am so very unhappy with my treatments. I signed up for a full face package (6 sessions and a 2 year guarantee) at the cost of nearly $2, 000.00 for "permanent laser hair removal" I signed up at the Hinsdale, Illinois location and them switched to TinleyPark, Illinois location.I have been going since June 2006-February 18 2010.Why so long, you may ask.Well simply its because it did not permanently remove all my facial hair...even though I was told I was a prime candidate since my hair is dark and my skin is light. On my last visit they told me that corporate had told them to let me go as client because I had been there too long. I have been telling them that I have been unhappy with the results since about my third visit, some how they always had an excuse, whether it was because its my face and that's the most difficult area to treat, hormones or other reasons. Not likely since I had my hormone levels checked.To add icing to the cake the tech told me that it was "laser hair reduction, not laser hair removal".How comical, since permanent laser hair removal is what they sold me, what I signed up for, whats plastered all over their website.Not only that the tech also said that other customers who still had hair after their contract ran out bought $50.00 single sessions?Amazing how can they charge $50.00 a single session yet I paid nearly 2 grand? Lets see 6 sessions @ $50.00 = $300.00...wow I feel as if I been ripped off from the price alone, not to mention that I only have about 15% less hair than what I started off with.Before leaving I asked if there was a number I could call, the tech told me to ask for a refund request form, she said other clients had asked for them too. Nice!
I wonder how many other clients have had the same results? I ended up talking with the Reg.Manager...I have been doing research and found a great web site www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/ i found it to be very helpful Lisa MadiganIllinois Attorney General Consumer Fraud Bureau.She fights for consumers rights!
Please note that this is my story and your results may vary.

Bethany ANN would you want to get stuck with charges for services that were never performed? enotherwords My appt. was cancelled, and now they are running up my credit card for fees that were never disclosed on my contract. I have showed them my contract and they will not remove these fees. Were at over $400.00 now and climbing. This wouldn't upset you?

I am a Client of American Laser Centers, Clearlake Location and I absolutely LOVE all of the services I am getting treatment for.
My laser hair removal to my Bikini Braz Ext and Underarms are working so well, I will be adding my Legs sometime in December!
I was so pleased with my treatments I purchased the Full Legs pkg for my mother last year for Mother's Day!
I have nothing but positive things to say about Amerian Laser Center, they have been nothing but respectful, kind, ethical, and personable.If you want to go to a Company that will take care of yor laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and cellulite treatment go to AMERICAN LASER CENTERS!
You know we are all grown adults here and if you go in and sign up, reading the documents presented, you should NOT get upset and write ugly things about the company whenyou cannot get a refund. Do you go get groceries at Kroger, eat them, decide you do not like them, then go in requesting a refund? NO! Do send your kids to the orthodontist, get them braces, then after 1-2 years of wearing them decide you do not like the work and expect a refund? NO!

There are NO cosmetic procedures out there that are GUARANTEED! If you are not happy with something, just don't buy more. Don't go on the internet and slam.
An upset customer will tell 10 people, a Happy customer will tell 1 person. Just remember that when reading all of the nasty blogs.

i just want this ### off my face!

Hi there,

I worked for ALC for over 2 years as an RN. Please contact me if you'd like.

dhkrn@aol.com

Mary

kokomo indiana gas american refuses to honor my convenience card, but they will except me credit card. After writting last June no change from this station, when the attendant tell me to put in my credit card. They refuse to honor keet their word, when they said they talked to the station.
I do not think they like senior, handicapped, old men and they do are not customer friendly

I can understand that self-image is important, especially in todays society. Because of this, I believe most are eager enough to go through a procedure without further researching a companies credentials, certifications and licensing.

We are so apt to sign up and swipe our credit cards to the idea of "beauty in a bottle, " or non-invasive procedures such as Thermage, Peels, IPL...etc. It seems safe enough that almost any licensed professional could perform such a safe procedure.

One could be licensed, certified, and even obtained awards for outstanding service that its attractive enough for companies to hire such employee. Unfortunately, it boils down to that one employee treating such a client with the ability to listen and understand the client's anatomy. Sometimes a client could have clear skin, yet have a small form of roscea.

Even a small pimple could be overlooked, which is in some cases a sign of skin cancer. I do understand it is an aestheticians job to diagnose such skin malformities, but it also the clients responsibility to seek a Dermatologist before seeking medical spas, which are not given the ability to diagnose certain skin conditions.

Obviously if you have mature skin and you may be a bit dry, IPL or lasers may not be well suited for you as they may increase your skins dryness. Think about it...does the sun hydrate you or dry you out. NOT to say that uv rays are the same as lasers, but I am sure you have somewhat of the message I am trying to convey.

Not every clinic is the same. These clinics are individually owned and from reading a recent article, it has been acquired under a new CEO who has years of experience in customer service and the morality of companies. I hope to each of you, your matters are resolved and that you find the results within yourselves in whatever self-improvement you seek.

Iam now affraid to keep the appointment that has been scheduled for me, i plan to get the injections t o have the skin thightening, also removal of hair under my chin... IWAS SO EXCITED ABOUT HAVING THIS PROCEEDURE DONE UNTIL NOW, HEARING ALL THESE BAD COMMENTS AND THOUGHTS!

Hello to all,

I have actually been getting hte laser hair removal treatments with ALC for the past year and a half. I have been working with the licensee clinic in Asheville, NC. And to be honest I love them. They are professional to the highest extent you can expect from these places. And, I have seen drastic results with my hair removal, honestly... i bought a 3/4 full body package from them and the results have been amazing... however, i have been to some other clinics and felt displeased by their services... alot of the coorporate offices are pushers, dont do the procedure properly and have untrained techs... the lasers have to be on the right setting... not so low that you cant even feel the laser working, but not so high that you get harmed or burned or get electrical migranes... i have had both happen to me, i have been burned by untrained techs, and i have had worthless sessions where the person uses the laser at such a low level it doesnt do crap to the hairs... you need it set at the setting where it hurts but you can stand it. trust me, that is the only way the service works... like i said i have had really amazing results, you just have to find the right clinic. Asheville, NC is AMAZING, professional, ethical, consistant with their call backs and communication, integral, and i have had nothing but good experiences with their clinic... also boca raton in fl is a good clinic... steer clear of hunington, NY and fortlauderdale, FL... they are not good clinics...

thanks,
lauren

I am a Americanlaser client, a VERY SATISFIED client. I am so sorry to hear this horror stories, I am so thrill with their treatments, staff and honesty that I decided to try every treatment they have to offer and that I could benefit from. I am nor rich, but I work very hard to make myself happy. And I believe that a lot of you unhappy ladies, either are not good candiates for laser (too big, or too much sking) or regret the fact that the treatments are not cheap, and since you can not get your money back, you say ugly things and lies about the entire company.
I am a client I repeat, not an employee and I honestly can tell you, yes the treatmens are expensive but I AM WORHT IT! so if you think you are worth a good treament go to Americanlaser.

To all posted in this thread,

I represent American Laser Centers and we would like to take a moment to apologize to those who had a negative experience at one of our clinics.

American Laser Centers has recently changed ownership and we would like to ask you to please contact our newly expanded customer service department regarding any of your issues. If you’d like us to contact you instead, please provide your contact information to my email below and we will contact you at a time and day of your convenience.

We are constantly looking at ways to improve our services and your feedback is important to us.

If you have any additional problems or questions in the future, please contact our customer service team at [protected].

American Laser Centers’ customer service center is happy to personally help you with your needs and will provide a quick response to your concern.

Thank you,

Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com

I was excited about having laser facelift treatments. My skin was peachy cream but I was aging as all 50+ year olds do. I bought a package of microdermabrasion and laser facelift.

My level of dissatisfaction is great. I am sorry that I signed up. I encourage anyone who wants these treatments to find a center where the RNs have at least one year of experience and have had the treatments on their faces.

The first visit was a nightmare with a laser light triggered migraine that lasted for 14 hours with severe vomiting. The microdermabrasion treatments were harsh and inconsistent. The laser lift left four burn marks on my right cheek. Throughout the service I told the director of the problems with broken equipment and inconsistent treatments. The RNs did not have the treatments performed on their faces. I thought this was inappropriate - as they did not have a clue as to how to ask - "Is this comfortable for you."

I made a formal complaint to the corporate office to an operator. She guaranteed me that a VP would call me back. No call back. I called a second time. No call back.

I went back to the director of my center to ask for a refund or at least stop payment on my remaining treatments. I had less than half of the paid for treatments. But because I signed a hold harmless waiver I have to make the payments. I signed up for $3,700. I have to pay it off. My attorney said I have no recourse.

I regret having not checked up on American Laser.

American Laser Centers scammed me by telling me I won a $300 dollar gift certificate at a drawing that they said "someone else must have signed you up" and I believed them. I really thought I had won a gift certificate and that someone had signed me up. Turns out the gift certificate is NOT a gift certificate at all and they say it can go towards packages in the thousands. I decided not to do a package due to the costs (thank goodness)and bought a $53 dollar bottle of crap that i wanted to return the next day (unopened) and the manager told me that they have to keep 10% of it if i returned it and she had to call "regional"it so i stormed out all pissed and told her i read all the scams they have done to poor unsuspecting people and that i was not impressed. This place is garbage and represents all that is wrong in this world. Never did get my money back.

I am a current client of American laser centers. I have nothing but good things to say about this company. I have great results so far. I have had hair removal on several areas, and couldn't be happier with the results. I recently signed up for a FotoFacial package and for an AmeriSmooth treatment package. The clinic manager did my consultation and was very up front about the results I can expect, potential complications and she also discussed the no refund policy. I knew going into the treatments that there were no guarantees. Aesthetic medicine is not an exact science. I am confident that the nurses doing my treatments are truly trying to achieve the best possible results for me. I have never felt taken advantage of or that the technicians were anything but caring and competent. I can't speak more highly of this company. The negative experiences presented in other postings are unfortunate, but they are a complete 180 from my experience.

First off, Elaine don't listen to a word this crock pot is saying to you... This company is a complete sham... and with no doubt its one of their lying two faced employees " defending their" huge $6000.00 bonuses they get for scamming you out of your hard earned money...

First off, Elaine don't listen to a word this crock pot is saying to you... This company is a complete sham... and with no doubt its one of their lying two faced employees defend they huge $6000.00 bonuses they get for scamming you out of your hard earned money...

I went in for my first treatment and was completely lied to... The Clinic manager told me that everyone working there were trained professionals and knew what they were doing and that the nurse working on me had four years of experience.

The nurse only had two weeks and forgot to give me protective eyewear, plus there was no receptionist and 3 FedEX men saw me naked because the nurse refused to keep the treatment door closed... I've been trying to get a hold of them and they are sloppy, never return calls and refuse to give any refund for the $5400, that they locked away on a credit card... Whatever you do, don't go for a treatment because then they lock you into their bogus "no refund" policy... It doesn't matter even if they scar you and make you go blind, all they care about is your $$$... So be warned stay away from American Laser Centers... My advice for you is to go to the District Attorney's office, then the Better Business Burea... Show up and their events, warn the public what they did to you, be a pain in their ###. Oh and do NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT fall for all the things they offer you in order to keep you quiet and avoid giving you a refund. All of it is a lie! I'm sorry but if you don't believe me look here...

http://galveston.citysearch.com/review/41543878

American Laser Centers — unprofessional, dangerous, painful and no refund!

http://medspa.squarespace.com/the-blog/2007/3/16/american-laser-clinics-part-1-armed-guards-threats.html

Well another thing you can do is to contact this attorney Ken Quat he's starting a class action lawsuit against American Laser Centers... Hope this info helps and again to the person posting above, it seems they know a little too much about American Laser Centers to be a "happy customer"... Good luck, don't ever give up fighting.

http://www.quatlaw.com/ken_quat.html.

Dear Elaine Evans,

You could not be more wrong. Where on earth are all these other people that agree with you, because i have researched it, and there are a lot more good reviews then bad, and i highly doubt that a company that has 170 clinics nationwide, and are opening more every day ran away with your 1000.00 dollars, and as for them not having the handpiece for the skin tightening, once again you are lying. Every clinic in new york has it, i just think you are pissed that you cant get the time and day you want, so you are going to make stuff up about them. There are more important things going on in life, then badmouthing a company that wont give you your way. Did you know there was a war going on? I and all of my friends have had nothing but great experiences with this company, and i'm sure the general public is smart enough not to listen to one angry woman. And being that you are an aestheticism, you should know better to take care of your face to prevent you from needing skin tightening, wouldn't you think?