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

American Laser Centers' documents thoroughly explain any and all procedures. People should read what they are signing, as the paperwork explains the risks/results. I have had 4 treatments at ALC in Langhorne and probably only need the last two before a hundred percent removal. I reasearched laser hair removal for months before deciding on a company. ALC has the lowest reaction rate and the highest treatment rate out of any company and also is the longest standing. People who love to complain will always complain, and their lives will be miserable forever because of it.

I am building a case against ALC for unfair and shady business practices. I was a former employee. Do you know of any past employess I may contact? So far, I have an overwhelming response to the building lawsuit. For all of you that are complaining about your services, I can't even begin to explain the amount of stress and daily horror that they pin on their employees to sell $2000 a day, working 12 hr days, 6-7 days a week. We are salaried employees, which allows them to work us 60-80 hrs a week. The clinic has to sell $60, 000 a month or you lose your job. It takes several hours, even until 9-10pm at night, cold calling present customers, and attacking every customer that walks into our treatment room to sell. They also lean towards the young, unmarried, with no kids types. Then when they feel they have used up all of your energy, or you ask for help, they snake you out of your position. I could go on about this shady and unfair business...but I won't. But I'll let my attorny do it for me. Thank you to all of you that has joined so far, but the more employees and clients join...the bigger this lawsuit will be! Email me at ALClawsuit@hotmail.com

As an LE andCLT, I would of not worked on your skin type. to be honest that is why you got burnt. the laser to atracted to pigment. So it goes towards the pigment and kills it, thats why it goes to skin types 1-3 hair folicle. i would of not worked on you since you are probably a skin type 4-5, right? There are machines w/a lower wavelength for the laser. did she do a test stop? do one spot on your skin then wait for a while to see how your skin reacts? They should of never told you how many treatments you can see results in cause you never know, it depends if your hair is in its growing phase, thats when the laser it attracted to it

To angela,

Actually, I did nothing before or after my treatment to exacerbate the laser in order to cause it to burn. I was not on any meds. I avoid the sun always since I am darker skin and don't want to tan. I am a normal, healthy girl. I told the aesthetician that it felt very hot, and she did not turn it down enough obviously. I honestly think she was using a heat setting that was not correct for my skin type that day, because nothing of that magnitude had ever happend to me before. The laser pulses felt like someone was putting a toaster to my skin. I could tell something was wrong the minute I was done with the treatment because my skin was redder than normal and it burned. I knew it was going to be redder than normal for a while, but never did I think it was going to start bubbling and blistering, finally forming scabs all over me, and falling off to leave permanent scars. My friends and boyfriend were horrified when I showed them and told me just to drop it all even though I wasn't done with my treatments and to get a refund. It wasn't worth it to it continue. I was 23 years old when all this happend, thinking I was never going to be able to wear shorts or a swimsuit again. And the worst burns had happend on my legs. What if they had happend on my face instead, which I was paying for also. Plus, you want to know what's the funniest part of all this? I called my office immediately and told them how I was burnt and things looked pretty bad. They asked me to come in and show them, which I did, and they took pictures. The manager actually said to me "they don't look that bad."

First of all...nothing is going to be "pain free" when you are getting a LASER treatment. This is not a relaxing experience there fore it is NOT in a spa setting. Before you bash on the "hair reduction" do some research on it, all your hair is not going to be gone on your body therefore its called hair REDUCTION. you have millions+ of hair follicles on your body and the laser is attracted to the ones that are in there growing phase not all your hairs are going to be growing at the same time. If you are 100, 000 in debt why are you spending your money on these treatments...? doenst make sense to me. YOU signed the paperwork its at your wrong for signing, she didnt grab your hand and make you sign anthing. Also if you signed up for treatments...call up and make an appt, easy as that. Tired of people complaining when they have NOT done there research. Did you burn after your treatment cause you went to the gym after, sat in a sauna, shaved, used a chemical soap, picked, scracthed, sat in the sun...numerous things cause you to burn after treatment. so do research and stop complaining you have NO LAWSUIT.
Angela, Licensed Aesthetican, Licensed Laser Tech.

Are you in Southern California? If so, I"d love to hear from you.

I'm working on a TV news story about laser hair removal. and am looking for people who wish to share their story.

Many thanks,

News Producer
Los Angeles, CA

They are scam artists. No results. They use old lasers, then give you a gurantee that is useless. Any money spent with them is too much

A.a. I am so sorry for your burns, they look terrible and painful. I had my own too. I hope you get the justice you deserve.

Is there anyone out there that has gone to the Vancouver, Washington or any of the three ALC clinics in Oregon (Beaverton, Eugne and I think the other may be Bend)? Very important that I find you as I have had major problems with the services and need to find other victims. These locations are locally owned so corporate won't help saying they are "licensees." Thank you.

here are pics of my burns - these pics are 2 days AFTER burns (around 6/1/06) - so they actually got better in these pics - and of course I still have scars (today is

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/shimmer717/leftthigh.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/shimmer717/frontleftcalf.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/shimmer717/frontstomach.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/shimmer717/leftbackofcalf1.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/shimmer717/lowerback2.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/shimmer717/lowerback1.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/shimmer717/rightthigh1.jpg

I was badly burnt by American Laser Centers in Clear Lake (Houston, TX) in 2006, and have still NOT received my refund. However, I did take pictures of the burns at the time, and still have scars from the laser treatments. I had spoken to teh manager in 2006, and she had promised she would get the refund for the full amount I had paid, which was around $7000. Of course, the management has changed like 5 times since her, and she never wrote down anything about my refund I was supposed to be receiving. They never return my calls when I do call (about once a month), and they keep saying they will be "sending my information to corporate" and to wait for a phone call from corporate, which I have never recevied. I had been getting treatments for about 1.5 years from them on pretty much my whole body, but after being badly burnt on several occasions, I decided being hairy was better than having permanent burn scars all over my body. I would love to join a class action lawsuit against these ###. They are the most shady company I have ever dealt with in my life. I plan on becoming a dermatologist within the next three years (already about to finish up my 2nd year of medical school), so I can further spread the news of how damaging this company it to people's lives. Please tell me the update of what is going on with this lawsuit.

I just got a call yesterday and they said I won $300 gift certificate. They keep telling me if I signed up within 24 hours I would get additional $100 certificate. I am so glad I did a search on this. Thank you all so much.

Im in for the lawsuit. Ive been dealing with these people for over 2 months now and I still haven't received my refund.
People: DO NOT GO TO ALC. Its is a guaranteed nightmare. And I have called and emailed the guy that posts here (Allen) and he has not answered me.

Im in for the lawsuit. Ive been dealing with these people for over 2 months now and I still haven't received my refund.
People: DO NOT GO TO ALC. Its is a guaranteed nightmare. And I have called and emailed the guy that posts here (Allen) and he has not answered me.

Will you all share the phone #'s to call corporate so I don't have to try and find it? Multiple numbers ok, along with names would help too. If we all call incessantly, at least we tie up their time and phones. Thank you.

I had gone to a different center before signing up with ALC here in Albany, NY (Latham office) and all I can say is I have never had any problems, complaints, or anything regarding their services whatsoever. I have a massive reduction and I started with a small package and since the results were as amazing as they are I had another package added on and then another added on as well. The costs for all my services are WAY better than pricing at any other place I have gone to and NO other center will give you a guarantee in writing which ALC has done. On most of the body parts I have had treatments, I have seen almost total reduction in under the 6 treatment minimum and I have no doubt that I will be 100% WAY before the two year guarantee kicks in that I am allowed to receive free sessions until I achieve my goal.
I was already told by the manager here that if I have ANY stubborn trouble spots even after such a time frame that it would be no problem and no cost to me whatsoever. Perhaps you people that are complaining didn't do your homework on the individual in the office that is performing your work because the ones that work at the center I go to are either fully certified technicians with much experience and knowledge of the equipment they are operating, the parameters that they are staying within and I personally have the pleasure of my technician also being a full RN.
I think if people followed the FDA's recommended treatment regarding Laser and IPL that you would not be dissatisfied with your results.
To add further note to this and out myself which I do not care because it is the reason of why I am getting the amount of treatment I am getting from ALC... I am Transgendered M-F and I have an Italian heritage and course dark facial hair which is now almost completely nil after 4 sessions, my underarms, chest and abdomen are virtually hair free after just 3 sessions, and my legs are seriously thin to the point that I am already down to shaving but once every 3 days at almost stubble free after just one session. I follow up all my sessions using the Post Laser Facial or Body Lotion they provided to me PLUS I wear my Sun Block that they also provided. My experience with ALC is phenomenal and I am 100% IN SUPPORT of such a fantastic company that has treated me most incredible. From courtesy calls to remind me of upcoming sessions to even providing calls to make sure that I am not experiencing any discomfort after I have left their facilty.
That has been MY experience with the ALC in Latham, NY.

Thanks for all the info posted on this company. I just got a call that I won their "drawing" for $300. I thought I would check out the company and stumbled across these post. I will not use their services!

Does anyone know if a class action suit has been filed. Please email me. Thanks.

American laser center is a piece of crap company. they cheat you into buying things you dont want to and manipulate you to get something else than you thought. i was told i won 300 dollars for free laser hair removal, when i got in they told me i could only use packages and made me sign all these papers i didnt know . come to find out i now have to pay a monthly price, they wont let me get out of it. The people were horrible there and the treatment wasnt worth a dollar, they did it so fast . DO NOT GO THERE

I am a professional who has been working with advanced laser technologies for many years. They preach to theic patients that "their" technology is exclusive to them and is the safest on the market. This is lie! The technology they use is SYNERON and anyone can get it. This laser combines RF with laser which is very VERY dangerous. RF is what is causing people to get burned. I own a laser clinic and considered bringing this technology in... after I studied the technology and saw the side effects... I refused to work with it again.
The Ameriasmooth laser that claims it can remove fat cells is a joke. All it is doing is causing suction to the skin that causes swelling. If your skin is swollen...of course the fat cells look better! BUT IT COMES BACK! The technology is a joke, the training these people gets is only 1 day long... do you think that is safe?

Stay away from this laser chain!

I have experienced deceptive practices that American Laser Centers seems to do over and over again. I was called because I was a "winner" in one of their drawings for 400$ off of one of their over priced packages. I was shown before and after photos, and promised after 10 treatments, my skin would look like the photo. This statment was given to me without even looking at my stomach, which they promised that their Velasmooth proceedure had done wonders for, and even had one of the employees come in and state that she did the treatment, and it had taken away almost all of her stretch marks. After 5 treatments, I could tell that nothing was happening at all. I was burned, and I feel that their is no consistancy between any of their unexperienced technichians.
I called the manager and demanded a refund. She gave me many reasons why I wouldn't be entitled to a refund. She refused to give me the name of her boss, or contact information.
This company is a huge fraud and their techniques for getting clients is unethical. They mis-represent what they can do, and the results that you will get. I went to a real medical clinic, and they told me the strongest laser made would not help my skin, and laser treatment with American Laser is just a waste of money.
Save your Time and Money...Stay AWAY.

Well an update. I still talk to a person name Eva, I was called and told I could possibly receive my money back 80-90% of what I spent. However, now she hasn't returned my calls. As far as the people above that state the good stuff about american laser. Customer service does pick up now. However, I can tell you this much. They don't help and they will always say you have results. I caught that from the manager and customer service and this is after they tell me they can't find my first pictures and my new ones.

I have actually had more hair growth since starting and was even asked by Eva if that picture was of me. She stated I don't look the same. I had a v-shape hair growth on my back and now because of the treatment and shaving my back I now have full hair growth on my upper back. This isn't just women dealing with this ###. I'm a 23 year old male that was getting a t-shirt done so whoever was up top needs to get his stereotypes straight! I will keep calling the corporate and the local office. I will be relentless and everyday for the next month they will hear my voice. I was nice at first, rude but not consistent. Now I will be rude and consistent.

Keep in mind everyone, the wheel that squeaks gets the oil!

But enough said, stay away from this company, stay away from their lies of complete hair loss, read the contract and find out their guarantee is meant for them and not for you. You can read my whole experience above and I will update everyone of the results on a common basis. I just want to say...

AMERICAN LASER NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN! I will do all in my power to give them the negative recognition they deserve!

I spent $5000 on laser hair removal. It actually stimulated hair growth. I have been receiving tratments from an electrolosys for about 8 months now to repair the damaged. I have requested a refund for the past year and have been ignored. Sent cetrified letters with pictures. Ignored. Left messages at corporate and the office. Ignored again.

Any idea what I can do to receive the refund?

I am another extremelly unsatisfied customer of ALC. I have been trying to get a refund for over 2 months now. I have asked for my chart that includes pictures of my bikini area and I have been waiting for over a month for that. I have called over 40 times. The Regional manager in the East area is Carina Rodriguez. She is aweful. The rudest person. Called me once and told me I was getting a refund but I needed to call her back to schedule a picture appointment. Well, Ive called her over 20 times and she never responded. Gary Grave is the new CEO. I asked for him when I called and spoke to Jeannette. She said he was out of the offce and hung up on me when she "tried" transferring to someone else.
TO THE ALC REPS LIKE "ALLEN" THAT ARE POSTING MESSAGES HERE, STOP GIVING OUT A NUMBER WHEN NOBODY PICKS UP THE PHONE. I have called that 877 number 6 times and left messages and nobody has called me back. People: dont fall into their trap as many of us did!
Im in for the class action lawsuit!

Hello Alley,

I represent American Laser Centers and would like to apologize for your recent experience.

Please contact our customer service hotline at [protected] or email us at customerservice@alcpartner.com. We are happy to assist.

I do hope this is helpful.

Thank you,

-Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com

Hello Rachel,

I represent American Laser Centers and would like to apologize for your recent experience.

I am posting on these boards to help raise awareness of our newly expanded customer service department.

We are working hard to make all of our customers satisfied. I encourage you to either call our customer service hotline at [protected] or email us at customerservice@alcpartner.com.

I do hope this is helpful.

Thank you,

-Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com

Hello Nereida,

I represent American Laser Centers and would like to apologize for your recent experience.

I am posting on these boards to help raise awareness of our newly expanded customer service department. We are working hard to make all of our customers satisfied.

I encourage you to either call our customer service hotline at [protected] or email us at customerservice@alcpartner.com.

I do hope this is helpful.

Thank you,

-Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com

Hello Carrie,

I represent American Laser Centers and would like to apologize for your recent experience.

I am posting on these boards to help raise awareness of our newly expanded customer service department. We are working hard to make all of our customers satisfied.

I encourage you to either call our customer service hotline at [protected] or email us at customerservice@alcpartner.com.

I do hope this is helpful.

Thank you,

-Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com

Hello Brett,

Thanks for sharing your experience at ALC. I represent American Laser Centers customer service department and encourage you to voice your opinion. Please call [protected] or email us at customerservice@alcpartner.com.

-Allen
customerservice@alcpartner.com
www.americanlaser.com

[protected]

I completely agree with all that has been said, I have experienced the same unprofessional treatment.

Every time I called the manager was always in a consultation or out getting coffee and never returned my calls. I will gladly join the class action law suit!

Thank you for coming forward with this information I truly appreciate this.

I agree. I am going through this same process of trying to get a refund for services I never received for 8 months now. Very unethical company. Would not recommend them to anybody

All of you are just pissed off that you bought something you shouldn't have. Most of you probably went in to the clinic talked to the manager that is 100 times prettier then you and you wanted to be just like them! then when you went home your husband got pissed that you spent $3, 000 on hair removal your all just mad that you can't say no to someone you want to be. You HOPEFULLY read the paperwork and you signed it. Blame whoever you want to blame but it's you fault and you all know it. I don't work for the company and i am not even a client I just get a kick out of sad people like you all that blame others for your own mistakes.

I had a consultation today. I don't know if they're legit or not (Kind of stupid to say). The thought of results are questionable but, what really bugs me is the $300 prize.

Isn't it odd that we all got it? The odds are too good.

Hi everyone! I agree with what one person was saying about the free credit check being done, and then an account was opened in my name! I just now remembered that I was never asked if I wanted an account with CareCredit, it was just done! Anyway, I've been getting laser hair removal on my upper lip, and I can see the difference...Are you all saying that it's not going to work and that I will have to pay again after the two years is up? I hope not! I will have a complaint at that time too then!

HI KAY!

You are very correct in most of what you say! You are right that you shouldn't go to nail salon and you are right in saying that it is not 100% permanent and 80-90% is great results. I have been a laser provider for 6 years which if you know much of laser it hasn't been around that long so 6 years is a long time. I also will say are correct in saying you should do lots of research.. but you are incredibly WRONG in saying there is no such thing as a "FALSE LASER"... it may be the wrong terminolgy BUT>... there are devices out there called IPL (intense pulse light) and then RF (radio frequency)... which if you look on ALC website you will see they use both a combination which IS NOT A LASER... it does not have anywhere near the same wavelength as a laser it's NOT THE SAME THING>>> WHICH THAT MEANS IT IS NOT A LASER ... THANK YOU!

Kay,

Thank you for your insightful comments and holistic analysis of our situation.

We do also wish to help our clients that are not satisfied with their treatments and are working very hard to make every customer happy.

Again, I urge those who are not satisfied to call [protected].

Thank you,

-Allen

I also purchased the ALC package for my chin. I went for 2 years & saw absolutely no results. When I asked about why I had seen nothing change, they kept telling me it would take longer because I have dark hair. When my 2 years were up they said I needed to pay more. What a scam! DO NOT BECOME ANOTHER VICTIM!

Okay, first let me state, i'm not an employee of ALC and never have been. I have however, been using, instructing and treating patients with lasers and broadbands for many many years. I've read the pros and cons that have been written here and i can see and understand both sides.

I hate that people have been burned, it happens for a lot of reasons and not just because of lack of training. I have seen many of them in my office and can usually help them. Some reasons are patient's expectations were not adequately met upfront, the need for instant gratification, when asked questions of when the last time you were in the sun, people equate that to actually lying out in the sun when it also means gardening, talking with a neighbor in the yard, shopping etc for any length of time, meds or vitamins that make you photosensitive, using that new lotion with a tanning agent included... and yes lack of training or experience.

The rule of thumb in the cosmetic industry is "no refunds" for procedures, perceived complications from procedures and results are not guaranteed (call your local surgeon, you'll see). however, most companies will work with you to your satisfaction and each case should be treated with that in mind. I personally do not want an unhappy camper out there bad mouthing me, but at the same time, i know i've explained to you how your hair grows in three stages (go back to basic biology) and you can't get all stages with one treatment, and the darker your skin is, the more treatments it will take so that i do not injure your skin and we've talked for some time and you clearly read and signed my forms...and now you've had one treatment and your hair is not gone and you're freaking out! or there is some blistering (not always common but can happen) what would you do? here's what i do, smile and remind you of the three stages of growth, and skin type and to hang in there. i also take pictures, it's human nature to go a long time without seeing hair, and then you get a few to return (mostly working their way out of the follicle) and you think it's all returned because you're use to looking at a smooth surface for quite some time. i pull out the pictures and we laugh at how much you use to have. i promise, the hair does go away. Is it permanent, no, it's 80-90% reduction and if some hair comes back, it will not come back as coarse or dark as it was. It will be very fine and wispy. I also see quite a few of electrolysis patients and they are allowed to state that it is permanent.

I strongly feel that if you have signed up or won something ( a strategy every market driven business in the world uses, i.e. gift with purchase, women's expo's etc) don't panic. Ask questions, tell them you've read this board and how do they respond to that, hey get it in writing with their personal signature, ask to speak with other clients, ask your friends or physician where to go or what experience they had. not all ALC's are bad.

The four ALC's i've stopped by to "informally inspect" and check out these complaints have been totally compliant with state regs, they DO use a real laser, (i've never heard of a false laser unless you're referring to a broadband which is still a class 2 light device and better on darker skin types. now having said that, they were all independently owned. That could make a difference.

please don't think that all laser techs/offices are the same. ask how long the tech has been using that particular machine, what training have they had, where is their certification, etc. remember, it's your body and money. and if you are offered the chance to do it at your local hair salon or nail tech place...run! that's where most mistakes are made. and the pictures you see of all these burned people on tv after a laser tx, most of those pictures are 4-6 years old.

as for the new management, i haven't checked that out and Allen, i hope to heaven that you are sincere in your offers to work with these people. you have your job cut out for you, but it is do-able and should not have been allowed to develop this far. it can't possibly be good for you (or them) and just as important, all the ALC's out there that are honest and working with clients and getting great results and now getting the backlash from all of this.

I'm sure there's some detail i've left out or not explained to everyone's satisfaction, however, please know i'm not trying to offend anyone, just wanting to shed some light on a very volatile situation and reassure those that are attending ALC and are concerned.

You should try Ideal Image. They know what it takes to get a permanent result verses just a temporary one. I love my results from Ideal Image!

OH MY GOD... so funny i do laser for a living and just to let everyone out there know... the "laser" they use is a fake and it will never permantly destroy anybody's hair follicles... it's not even a true laser! HAHAH