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

I spent $7500 . NONE of it worked. In fact, I had to attend my wedding with one eyebrow a 1/2" higher than the other. Unbelievable experience. I was not provided the documents to read until after two procedures were done (their policy is no reimbursement on anything once a service is started...) and then they were too busy to talk (getting money from others and telling everyone who exited how fabulous they looked). They told me I would be reimbursed once I realized what I paid for and wanted to reduce the number of services. After a month they tell me they would not refund me because I had initiated services. Elissa Russo and Chantelle Mayrand from Attleboro, MA. Unbelievably unprofessional. Do NOT fall for the coupons, the bogos, the "win a free X" contest. I have emailed Ken to try to join the suit. Calls and emails to corporate have gone unanswered. Contact me at westcoastgal@comcast.net.

I had only gone for 3 treatments and shortly after came down with a very severe staph infection in the same area I was receiving treatment. I had not really thought about the fact that their equipment could have been what actually gave it to me! I am not sure HOW I contacted it, but I had to take medicine that made me sensitive to light, which made me not able to get treatments for awhile. Even after I had finished taking the medicine, it has taken months for the scars to heal so I have not wanted to return for quite some time because I wanted to make sure everything was completely healed. I recently called to make a new appointment after many months and the new management informed me that since I had not been in so many months they could no longer offer the 2 year guarantee. I am completely outraged because I had medical reasons for not receiving treatment. She said they would still owe me the remaining 6 treatments but they could not guarantee it would work... Hmmmm could this just be an excuse that it wasn't going to work in the first place? I wish I could just get my money back for my remaining treatments and be done with it! She said if I bought another package for another area then they would re-instate the 2 year guarantee for both areas. How does that make sense? ! I am there with you all that american laser centers is corrupt!

I have only had two treatments so far with American Laser on my underarms and extended bikini areas and I have been pretty pleased. I asked for my money back for the other 4 treatments and after a couple weeks of hassling was able to get my money back. I had wonderful results and continue to have them however I had moved overseas. I have moved back and can anyone share a GOOD place to go since it looks like American Laser isnt?

Wow! I had considered going there for laser hair removal. No now, thank you!

Wow! I have considered going there for laser hair removal. Not now, than you!

They are unbelievably irresponsible and I feel completely uncomfortable ever going to an ALC location again.

I believed in the Laser Hair Removal treatment, I am a perfect candidate with dark hair and lighter skin. I went religiously for a year and a half and had to stall for a little while during the time I was using RetinaA due to the enhanced sensitivity to UV lights. I went to the Williamsville, NY (Buffalo, NY) location. The staff seemed great and really friendly. Then without warning, it closed.

It gets better... I then contact the corporate headquarters. There's no record of me. Nothing. My name doesn't even show up. I called three times this week and finally someone was able to find my in the computer. I jumped through a few hoops, was told I could get a refund since the next closest location is over an hour away. I get a call back less than a minute later, nope, sorry we can't give you a refund because this location was privately owned. I then asked for the owner's information. I was told that usually the owners give forwarding phone numbers, but not this one. He just disappeared. I then asked to speak to the regional management team (I was told previously they were going to issue my refund that I was not going to get now). I was denied. I told them I wanted to speak with the regional management team because they must know who the owner was. I was told that no one in the organization has that kind of information.

Basically, they have no record of the gentleman who was running the location. My only option was to transfer to this other location over an hour away. I am extremely disappointed. I held up my end of the "contract" and now there is no one to make the owner or ALC responsible.

I am filing with the class action law suit and the new york attorney general. I have already filed with the BBB. I hope everyone gets fired up about this and something can be done!

It was just brought to my attention that americanlasercentersclassaction.com is now a website of nothing but advertisements. Does anyone know what is going on with the lawsuit? Why has the lawsuit website changed completely? Is there a new address for the website or is it just gone? Seems kind of sketchy...

Do NOT use this company! They are sleazy and I received the worst customer service I've ever encountered. I had to cancel an appointment due to illness and they hasseled me and said I would have to be charged for the appointment, even though I have prepaid for the service. The asst. manager there, Callie Ullirch, in Roseville, California, was very unprofessional and incinuated I was lying. She told me that I should just come in sick anyway because their nurses can wear a mask. That was so out of line and not to mention a health hazard! I had to fax them over a note from my doctor so I would'nt be charged a "cancellation fee". I will NEVER use them again!

In February the new manager at the Chesterfield, MO location offered me a discount for an underarm package. I had reservations for accepting, and they were mainly that I will be moving away in the fall, so I wasn't sure if there was an ALC where I will be going. Also, even if there was an ALC where I am going, I wasn't sure that I would get 6 treatments before leaving. She told me she'd be happy to freeze my package if I moved to an area without ALC until I returned or moved to an area with ALC, and that she would write that on my records. Then I asked her about the 6 treatments, since I know that some treatments are done every other month, like my navel treatment. She told me you can get any treatment done every month. So I asked her, "If that's the case, why is my navel being done every other month?" Recalling that the last manager had explained to me that hair grows differently on different areas of the body, I wanted to hear her answer. She said she wasn't sure, but as far as she knew, you can get any area of the body treated every month, and she used herself as an example. She said that if I started in March, I would get 6 treatments by the time I leave in August or September.

When I went in March to finish the paperwork and get my treatments, I was concerned that a credit card had been sent to me by the financing agency, so I asked about it. I didn't want a new credit card. They assured me it wasn't a credit card. I felt really pressured by the staff to sign the papers, so I did, since my main concerns had already been addressed in February. After the technician treated my underarms, she tried to schedule my next treatment for May instead of April, so I told her what her manager had told me. She talked to her manager and came back saying that her manager didn't recall our conversation. That's when I realized that she had blatantly lied to me to try and get me to buy the package. She didn't care for my well-being or the effectiveness of my treatments. It seemed like she was trying to fill a quota for the month. So I won't be getting 6 treatments before leaving. Now I'm also afraid that even though she wrote that my package may be frozen if I move to an area with no ALC, that won't mean a thing since her word is not the truth.

I would like to join this class action lawsuit because of their blatant lies and selling practices.

After going to this "service" over 10 times for hair removal my sister and I have gotten absolutely ) results. We were told we told that 1500 only guaranteed you 6 visit- we never guaranteed you would get results. So they are tell us we pay 1500 dollars with no guaranteed of results. That staff are [censor]s the computers are always down. You can wait 45 min for you appt. cause the receptionist is catching up on jersey shore or gossiping or doing her nails. There is litigation against them at this point and the Better Business Bureau is investigating them. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE

Hello Everyone,

I'm going through the same thing...trying to get a refund! I received my 4th treatment and was burned like hell! I told the girl who was doing the procedure that it was very different that particular time...usually I was not in any pain until after the procdure (strong stomach cramps), but I was getting burned every single time that laser touched me. They told me that it was due to the fact that my menstrual was 2.5 weeks away! That didn't sound right to me because I had been there before while it was only 3 days away, and never got burned. Anyhow, I have unsatisfactory results, in which I was given the documents to sign only after the clinic manager got me approved without my total consent. I was asked for very little information because they obviously had everything they needed to fill out the application. Everything happened so fast, and before you know it, I was in the procedure room (the very same day of the consultation) getting my first treatment. Everytime i asked them if they ever had any complaints of side effects, they would say no! They stated that it was tested by doctors, and proved to be very safe. I asked them was the before and after pics true, and their patients, and I was told yes. I'm starting to think different, especially after 6 treatments and nothing!

I have an update on my miserable treatments at ALC (Rockville, MD.)
After my 6 treatments of full jawline and upper neck, the manager tells me that I have been getting free treatments, since my chart says that I paid for only my CHIN. UGG
SO now that Im on the 2 yr. warranty I have to pay $50.00 per visit. and the worst technician ! she only does spot treatments! which is SO annoying, she takes no more than 5 minutes to do my whole cheek, jaw, & upper neck area. She even complained that I used up her bottle of jelly. The most unprofessional place I have ever been to.

This company will burn you physically, and financially! RUN if they ask you to pay for all your treatments up front.

Once they have your money they will not care about getting you scheduled or results! The owner (rich morgan) is not even a doctor of any sort.

Ask your nurses if they are actually treated good there. they are soooooooo abused.

Managers have qoutas of sales each month so as a patient you are nothing but a number, ever. Managers also have noooooo medical experience or degree.

I signed up for a package that included my chest, stomach, and back of neck in 2007 for $2, 000 at the Miami Beach location. From 2007 until earlier this year I received 14 total treatments (they claim its supposed to work in 6 or so). And despite near promises (a "bag of goods") during their intial sales process - I've only had very limited results after 14 treatments (still quite hairy).

The reason I went to American Laser Centers was because of their 2 year guarantee where they'd do touch up work to make sure you're satisfied. Well my case it was hardly touch up work as they never, by any streatch of the imagination successfully, did the job in the first place. Plus, I'm the perfect skin and hair color for the treatments. Light skin, dark hair. I'm pretty sure if I stood there for their sales pitches and showed potential clients what the results are they'd have a tough time making a sale ever again!

While I once was recommending my friend to the place, now I wish I hadn't and would definitely say stay away. Plus, their customer service is as good as what you've read in other postings. I've had to call in excess of 4 times before I spoke with someone and they never called me back not to mention that when I had scheduled a meeting to meet with the manager she ended up not being there and no one let me know.

I'm glad this site exists because I was thinking of starting my own. People need to know before they spend their hard earned money on a service that falls drastically short of any reasonable expectation of quality.

Has anyone else received a message on Complaints Board from anyone at the ALC corporate office? I received a message saying they would like to facilitate a conversation between myself and their customer service department.

I responded to the message by letting them know I'm not interested in a conversation unless that conversation will get me a refund in full.

Just curious if anyone else has been contacted by ALC through this site?

I created an account with american laser center class action as well.
( http://www.americanlasercentersclassaction.com/)
I really think that someone needs to do something about this problem and not let this company rip people off.
I spend about $7000 on my laser treatments. After all my treatments were over, I still didnt see any hair reduction whatsoever. I complained multiple times but noone was ready to listen. I called the corporate office atleast 10 times. Every time I was told my call will be returned in 48 hours. I am still waiting to hear from them after 7 months of the first call. I really hope something is done about this.
I am going to try my best to take this as far as possible to make sure that everyone who has been ripped off by this company gets some justice.

I spent 4000 dollars and was burned 3 times. The burns have left permanent scars. I stopped going and I did not receive a refund. I filed a report with the better business bureau. If anyone is considering hair removal it's best to go to a dermatologist for a consult.

I've been doing laser treatments for a year and a half. I'm a registered nurse! I don't recommend going anywhere that uses "Certified Laser Technicians". What does that even mean? Do they know what to do if you are taking Propanalol and use numbing cream? What about if you have a Sulfa allergy? Have you ever had Displastic Nevi? If you want to be completely satisfied. Go to a DERMATOLOGIST for treatments! Use a laser like a Candela (Lase or Yag) and NOT IPL! IPL is NOT permanent. It WILL take at least 3-4 treatments before your eye sees a difference. The hair will get finer and lighter and grow slower. You may need up to 12 treatments to be 90% or more hair free, depending on your skin type. Light skin with dark hair will see faster results. Dark skin with medium to dark brown hair will take longer. If you get burned, 99% of burns are caused by TWO things: UV rays from tanning beds and the sun, or make-up and fake tanning lotion on the skin that is not removed prior to treatment.
Don't believe it if anyone ever says things like: "By the time you're done, you're skin will be as smooth as a baby's butt." (This might be true for some, but most people have very fine hair that is left behind that is too light or fine to be "seen" by the laser. You also might be someone who needs more tx's). "This won't hurt." (It DOES hurt. The laser for dark skin, the Yag, is much more uncomfortable than the Lase for light skin. You will likely need a topical numbing cream if you are a dark skin type.)
Eastern Indian women who have a lot of hair on their face, usually require more tx's and double passes. Don't ever let anyone tell you to bleach your skin! This is very dangerous! It means they don't have the right laser for your skin type and you will likely get burned!
Many women with facial hair will later discover they suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). You can see GREAT results with laser hair removal. Go somewhere with a "Lifetime Guarantee" or "Lifetime Membership" so that once you pay the big fee, you only pay a small office charge for tx's over the original package. I see a lot of women who don't know they have PCOS until they come to the clinic and find their hair keeps growing back more than we would expect. You can have "normal" hormones and still have PCOS or other issues that cause your hair follicles to be more sensitive to androgens that cause hair growth. Sometimes it's genetic. (Make sure your doctor is specifically testing for PCOS and not just "checking your hormones".)
Finally, make sure the clinic you go to doesn't have you come back ANY SOONER than 8 to 10 weeks for you first 5 or so tx's. Six weeks is NOT enough time to let the hair cycle back through and you will wind up needing more tx's. This works to the benefit of clinics that charge you "per treatment" fees and not a package deal. Treatments after about 5 or 6 need to be 12 weeks apart because by this time the damage to the follicles causes it to take even longer to grow.
Good luck to all of you out there. I love the results I've had from the Candela Lase I use at my clinic. The key to this is realistic expectations and patience. Good results can take up to TWO YEARS so hang in there!
Lisa

I just created an account with http://www.americanlasercentersclassaction.com/ and am hoping that American Laser Center is shut down as soon as possible.

I spent $5500 on a full-body laser hair removal package (and far more than that in interest and finance charges) and have never seen any results. After my package of 6 treatments, plus my 2-year guarentee was up, I mentioned that I hadn't seen any reduction. I was told to call the corporate office to see if there was anything that could be done. Like most of the people who have posted, nothing was ever done.

Whether or not I ever see that $5500 again, I just hope the company gets shut down. They are dishonest, greedy, and misleading, among many other things. Hope everyone who posted finds some justice, as we have all been taken advantage of.

I just want to state... THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH ALC!
My mother referred me and she has been going for 5 years for different treatments. Her legs, underarms and bikini line are PERFECTLY HAIR FREE! I have only been going for 6 out of my 8-10 appointments and have noticed REAL changes in my hair growth. I signed up with Roxanne K in FH, MI and LOVE LOVE LOVE her! No one ever 'tricked' me or used any nasty tactics to get me to sign, although I do read my paperwork thoroughly before I sign and I also don't leave without asking questions. I hope that this leaves some people with a better sense of the company. 100% of the people will NOT have a great experience, that doesn't mean that the company needs to be sued!

machk - find a personal injury lawyer that works on a contingency basis and go after ALC for pain, suffering, medical bills, etc. That's just unacceptable!

I went approximately two years ago for about an eight month period for my eyebrow area only. They burned me and after that, I decided not to return. Now I just found out I have skin cancer in the exact area where they burned me. Anyone who has gotten burns should be checked by their dermatologist. I plan on joining the class action lawsuit against the company.

to 'itsmelol' - a class action is in the works - check out: http://www.americanlasercentersclassaction.com/

I've spoken with them personally, it's not a scam.

American Laser Center: Laser treatments here is just waste of time, money, and energy. I have the same issue with no results from the treatments. I have received 30 treatments since 2006 and I do not see any hair reduction. When I ask about it, they simply said I am not the right candidate. I paid $2, 000 and the money is gone and no desired results. We should definitely file a class action law suit. BEWARE - DO NOT GO HERE. There were not these many posts earlier when I bought the package otherwise I would not have even gone there. Also, see different clinics for prices. I bought a package in Seattle, WA paying $2, 800 and just wanted to find out how other clinics are offering, then I went to another ALC in Bellevue, WA and got a quote for $1, 450 for the same package which threw me off. After fighting for almost 1 year they gave me an in house credit for the remaining amount but did not refund the money. They have false prices too. DO NOT GO HERE.

I got both arms burnt from my wrist to my shoulder. Not only have they still not refunded my money like they said they were doing to do 4 months ago, but they did not even have the decency to respond to a letter sent by attorney. Do your self a HUGE favor and stay as far away from ALC as you can. They are unprofessional and incompetent. Here are my pics...

This place is into me for $2, 000. The location I was going to in St. Charles, IL will cease to exist in a few days. I've been calling corp. but I'm chasing my tail trying to get help. Any news on a class action law suit? What should be my plan of action?

Hi! DO NOT have a procedure done by American Laser. I too "won" a $300 gift certificate, and was given a great price at the consultation. I was assured that I'd be hair-free after 6 treatments, even with my strawberry blonde hair and fair skin, but here I am 3 years later (6 treatments and at the end of my 2 year guarantee), and I've had 0% success. I've asked for a refund, but was told point blank that it is not corporate policy (even though there was nothing in the paperwork I signed agreeing to a "no refund policy"), and I was instead told that I can pay $50 a treatment to continue the process. 'H' NO. Beware. Do not be swayed by the prices, or sales pitch -- American Laser is a scam. I've been in contact with a local newscaster who is covering a story about their shady business practices. Also, I've filed a claim with a class action suit forming at a firm in Michigan -- please join in (NO MATTER WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ALC - the firm is gathering info about false advertising, consumer protection violations, breach of contract, medical malpractice and credit card fraud)... the more people we have supporting the case the more likely we are to get our money back. Check out the site, and fill out the questionnaire that is emailed to you. Please feel free to contact me directly if you want more information, or have information on how we can bring this scam to light, and take this company down. Devon at dhoernsch@gmail.com. The class action suit is at: http://www.americanlasercentersclassaction.com/user/register

I am so happy to have read these comments before proceeding on with my procedures. I went for a consultation appointment on last week, and also had the "test spot" preformed. I told the lady to give me a few days to make up my mind, but was pretty sure I would proceed on (due to the great price offered). Thank heavens I investigate a little before I give out money! There are way too many negative reviews on here for me to go further with this company. The way I see it, all these people aren't just making up lies, and a lot of your stories sounds so familiar to my own, such as: winning a $300 dollar certificate in like 5 minutes, the prices which are unbelievably too good to be true (got over 50% off the cost), and much more. In addition, I would like to say that I did detect a bad vibe while there. I am a very observant person and will say that the first alarm sounded right after my price was discounted from 2500 to 1200, I was left in the consultation room with patient files, and the technician wore no glasses while performing my "test spot" (even after reading "clear as day" on the door, that everyone in the room should wear glasses). I would like to say, Thanks guys for your reviews. Sounds like you've saved me from hell!

hi there Im interested in joining a class action law suit, im in orange county california and have sustained considerable burns on my back, by a RN, (at least she claims, she was), no one every followed up or anything, they gave a few measely ice packs and a bottle of $6 Aquaphor ointment.

I agree, they are a big rip off. Signed up for laser skin tightening and rejuvenation and have seen no results. I called and complained and they gave me free microbrasion but no refund, which also didn't work. They are rude, dishonest and very unprofessional and need to be shut down. 3/05/2010

A branch of ALC in Des Moines, IA was cited..."In the order sent last week to American Laser Center, the board says the center was using unlicensed, and unqualified cosmetologists to perform medical procedures on patients." Read the full story here: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/84595372.html.

This is the place I've been going for 2 years. I also "won" a $300 gift certificate and went in for a free consultation. I signed up for a package and since then they've tried roping me into many, many more. They've offered $1000-$1500 gift certificates, but thankfully I turned them down. I've seen minimal results. Most of the service was professional, but one tech did not seem to know what she was doing, and slightly burned my skin. That was the last time I was there. I had a conflict with my last scheduled appointment and rescheduled it. That appointment is in a couple of weeks, but I will never go back to this place. Since they're using unlicensed people, is there a chance that I could get my money back?

I just had my first treatment for laser rejuvenation and hair removal for bikini area. I signed up for a $2, 000 package. I am very skeptical after reading these postings and after feeling like the clinic is nothing but a sales scam. I became suspicious after the salesperson told me the credit card was zero percent interest, but then I received the credit paperwork in the mail and it showed 25%. I never would have signed up if it wasn't interest free. The salesperson even told me that if there was interest, then I should call the customer service number and they would fix it. I called them and the person on the phone said she never heard of zero-percent interest! That's when I knew I was completely scammed. I guess it's too late now! I will try to stick it out and maybe there will be results. I have a few sun spots on my face that they claim will flake off after a few treatments. I guess we'll see!

I would have to disagree with all of you. I have been going to ALC and have recieved 4 treaments and couldn't be happier with the results. I don't think most of you pay attention in your consults to what they say. They clearly say hair reduction. No where do they ever say it will completely get rid of all hair. With all you unsatisfied people there is something you could do and that is provide pictures. Let the hair grow back and take a picture of it to show the results your actually getting. Sounds like you guys purchased something you knew you couldn't afford and have buyers remorse is all.

I have been recieveing treatments since Nov 09. it seems as soon as you pay up all the customer service goes out the window. I am currently locked in to a financing agreement. Is there anything I can do to get out of it? Help!

oh my gosh!.i saw one of their ads about winning a free consulation and signed up for it and i won.it only took 5 minutes for a call.that was when i knew something was fishy.i was schedule for an appointment but unfornately i never showed up.but after reading this reviews, i am just going to call them and tell them that i am no longer interested.i never signed any agreement.hopefully they should leave me alone..

Hey, I am another victim of American Laser Center. I am willing to join any group to stop this deception and unprofessionalism. Please help me. I desperately need my money back and it seems it went into a black hole! I have never seen any such liars in my entire life (lived in 6 countries so you can imagine that I have seen quit a lot during my life time).

Is anyone organizing a collaborative and coordinated response. Please email me and I will join. They have to be stopped.

I do have real complaints. I have been reading this board for a while now to see what other people are going through. There are some pathetic comments, but I believe there are other people who have posted comments about real problems. I am going to call the number that "Allen" left. I can already report though that he is wrong to leave that comment because it is misleading clients to think that they will be helped if only they would just call this number he left. I have already called the "customer service" number and they will not, cannot help me. They say they cannot. If you call and you are one of the people who went to a privetly owned clinic, they will tell you to go to the owners and that there is nothing they can do. If Allen really worked with ALC customer service, he would know that. I am disgusted by the business practices of this company and I can't stand it anymore. They want me to take some their crappy products in place of five facial treatments that I don't want to use in place of a refund because remember, they don't do refunds! The last time I tried to call their customer service number I was told I wasn't even in their computers and the woman couldn't even look up my name and home address. i find that weird considering that i entered that contest and had to call back a customer service person to accept the prize. Hmmm. I told her that i had tried to get the contact info of the owners at the clinic I have been going to and that the manager refused to give me that info. She was a jerk to me. Upset that I wanted to put in a formal complaint about my experience with them. The woman told me that she would have to connect me through to a customer service manager and just when I thought I was getting some where nobody answered and I had to leave a message for this so called manager. Well, just like I expected nobody ever called me back and that was about a month ago. I have significant scarring from the facial treatment I had done and even though the manager at this place told me she saw it she has done nothing to go to the owners for me to see if I can have a refund. They won't give me my money back.

I have been going to ALC since March 2008. I have received 9 treatments and have about 25% reduction. I am getting full legs, feet and toes, buttocks, full brazillian, naval, underarms.

I also was burned very badly. I couldn't drive my car, had body shakes, a high fever, and had to take a full day off work. The burns last about 2 weeks going from a light pink, into a dark brown, then turning into a blister and peeling off. I contacted ALC because i was concerned. The response i got was, " that is normal and will go away in the next couple of days". I thougth nothing of it because of their response until i found this website.

I have spent $4200( 10, 927 without any discounts or gift certificates). They make it seem like you are getting such a great deal for an amazing treatment. I am not getting the results that was promised to me.

During one of my sessions i had an ingrown hair on the back of my thigh. The day after my appointment i had a blistered form of herpes, due to their unsanitized equipment.

I am a physician who was receiving treatments at American Laser Centers. I sustained burns after one of my treatments.
I have contacted, and encourage everyone else who has had a bad experience, to contact your state's
MEDICAL QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMISSION which is a branch of the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

When I contacted them, they stated that they have hear many complaints but many people do not bother to submit a formal complaint so that the commission could investigate them and enforce the laws.

Don't be fooled by the contest they say you won. That is how they get you sucked in! They lie to you and scam you out of a lot of money! There are no results because you have untrained people using the lasers. Don't waste your money, or risk your health! There are a lot of lawsuits and complaints for a reason. Unfortunately, I am one of them that found out the hard way!