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

I signed up for treatments and paid them off completely. Not even halfway through my treatments, American Laser Center shut down the clinic near my home and moved to another city without prior notification to their customers. A short drive to and from the clinic turned into a 2 hour drive. This isn't a move across down or down the street, they WILL shut down and have you follow them to another city because they refuse to give your money back. What a MAJOR INCONVENIENCE! You have to clear an entire day just get treatments done. I tried to get my money back and a refund process was started. They even confirmed my check to be on its way. After 6 months of giving me the run-a-around they called and said that my refund was denied and I won't be getting my money back. Their relocation was within some "mileage limit" therefore all customers' refunds were denied. Their excuse was "they weren't aware their clinic was relocating and they were downsizing due to the economy". But they were trying to get as many customers as possible to sign up for treatments before they closed down by offering buy 1 get 2 free packages. If you absolutely need to get treatments from this place, DO NOT sign a contract. Pay by treatment so that they don't take your money and run. I would NEVER do business with this CRAPPY COMPANY ever again!

On April 21 2011, i received a call to reschedule my saturdays appointment due to no techs available, the manager was so rude, making it seems as though i'm the problem, and sounding exasperated with me, the client. This is what we get after paying hundreds of dollars there, to be treated like less that human. Her name is Robyn, beware, take your business elsewhere, if we had not paid all our money upfront, i would have taken my business elsewhere.

I bought a 1400.00 Brazilian bikini removal treatment, and not only did it not work, THEY MOVED! They closed down that store and moved to Seattle! They ripped me off, and I am taking them to court! DON'T EVER BUY FROM THEM EVER!

ALC is like a drive through restaurant for cosmetic procedures. I went in on a friday to have dermal fill on my cheeks, which I have had before. The result is supposed to be fuller rounded cheek bones. I was injected and now one side of my face is covered in blisters, peeling, balck and blue and purple after one week. I do not have higher cheek bone look, instead my face just looks fat! I called their customer service dept. and was told to go in for photographs. I asked to speak to a Dr. who was not available. Apparently they have one Dr. that is the top of the umbrella for all thier locations and is never seen. I also asked to speak to the director of the location i went to and she had JUST STEPPED OUT. Then their was discussion about how I may have an alergy to some food. right, one that affected only one side of my face. Next they asked if I was prone to cold sores. I am not. All was aimed at seeming to be my fault! Beware, their prices may be good but you are getting what you pay for. No refund offered.

IF YOU ARE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN DESECENT, OR EVEN HALF LIKE MYSELF, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT GO HERE FOR LASER TREATMENT. I WAS 16 WHEN I STARTED MY TREATMENT FOR MY FACIAL HAIR ON MY CHIN, MUSTACHE, AND SIDEBURNS I AM NOW 20 AND GUESS WHAT I STILL HAVE A FULL FACE OF FACIAL HAIR AND NOW MY CHIN IS BURNT SO ITS A LOT HARDER TO COVER WITH MAKEUP THEN IT WAS BEFORE. I HAD 16 TREATMENTS AND GOT NO RESULTS. UNFORTUNATELY BEING DISSAPPOINTED, SELF CONSIOUS, AND DEPRESSED ALL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL WASNT A GOOD ENOUGH EXCUSE FOR THEM TO GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK SO I COULD TRY TO FIND A REAL PROFESSIONAL TO FIX MY PROBLEM... NOT ONLY IS $2500.00 HARD TO COME BY BUT NOW I HAVE A DISCOLORATION ON MY CHIN REGARDLESS IF I SHAVE OR NOT... THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT TO WORK ON PEOPLE OF MY COMPLEXTION BUT I GUESS THEY LIED ITS SOMETHING THEY ARE GOOD AT...

I HAVE BEEN A CUSTOMER FOR OVER 2 YEARS.REMOVAL OF SUN DAMAGE AND HAIR REMOVAL.
I WAS TOLD THEY COULD GET RID OF BOTH.THEY LIED.NEITHER ARE GONE.I CONFRONTED THE
MANAGER AND WAS NOT TREATED WELL.THEIR BUSINESS PRACTICE TO PLEASE THE CUSTOMER
DOES NOT EXIST.ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS TO MEET THEIR MONTHLY QUOTA, AND GET YOUR
MONEY ANY WAY POSSIBLE.THEY WILL LIE AND TELL YOU ANYTHING TO SIGN YOU UP.
WHEN YOU COMPLAIN THEY TELL YOU THEY NEVER SAID THAT.ANYONE WHO SIGNS WITH
AMERICAN LASER IS CRAZY AND WILL BE SORRY.

This place is so unprofessional, not only did my hair removal package not work, but they took no steps to assess or adrress the problem.
Now, they shut down the Denton location, and I lose my package unless I travel.
I only found out they relocated when I waited 30 minutes for an appointment, and then asked another receptionist about them, well she said they were no longer there!
I am so disapointed, and have put so much time and money to waste with them.
Now I fear to get it done anywhere, with my next contract I guess I will make them say I get a refund if they move! Horrible place!

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.

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!

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.

Having spent over the normal market price on laser services with American Laser; sold under false pretenses that my local centre will not be closing down and the services will be available to me for up to 2 years until the desired outcome is achieved, i felt OK that paying more for a service i can locally obtain cheaper was ok in this situation as i was safe and secure that this operation was legit. Some weeks later after my 1st treatment i received a generic email blast to tell me my location was closing and my closest location would now be Santa Monica which living in East LA, this is unacceptable. Not only is this a huge inconvenience, my work schedule will not permit me to drive a round trip of over an hour just to accommodate a 10 minute appointment. This is short sighted and simply unacceptable after falsely stating otherwise. Having subsequently complained about this I was told i could have a 50% refund to which i declined as this was unacceptable, paying over $400 on a few treatments which had made no difference when i could have spent that on the full package locally in another salon but i went with ALC as they promised complete satisfaction and accessibility with lots of locations available to me for my convenience. I'm left high and dry and the sales rep made of with her commission, this makes me very angry and foolish that i believed in such lies. This complaint was issued months ago, i have made 7 calls to continue the conversation and im over 5 months without treatment and no resolution and no matter how many customer service reps i call, they tell me a regional manage will call me back to discuss but no one EVER does! What can i do? They lied and are not servicing this complaint and have made away with almost $1, 000! This is daylight robbery at its finest! This would never happen in the UK. They are frauds and have left me utterly frustrated and anxious month after month. I have never experienced such bad service and shady business MO. I am next looking into taking legal action but would rather they pick up the phone and CALL EM BACK to resolve! Utterly shameful.

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

BEWARE. I was told by these fake estheticians that they could improve my skin with microdermabrasion. Went for a second opinion and the Doctor told me microdermabrasion was not recommendable because of the way my skin scars.
Now I am being charged $444.00 for something I never had done.

I was the lucky winner of a $350.00 gift certificate from American Laser Centers. I entered a drawing at a local event in Wyandotte, Michigan and won third prize. Of course, anyone can be a winner. All you have to do is get the daily paper and clip the $350.00 coupon! It was a scam to get me in the door and get me signed up for packages that cost much, much more. Stay away from them. They're scam artists.

Do not go to American Laser Center unless you want a sham doctor - The doctors that own these centers are almost never plastic surgeons or dermatologists, they usually are not very good.

Laser Burned my skin in two areas during most recent visit. Also, hairs are supposed to be gone and they are not. Refusing to give refund.

Gary Graves quit the company back in Nov. 08.

Hi,
I paid for several treatments and I had to stop because I was pregnant and then we moved out of the country, now they are ignoring me in regards to what's owed to me. I would like the phone number or any other information in order to get my money back. Thanks!

The company has a 20% restocking fee for all returns even if order wrong, plus you have to pay for return postage

The company runs itself on a pyramid scheme and treats its customers with disrespect. Each employee from the nurse up receives a bonus when the customer purchases. It is very much like a used car lot and just like a used car lot the buyer should be wary. The manager and main nurse (at least in this Central Valley office) see no issue with changing client's appointments, and lying to them about it, to only give time for one treatment area when more were scheduled. This is all done to fit in a new client so that treatment can proceed before the new client changes their mind and asks for a refund. Not that you would ever be allowed a refund by this corporation anyway. You may not be able to get rescheduled for months even when the manager or nurse made this schedule change. The manager additionally continually tells other staff to not worry about giving good treatments, as the client (you) will be coming in several times and it won't matter if you are "cheated" on your treatment. The manager and other staff talk about the clients behind their backs in a disrespectful, racist (especially if the client is Middle Eastern/Indian), and rude manner. If you buy from the company, you are locked into a two year contract and once that contract is signed the staff do not feel the need to give exceptional service until the next time you think about buying. If you are getting good treatments, it is more likely that those treatments will be successful. Unfortunately, the manager and staff at many of these clinics do not truly have your greatest intersts at heart. The manager at this clinic will tell you that her clinic is different from the others that are complained of on this site it is not! BUYER BEWARE!

Misrepresentation started from the minute I walked in. I "won" a 300 dollar contest and decided to check it out. I'm blonde hair and pale skin. Good ol' irish. I do have some dark hairs as well. I was told specifically that I would be a good candidate because my skin is pale. I asked direct and specific questions. How long would it take before I saw results. I was told 2-4 treatments. I asked how permanent is this laser hair removal. She said very permanent. I wouldn't have to worry about hair regrowth unless I had a hormone change. I asked for an example of a hormone change and she stated something women go through such as menopause.
Other questions in that session were if the laser did not work on me. I'm very pessimistic and make sure I cover all angles, at least so I thought. She said if I went to the treatments and noticed there was no change then I would get a full refund. Of course, my next statement is because I know how it was worded. What happens if I get minor change and not the hair loss in the areas I am paying for, for it to be removed. She stated directly to me there would be a full refund. I made specific sure to ask if I didn't receive full hair loss I would receive my money back.

The treatments were of course a little painful and I made sure they wasted no time maxing the machine out as much as possible on my skin to hopefully see results. I used their "cream" the first time but my skin broke out and I told them of this. I told them I wouldn't use it again and they let it drop. They didn't tell me why my skin broke out or why I needed the cream. I never really got burned and my skin never broke out again.

The treatments never showed any improvements and my hair has grown back. I was letting it grow to prove a point to the clinic but I see that is futile as compared to other people. The last few treatments they did double overpasses and I believe the final treatment I did they went over it I believe 3 times. I was in session for the chest and back about 6+ hours.

After the next month seeing my hair grow back and coming up to my next treatment I cancelled the treatment and said enough is a enough and requested my money back. I complained directly to the office manager and found her sympathetic. She stated she would write a formal complaint and send it to me and the corporate at the same time. I never received the complain and followed up for about 2 weeks. I took the matter into my own hands and called corporate to issue a complaint and they stated directly they hadn't received a complain on my case yet and would write one up. Calling the corporate office and even issueing that complaint took about 2 solid week of calling and harassing the voicemail.

The next two weeks went by and the office manager called and stated corporate had given almost an identical complaint as hers and she specifically stated that because I had showed a 10% hair loss I was not going to be issued a refund and that I must continue my treatment before they would consider a refund.

Hopefully that spells out the story and most of the details. This is the worst company I've ever dealt with in regards to treating customers.

These people are the devil but they certainly have hot former employees...

American Laser is a scam. I purchased two packages. One is the Zerona (toning) and the other was Microdermabrasion. Neither one worked, even after they offered me double services. This is a money making business. If you are considering any services, don't sign anything.

I would never recommend American Laser for anything. I received service in the Fresno office with no results.
I purchase a Zerona and Microdermibrasion and did not have results. This is a bunch of crap for the services promised.
I financed over $4, 700 with belief that I would be toned and look better. This is a scam with false promises. I would advise not obtaining any service from American Laser

I don't have time to type in all the problems I have had with this horrible company, but let me just tell you up front, it has been a real NIGHTMARE! Thanks for speaking out, because this company is awful and doesn't care about anything but how much money they can scam you out of.

Hi Rebecca. We are so sorry to hear you were not completely satisfied with your experience. We strive to ensure that every client has a positive experience with American Laser and would love to talk to you further to get a few details and see how we can help. If you could please send us an email at customerservice@americanlaser.com that includes your contact information and a link to your original comment, our customer service department will reach out to you promptly. Thanks!

I have been going to American Laser Center in Bountiful Utah for about a year and a half for my laser hair removal and other treatments. The minute I bought my LARGE package from them, they started treating me horribly. They are rude, lie to you to get you to spend money, and there is no customer service. The ONLY reason I have not tried to contact their corporate office to complain is because I have still had more time on my hair removal treatments and I am terrified that they will burn me. They are snotty girls with little class. They quote you something and the minute they get your money in their hands they let you know it will ACTUALLY be something else. I have too many storied to mention, am VERY frusterated, and just feel like I need to walk away from the rest of my hair removal treatments and the other money they have of mine for a treatment I was unable to get.. with no refund and call it a day. Tired of the abuse and feel like there is no one who will care if I call to complain. I feel even more strongly about that after reading all of these numberous horror stories all over the internet. I REALLY SHOULD HAVE LOOKED INTO THIS FURTHER BEFORE SPENDING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS THERE AND REFERRING MY MOM TO DO THE SAME! Is there anyone out there with any answers? help

The company teaches future managers how to rip off customers, and has managers encourage them to start treatment first day of sale because after first treatment the contract says no refund. They have filed bankruptcy, restructured and changed hands to prevent a class action lawsuit brought on by employees for harassment and mistreatment of employees. Got themselves out of the lawsuit sneaky ###. Shannon the trainer was the one who taught the rip off techniques, I'm sure trained by Rich Morgan.

i would like to be part in that legal action. you can contact me on my email tillmansang@yahoo.com I'm very pissed, if you can see my head you'll understand why.

I am begging you NOT to go to American laser center. They do not give you all of the information. They misinform and even lie about the financing. Also the credit card company medchoice is impossible to deal with and do not honor what the American laser center promises. And the services don't even work. This is the worst mistake I've ever made. Please do not go to this company. American laser center and medchoice are awful companies and should be closed.

I was just thinking of the Edina, Minnesota American Laser experience I had a couple years ago and what a nightmare it was! After three treatments to decrease my need to shave my face (male), I returned for a fourth session. It was all suppose to be covered. What they did was switch the gal who was to work on me. This new gal fried my chin and neck REALLY badly and put WAY too much pressure and intensity onto my chin and face. A week later, I was still explaining to everyone what had happened and why I appeared so damaged! NEVER TO THERE! The worst part about it was when I was leaving, the gals in the office all had this look on their faces like, "He won't be back for again!" As I had purchased the Life Time Guarantee as part of the package, I am convinced that intentionally frying my face was their strategy to see to it that I would not return. Nasty experience and I still have some damage, two years later!
If you need more information or have questions or if there is a lawsuit, email me at: SteveJJ80@Yahoo.com

As a former employee (hate to admit it). This is company is so shady! My goal every month I had to hit was 30, 000 dollars. If you don't hit your goal you get yelled at and alienated. It's the worst company to work for. I only survived 8 months! I always felt so horrible and guilty for scamming people. I wanted to work there for a year tops but couldn't pull it off. The other girls who work there are trashy and have no education! One girl has been there for 7 years. They are all holding on for dear life because they have nothing to fall back on. Sanya my manager is such a dumb ###. And my regional manager roxanne didn't even have a college education! You work your ### off to make everyone else above you rich and you get the bottom of the barrel. Not to mention 10hr days with only a 15 min lunch!

Bunch of issues with American Laser, Skincare. They could be forced to stop stealing from people. The promise of permanent hair removal is a laugh. Having to shave after three years of treatments is unacceptable. Slightly less hair should be there slogan. Give us a few thousand and a few dozen hairs will no longer be as noticeable.

I have received about 15 painful treatments for full body hair removal and also have a couple of scars to show for it where they burned my skin. Not only have I not seen a removal of hair, I have seen a darkening of some hair in areas like my face and stomach. It truly is awful and they won't even speak to me about it when I tried to call. I was in the Navy and constantly on deployments and after I had received about 7 treatments, then they tell me that I have to follow the timeline exactly which is to wait a certain amount of weeks in between treatments. This was impossible for me because I was out to sea. I drained 7K into this with only more hair to show for it. They told me that the hair darkening was good so the laser could find it better. I guess it's common. Has anyone else had reverse results with this treatment?
Help!
L.T. from California

This is complete B.S. - I have paid for my upper lip, side burns, underarms, full extended bikini, and lower legs. Do the math and thats roughly 10K! I could have a plastic surgery done?! They were never available, and when they were they always did such a bad job and were so inconsistent that the areas that I have had treated are blotchy! its embarrassing! I just added my lower legs to the package as of [protected] and the product purchased states ( TX plus 2 year appearance package). I have had one treatment, summer came around, and they told me that I had to much sun exposure ( am I supposed to become a hermit crab?) I dont even tan or lay out? so they couldn't see me till summer was over, and I only had two years or 6 treatments - not 2 years after my 6 treatments! They said they could not freeze my account unless I was pregnant. Um... Discrimination? Something has to be done about this? If anyone could guide me in the right direction that would be appreciated!

Also, I was denied a copy of my own personal file?! Isnt that illegal? They had me done for way more treatments that I had received. I even have work schedules to prove there was no way I was there to be treated?!

Please help! Ninette from Texas

American Laser has shut down offices in Naples, FL and Bonita Springs, FL and forceing people to drive 180 miles to Tampa. This is ILLEGAL and they will not refund anyone money. They also do not uphold their guarantees. If ANYONE is in these areas and has been affected, please contact me @ ralpers476@aol.com. Thanks
Ren

they are thieves.. thwy shold be closed down. they know they cannot deliver that is why they charge you upfront. i am very disappointed in thier services.

it is fradulent company. they know they cannot deliver that is why they make you pay upfront. they should be closed down

American Laser is pushy, always trying to sell you more services or products. They are the most expensive around. Go to Bella MedSpa instead. Their treatments work in the estimated time they should (no having to purchase a 3 treatment guarantee), and they have honest prices that are posted right on their website.

Hello, I had signed a contract today (June 23rd, 2011) with American Laser Skincare cause I was rushed by them and didnt have a chance to do my research.. :( now I emailed them to void my contract as it states that i can get a refund if nothing was performed. I'm real worried as I can not afford it, could you kindly advice me of what I could do more to break the contract and not get bills for this? I did sign for a 2, 500$ contract.. please help me!