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

I signed up in Nov 2006 for laser hair removal. I took out a loan with Care Credit for $3000 and paid $600 in cash. I wanted to get my whole body done. I signed up for my face and arms (they told me it would be $7500 for the whole body). Since then I've had the worst experience ever with ALC.

I got pregnant in Dec 2006 and I couldn't afford the treatments (I had just one before I got pregnant). And Allison who was the manager at the Houston, TX Galleria location said that Hannah her regional manager was the only one to make a decision on a refund. I gave her my contact info and asked Hannah to call me. 4 months went by and I called at least 4 times and Allison said she gave Hannah the message and she was supposed to call me. Finally I 4 months later I called again and said I'm still trying to get a hold of Hannah. Allison said, "She still didn't call you? That's ridiculous." She finally got a hold of Hannah and Hannah called me within 30 minutes. I told Hannah my story of being pregnant and I couldn't afford it now because I had a baby on the way but I still wanted it I just couldn't do it now. I said you can deduct whatever the cost was from the initial treatment but I need the remaining and said I want a refund.

She started to argue with me and said "I am stuck and I should have read what I wrote" and "there was nothing she could do to help me". I confirmed, "there is nothing, absolutely nothing you can do to help me?" She confirmed , "no". We got to the point that we were arguing and I asked why and she said, "Care Credit (the financing company) is a third party affiliate and there isn't anything they can do to help". I told her, "I still want to get this done I just can't do it now, I'd like a refund and when I'm not pregnant I'll come back." She said, "No I can' help you, you're the one with the excessive hair growth." I was so angry at that point I said, "I never want to do business with you again and I make sure none of my friends ever come here again." She then said "I'll give you a body part for free; think about it and call me back" and hung up real quickly.

Then I felt I was lost and really felt ripped off. I was under the impression I lost $3500+ and there was nothing I could do. I had a miscarriage at 5 1/2 months (22 weeks) and I called Hannah back maybe 2 months ago. I felt like I might as well try it instead of wasting all that money. When I called Hannah (directly on her cell phone)I told her "I wanted that free package you said you'd give me" and she said didn't know who I was and said she needed my chart in front of her. Then a week or so later I called her again and refreshed her memory, she then said "I thought you were pregnant." (very rudely of course).

I told her I had a miscarriage, but since she offered me that free package I wanted to know if I could switch from my arms and face to legs. She was shocked or pretended to be and said ok I can get my legs done. Anyway, I went and got 2 treatments after that done on my legs. Both times leaving some small burn marks on my legs that faded after a month or so. 2 different girls said full legs went up to different parts of the legs. No one knew what parts covered what.

Anyway, I called to reschedule my 3rd appt (which was the Tuesday (11/20/2007) before Thanksgiving)...and I called 6 times during business hours leaving messages on their voicemail like, "this is my 6th time calling waiting for someone to call me back to reschedule my appointment which was before Thanksgiving." Finally 2 weeks ago I get a hold of the new manager at this location (Allison quit) and her name is April Strickland. I told her my situation and she schedules me for an appointment today. Tuesday (1/15/08) this week I speak to someone from ALC and said my work schedule changed (they called to confirm) and I wanted to reschedule it again and the girl said Wednesday morning (1/16/08, yesterday at 10 am was open) and I said great and asked her to move my appointment. I get there at 10 am and there was only one girl at the desk and said no one moved my appointment, that I was still scheduled at 6:45 pm today (1/17/08). I don't remember the girl I spoke to but told her what time I called. She sent me away and said I couldn't be squeezed in.

I couldn't go today (1/17/08) and I tell you I want my $3600 refund. I asked for a copy of my file and they told me they needed a written letter which I did. I was just waiting to pick it up tomorrow and then I will write to my legislator and attorney general and file with the BBB.

God, I wish I would have read this website before going to American Laser Centers. I too received a "$300" off coupon after attending a women's expo. The saleswoman was incredibly pushy about scheduling an appointment right away and then when I went to the appointment I was told I would receive an additional discount for multiple packages but the offer was only good for that day. I should have trusted my instincts and run like hell. They also were adamant that I receive my first treatment right then. Now I understand why, because now I will be unable to get a refund since I have received my first treatment. I was also under the impression that after 6 treatments if my hair wasn't gone, that I didn't have to pay for additional treatments but I am finding out from my readings that that is not the case. I WILL BE TELLING EVERY PERSON THAT WILL LISTEN WHAT A COMPLETE SCAM THIS IS! CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!

Their guarantee is essentially that you'll receive treatments for up to 2 years following your 6th visit until the hair is gone. What happens if the hair still persists at that point is anybody's guess, but given that you've probably completed youth 6th visit within the past 3-4 months or so, you've still got a while to hope that treatments do work and that you don't get injured in the process.

Yes, that's my problem. I came in for my 2nd visit today, and was introduced to the new "tech" who'd be treating me today. She asked if I had noticed any reduction in hair growth so far, and I told her honestly, not really.

While she was very ni and considerate, and oh so helpful, but none too experienced. She was a lot more thorough working my lip area, giving me at least twice as many zaps as the first tech who simply did about 4-5 pulses straight across. This tech went further past the corners of my mouth and higher/lower from my lip line to the base of my nose. So I was pleased with her attention to detail.

But, then without warning, she started zapping the entire area a 2nd time! Mind you, I'm not trained at all on use of lasers, but this seemed very wrong. Wasn't much I could do while she's happily zapping away while I'm lying back trying to keep the pre-laser gel she liberally applied from getting into my mouth.

Anyway, she explained after the fact that she doubled up the treatment because I hadn't noticed results. Then offered me a cold pack which I accepted, and continued applying whenever I was stopped in traffic on my way home, now replaced with an ice pack.

It feels like I have a very bad sunburn now, and my lip is very pink. Thankfully it doesn't seem like it will blister, and hopefully the pain and discoloration will fade soon. But right now, I'm not sure if I want to continue treatment, refunds or not. I'm thinking I'd rather deal with shaving/bleaching my hair than trying to hide burns and scars. And hoping I don't have to deal with both problems at once!

I have been going to ALC for about a year now and seen some hair loss and regrowth also. Its very painful each treatment. I was under the impression it only took 6 sessions but i'm way over that now. I would like to stop and just get my money back. I really don't understand the guarentee. Can someone help thank you.

I got suckered into a procedure I never wanted in the first place -- but it was the end of the month and the regional manager was there and offered me a (supposed) huge discount and coerced me into a CareCredit account. I was nearing the end of my laser hair removal treatments for my back, and they convinced me I should have similar treatments for my beard (neck area only, so when I didn't shave it would be shaped nicely). I went through with 2 treatments that hurt like HELL, and finally said no more. They refused any refund, even though I was only asking for partial. I've gone around in circles for 3 months now just trying to get ahold of somebody to talk to... After reading this I've already exchanged emails with Ken Quat, inquiring about the class action law suit. I'll be pursuing every avenue possible - disputing the charges w/ CareCredit (although it may be too late for that), fling a claim w/ BBB, etc., etc.

Ok, after "winning" the $300 certificate, I went in for a consultation. I needed a couple days to think about the cost, but DID allow them to (according to the rep I spoke to) "check my credit" to see if I qualify for the Care Credit line. I didn't sign anything else, but am I at risk for being charged? I simply CAN'T afford to pay thousands for nothing! I have another consultation tomorrow, but I'm going to call in the morning and cancel, and insure that I won't be charged anything.

I just came home after my job interview with ALC.
I was excited until I read this information and realize this must be a scam. I read their website prior to the interview and it states :
"hair removal service available, performed with state-of-the-art FDA-Approved equipment by trained and certified technicians -- including licensed estheticians, nurses and physicians assistants."
Only estheticians are employed and as a licensed esthetician I am not comfortable working without a doctor on staff. That's scary.
THANKS FOR THE INFO, SAVED ME LOT OF GRIEF.

Forgot to say you can also contact your local radio, tv, and newspapers, especially the last 2.

I contacted my local health board and turns out all the ALC locations in my area have violations against them, same owner too.

Does anyone know approximately what % of ALC's are actually franchises?

If you've had even one service it's difficult to get your credit card to refund you. Every state is different, but this may help. Although this is resources for OREGON, the same agencies and resources exist in each state. So I will post the link:

http://www.katu.com/news/problemsolver/13022142.html

Heck, I'll just post the whole thing...I plan on doing just about everything on here and have done some things already.

BTW, I have experienced everything that has been mentioned already and more. I have been through so much with this company.

PORTLAND, Ore. - When you have a problem, as a consumer, sometimes it's hard to make yourself heard.

Before you throw up your hands in defeat, KATU's On Your Side Problem Solver Team has put together a checklist you can consult the next time you have a complaint and want someone to take action.

Try To Resolve It Within the Company

First off, talk to the boss. Before you take your complaint to an outside organization. do everything possible to resolve it within the company. Your chances of getting some satisfaction are far better if you do.

With smaller companies, you can do it in person. For bigger companies, write a letter or email to the CEO. One trick to finding them is to check the company's annual report online.

File A Complaint

If that doesn't work, and you are forced to file a complaint, file many. Contact the Attorney General, as well as city and county offices that might be able to help you.

Then call in the feds. Agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Product Safety Commission can help, depending on your issue.

Business Organizations

Head over to business organizations that can help, like the Better Business Bureau. Some may offer dispute resolution services.

File A Lawsuit

If all else fails, file a lawsuit. It's a sure way to get a complaint taken seriously.

For smaller problems, stick to the small claims court. Court Web sites usually have instructions that will walk you through filing a claim.

Resources

When filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau or government agencies, check out their Web sites. They will help guide you to the right department for your particular problem. Here is a list of organizations that may be able to help with your problem:

Oregon Public Utility Commission : http://www.puc.state.or.us/
National Credit Union Administration: http://www.ncua.gov
Securities and Exchange Commission: http://www.sec.gov
Credit Reporting Agency or Telemarketing : http://www.ftc.gov
Insurance Companies: http://naic.org
Airlines: http://www.airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm
Cruise Lines: http://www.fmc.gov
Identity Theft: http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Mail Fraud: http://www.postalinspectors.uspis.gov
Internet Crime: http://www.ic3.gov/complaint

I would LOVE to join a lawsuit after 9 treatments that did not work and 37 months of nonsense. I went out of my way to complete treatment in one location. That office accomplished nothing during this year plus. Then I was PROMISED a refund if I went 3 more times. Did that at a new office. These visits definitely HURT more but still no resutls. Months of unanswered calls, finally got an e-mail to send pictures. They said mine were too fuzzy. More months, finally got an appt to have one of THEIR offices take and submit the pictures. Because I was following rules and not tanning, the pictures were not clear enough (probably glare from white legs). Please remember: already promised a refund. Now Eva says I have to go to another center - hours away - to try to complete treatment because some people take awhile to respond. However, the regional manager will not return calls to set up an appointment. Mind you, I don't want an appt and as busy as they are I don't think treating a non-responder is in their best interest. If I call for Eva, I get customer service, not Eva. If I call for Kevin Peiruch, I get Eva's voicemail. I have sent letters to their President and to Care Credit, never received one response. I am so disgusted. Disgusted to myself for getting sucked into something this horrible and sickened that there are so many of us paying for the mistake of believing ALC. I should already have my money back if the non-responder is as rare as they would say. Instead they want to stretch it out more to wear me out. Well, they are right... I am tired of them. However, I am not going to go away. I will hire an attorney for myself or join a national claim... that would be bad for them because I would think we could get lots of press during the months leading up to the big event.

I went through a horrible time trying to get a refund 2 years ago and am glad to see maybe there will be action to close the place down! At least I'd love to see a news station expose them...20/20 or 60 minutes would be great. Good luck on the class action suit. I did, eventually, get my $1300. back only because I went to a dermatologist in the same hospital and she wrote a letter confirming that with my history of skin cancer (I'm also blond) that I would be a very poor candidate (I had not started treatment and STILL had to fight like heck to get a refund! ) Also, to get the ALC employees attention, I made sure the doctor they shared an office with (a legitimate doctor in the hospital) knew what was going on. As he walked by her room, I stopped him and asked if he knew about their scams and explained what was going on. He agreed with me that it was not ethical, and he said it right in front of the ALC manager. I'm sure that helped get the attention of the home office but I still had to get a dermatologist report to make it official. People should not have to go to that trouble when they have not started treatment! That is SO unethical. I called many other laser treatment offices in my area and they all said they give refunds even if the treatment is started! Please go after these people and good luck! Oh, and for those of you defending ALC, yes people might listen to you and go to them anyway.. but those people have been warned by us victims, so if they get burned (money or skin) they can't say they havent been warned.

Ok, I am an employee of the alc. And I have a lot to say.
NO not everyone that burns someone is fired.
It depends on who you are in the clinic.
Maybe you are some pathetic kiss ### that makes alot of money for the clinic but you are a little aggressive, and think you know what you are doing and the client gets burned. I have seen it happen to different clients and the girl was NOT fired.
Not all employees are created equal. Some, like me, do care and are very careful, have an education that is worth something and have common sense.
If you have signed the contract, you must have wanted the hair removal or whatever it was that you signed up for. If you are not happy with the treatment, by all means, speak up! Tell us your issues. Let us know how you are dissatisfied.
I know for me, I want to make my clients happy.
Sadly, no the lasers do not work on grey, red or blonde hair UNLESS the hair has a dark root.

Is there anyone here from Oregon or Washington? PLEASE respond, very important.

Okay, sign me up as well. I wanted to do the Amerismooth treatments and they got me in for $2500.00. After 3 treatments I could no longer continue because it was so painful and left huge bruises on my thighs. I called the manager at the Tempe, Arizona clinic and asked for a refund. I told her that I could not continue on with the treatments and that there were not any other services I wanted done. She absolutely refused and told me I would have to spend it on buying their skin products instead. I haven't talked to them or gone their since. I have a huge credit sitting there because of course they charged out the whole $2500 to my CareCredit card (GE) which I am now having trouble paying because I lost my job. So if anyone is in Arizona let me know.. and wants to join. Thanks!

I have been getting underarms hair removal treatments for two and half years (over 19 sessions) and I have very minimum results. The center where I was getting the treatment agreed that I have no results and recommended that I should get my money back. The paperwork was started a month a go, but still have no resolution. I keep calling the corporate office and leaving messages, but have not heard back from them. I also keep calling the center where I was getting the treatment and they tell me that they can't do anything. I just have to wait. Now I am being told that they have to reprocess my request for refund without any explaintion as to why. And they want me to come in again to take pictures.

All I keep getting is voice messages and people saying that I can't help you.

Do not ever use American Laser for any of their services.

I went there the other week, and I signed up for the Credit Care card, but told them I wanted to think over having the treatment. It all seemed pretty sketchy to me, that all they did was tell me the price of the package without explaining the procedure to me or anything (I too went in for a consultation just cause I won a 300$ gift certificate).

My question is... is this going to ruin my credit to sign up for this card?

THANKS.

as a ex employee..think about this..although we had to use antidisinfectant on the laser heads after treatment...is it really CLEAN?i mean you have a laser that 7 out of 10 treatments are laser peoples groin/crotch area then the same laser head is being used on the next client who is getting there lip or legs done...GROSS! As far as i know, i was the only tech that would make sure there were 2 laser heads to avoid that grossness...as a medical student, i can tell you...viruse(herpes,warts,etc) can live for hours even days depending on what it is and no cleaning will remove that...

I was also burnt on my upper lip in New York a few weeks before my wedding by a new employee who I later learned was let go two weeks after my incident. The staff was uncaring and unmoved by the fact that I had a rather large white bubble on my upper lip. I was never refunded my money nor shown an ounce of concern from these people.

I was notified that I had won a $500 gift certificate to American Laser Center at 1250 N Germantown Parkway Cordova, TN 38016. I entered a drawing at the Peabody Rooftop party in Memphis, TN. I was notified later that I had won, and that I could come in for a free consultation. I called and scheduled my appointment to see what it was all about. I went to the appointment and a woman sat down to discuss what services they provided. She said that she needed me to fill out an application with Care Credit to see what I could get approved for, so that we can see what I could afford. A few moments later the woman came back and said that I was approved. She sold me all these services, and before I knew it, I was out the door. The woman was very high pressure, and I thought that I could just say yes, I was interested, but then call and cancel when I felt more comfortable. I was brought into a private room with a VERY PUSHY saleswoman and I didn't feel comfortable. As soon as I left, I called them back from my car and said that I decided to cancel, I did not have the money to pay for any of these services. The woman advised that I couldn't cancel. After I hung up with her, I called Care Credit to cancel my account. I thought that surely I had some type of provision where I had a certain amount of time to cancel, and I was calling them not even 10 minutes after I walked out. When Care Credit advised that my account was closed, I assumed that everything was taken care of. UNTIL, last week I started receiving collection calls from Care Credit. I have repeatedly called American Laser Center in Cordova demanding copies of my paperwork that I signed there, and no one will fax them to me or call me back.

It is not reasonable to charge someone almost $4,000 for services that I have NOT had, nor WANT to have done. I have already filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and contacted a local news station with my story.

I'm wondering if someone could give me a general idea of their cost, ie, bikini line laser hair removal, how much per treatment. I received a call today stating I won some contest for $300.00 worth of free treatments and because I am responding right away I'm receiving an addt'l $100.00. Basically $400.00 worth of free treatments is this enough for several bikini laser treatments?

Please respond.

Sincerely, Linda.

This company is horrible. They're completely unprofessional and their procedures give NO RESULTS! Luckily I only spent $1,500 but I've been receiving treatments for a year and a half with no hair loss. They're so grimy... they're constantly calling and trying to sell packages and when I tell them that I'm not interested because they produce no results, they claim that it's because they're using the "wrong machine"... what the hell! I wish I had never involved myself with them... that was money down the drain. I would love to find a way to get my money back. Although they told me that complete hair loss is not promised, they led me to believe that I would experience noticeable results but a year and a half later, I haven't.

I can't even begin to explain how furious I am w/ ALC. I have a friend who works for them and she referred me. My friend is so embarassed of this whole situation and says she will never refer someone to her own company because of things "like this". I was interested in laser hair removal and recieved a fax of quotes. They asked me to come in for a consult and was told I could even being my treatment afterwards. I went in 2 days later for a consult with the manager. I have been going to the dermatologist for the last 10years... so when I learned about microderms/fotofacials during the consult, of course I was intrigued. The lady knew I was iffy about it because of the prices. She was a great seller, let me tell ya! I fell for the sale pitch and signed a "contract" for laser hair removal on 3 different areas along with the fotofacial. I signed SO many papers. After the consult, I recieved my first laser hair treatment in 2 of the areas. Later I got home and realized how non realistic it was for me to do the fotofacial b/c of finances. I notified the center the NEXT day and never heard back. My friend left a note for the mgr to call but i never heard from her. I called 4 days later and the mgr told me "deal with it on Wed" when I came in. Of course, a new mgr was there then and she was the one who told me since I had began my laser tx, I was unable to be refunded for the fotofacial (which I hadnt even BEGAN!). I only began the laser hair removal. I was FURIOUS. I got home and realized I never even recieved a copy of the financial agreement. The lady who did my consult stated she "forgot to mention it b/c there were so many things to cover" RIIGHT! how do forget to mention the most important thing? It was SO decieving. I called corporate this evening but havent heard back and after reading other reviews, I have a feeling I wont be refunded and i could kick myself for not researching reviews b/c I am shocked how many others this has happened too. It is all about $ to them, from the second you walk in the door. If an employee doesnt recommend their company to their friends, what does that say about ALC? I am wanting help in this manor, PLEASE email me at gurlie2301@aol.com if you have any advice.. they take advantage of people and are very decieving.. I have never in my life seen a business take advantage of people in the way they have. I have only recieved my 1st laser treatment and after reading the reviews, i am scared it wont work for me and then i will be even more furiuos!

This company is the biggest joke I payed for my face to get done and before I got finished with I bought another package and was told by the manager that if I did not want it in 30day and no services were done on that package I could get a refund and have called and called and disputed the charges for the last 6 months and no help yet and it dont work I have had it done time and time again and no results if anyone can help please e-mail me @ lizweir@bellsouth.net

I did have hair removal on my upper lip and chin and it was successful. So now I am doing the skin tightening, foto-facial treatment, and microdermabrasion and do not see any results whatsoever. I have about 4 treatments to go, but I doubt if anything will change. Please include me on the class action suit if is still in process. Thanks.

I paid $1800 for photo facial laser removal (50% discount-so they said) for roseacia and age spots. It did not reduce the redness or any of the brown spots after 6 laser and 6 micrcroderm abrasion treatments, but the rubbing increased the size of my pours. One red spot increased threefold into an irregular shaped spot and I'm scared to death it's skin cancer now. They actually wanted me to sign up for 6 more treatments and assured me the redness would go away. They did say that I would be amazed at my skin within the first 3 treatment, and many other promises.

I got the break because I paid full for my hands and underarms ($1400). Black underarms are spotty hands are still hairy-no difference whatsoever. My mom would kill me if she knew I did this.

I totally agree, this company American Laser Center is fradulant. I was burnt few months back.
I asked for their insuarance, they said they did not need to provide it unless I sued them. I called their
main company, they only have license in Chicago? They even told me they did not need a license to operate laser in NY! Their altitude is "Oh well, sorry you got burnt. Come back to finish your treatment." I have never seen a company has so many compliants in every state. Beware!

I had a conversation with an ALC rep on the phone, went in for a CONSULTATION, didn't sign any paperwork, but ended up getting a $5500 LOC notice and a $2000 bill from Care Credit this week. I am all for class action if this company can't get its act together. AGAIN - I have not received any treatments or signed any paperwork but they felt at liberty to take my info and open a LOC and charge the ALC fees without my sign off. UNACCEPTABLE! not to mention illegal! I also think Care Credit has a big legal issue on the horizon in dealing with this company (ALC).

I "won" a $400 drawing! Yeah me! Right? No! When I went in to do a consultation and they told me their prices I was somewhat persuaded but they kept giving me these "deals." They could either charge me a lot and let me use my $400 prize money or give some great "deal" and wouldn't let me use my prize money. When I shopped around their prices either way were about the same as the market. I didn't win anything but a waste of my time during the "consultation." Shady. Scammers.

Hey guys I just wanted to let you guys know what I did when I had an issue getting back my refund! I didnt get any services done and they REFUSED to give me back a refund. They said they basically couldn't give me back a penny. So I disputed the claim with my credit card company. The dispute went back and forth for about 3 months and eventually they tried to keep a 10% fee which apparently is their "policy" for refunds. Even though they NEVER gave me that option. So for those of you who paid with credit cards try that... I basically wrote a long letter explaining how they scam people and how i was afraid of going through with the treatment bc of what people have suffered from. But I ended up getting every single penny back from those scammers!

I am really glad to find this site. I signed up with ALC and before any treatment found myself pregnant. I talked to the manager who signed me up to check whether they provide a refund, this was year ago. Till today I didn't receive my refund. I kept calling ALC and they kept telling someone will contact me. But no one has contacted me yet. Yes, beware!

Check this out, a news report about the scammers!

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=7on_your_side&id=4188921

I am so glad I read all this! I won the contest as well for $300 (3rd place) and they also told me if I came in before a certain date I'd get another $100. I made the appointment but in reading this I cancelled it and said that there is way too much bad press to trust them, not to mention that their prices seem very high. Thank God for the internet and I hope this class action suit works out for all of you. What ###!

To Alc Sux

I think you mean Alexandrite laser (most likely manufactured by Cynosure).
The instrument they used to shield your lip was a tongue blade or tongue depressor. Also used to spread the layer of cold ultrasound gel sometimes. This is a common technique and works well to shield lips and brows from the laser if you have permanent makeup.

Common cleaners are medical grade disinfectant wipes, have them show you what they use and wipe down the entire handpiece, cradle, the entire top of the laser in front of you. How do you know that the person before you did not have Hepatitis? AIDS? People do not have to disclose this. Even to ALC.

I am not sure how many treatments you have had on the new areas with ALC?
How many weeks apart are (were) they treating you?
Where Who did you send the registered letter to?
Who owns the building that the ALC office you visit(ed)? Can you contact them?
Contact the MD ( if there is one available) and ask them why you are not getting the results you were promised?
If you are still going for treatments at ALC talk to other clients waiting for treatments and see if they are satisfied, maybe get together to contact the local media and ask for them to be investigated.

If you end up looking for another place to continue your treatments you can call around or look on the web for another clinic that has a Cynosure or a Cutera or a LightSheer machine. You will get better results that with ALC's equipment. It is not serviced often and if a machine breaks down the clinic manager can not contact the manufacturer directly. They have go through a "chain of command" similar to the refund policy runaround you all have experienced. Clinics have to treat people with a broken machine, cancel patients, whatever.

Once you sign on the dotted line with them they could care less if you got results. The pressure to sell and up-sell is tremendous. It gets worse if the clinic has not made their bonus towards the end of the month.
Another complaint is that the ALC employees are forced to call people at home to offer them deals on additional body areas or services. I feel that this violates your privacy...especially if they leave a message. Hi this is creep at ALC and I have great news...you were interested upgrading from bikini to brazillian and we can do that for you for half price. Meanwhile all your kids hear your message EWWWW.

I think it against ALC's policy to accept tips. (let alone demand them).
Is it to late to contact the police and file a report of theft by the tech?

Anyone can be burned by a laser or intense pulsed light device, even in the hands of an experienced MD, RN or Aesthetician. I believe ALC's Syneron equipment is not as "effective" for lack of a better word so that the techs are less apt to burn someone.

I went in for a free consultation with American Laser Centers in October of 2006. While I was at the Brookline location, the clinical manager stated she would like to know if I qualify for a credit card. She also stated that this does not mean that I am obligated to a purchase. So I let her proceed because I felt as if no was not an option with this hasty women. I was approved for a care credit card, but I told her I would like to think the situation over and talk with my mother. After all they weren't guaranteeing that microderm abrasion would be successful on an African Americans skin type, so why pay for something they only THINK will help fade my dark spots... The manager said that she wanted me to sign some papers guaranteeing privacy etc. Come to find out, I was manipulated into signing a paper for a charge of $1200. I was not aware that it was a receipt for an unauthorized transaction. When I realized what she had done, I asked the manager to give me a refund and she replied, "we do not give refunds." I have called the complaint line about 233444 times and my issue has not been resolved up to this day. American Laser Centers is a very unprofessional and deceptive company and something has to be done.

Hi there licensed esthetician. Thanks for your advice. I have already contacted the board days ago and now waiting for a response. I wish they responded in a more timely manner. The owner is ignoring me and refuses to look at my pics and read my letter I sent him. He didnt sign for it so it's sitting at the post office. Nice. And I have not called him since the ridiculous screaming match weeks ago. So I cant ask them about the difference between their pulsed light and laser because nothing they have told me has been honest. The technician took a personal item of mine which later she said she accidentally threw away, despite the fact that days earlier she was to return it to me.

My laser results the first place I went to were great, I wasn't done though & when their rates skyrocketed when they got a new MD owner, I moved on to ALC. I will always recommend laser hair removal, it was ONCE the best thing I did... but the key is to go... not to ALC. The first place used a different type of laser (Alexandria?) and it didn't touch the skin, this place uses an instrument that touches the skin. I know they are suppose to clean it each time, and I see them using a little cloth thing with perhaps alcohol on it but its a little risky... I mean what if they forget? I would hate them to do someones Brazilian & ### and then forget to clean it and then use it on my face or something. Also the first place covered your lips with an emery board so the laser doest potentially distort your natural lip line. ALC laughed at me when I made such request.

As far as my hair, it is super dark. My skin super light. I am the perfect candidate and my results are nothing to complain about. It's the new areas I began at ALC that are not remotely close to done. It scares me to think what happens to some with darker skin than myself (like the poor woman in the link above) in the hands of a young giggly unprofessional not well trained technician who demands tips, such as the one I have.

To Alc Sux - Look up the state web page. Find the department that licenses Aestheticians (may be under cosmetology and barbering?). You might be able to look up individuals also on this page. Facility licenses are different in all states. I would ask to see the licenses of the persons performing the treatments along with their training certificates for the devices used at the specific establishment. Ask about continuing education requirements (not company required but state required). Ask to see the establishments license and speak with the MD on staff. Most states require services be performed under the supervision of a licensed MD (this can be any kind of MD - so BEWARE). This does not mean that the MD is actually in the room with you during the treatments, some states only requirement is that the MD be within 120 miles of the clinic!

Visit the FDA's website - look up laser hair removal there. All medical devices must have registration with the FDA - devices used for hair removal etc. are medical devices. Find out who manufactures the equipment. American Laser Center's equipment manufactured by Syneron (I think) uses Intense Pulsed Light (technically not a laser). Ask ALC about the difference.

As for skin type, this refers to Fitzpatrick scale. You will find this on the web also. It is a scale of 1 to 6 based on a series of questions regarding ethnic background and your response to sun exposure.

I know that laser hair REDUCTION using intense pulsed light devices performed on light skinned people with dark hair works well. If you happen to have dark skin, are tan, tan easily, or have red, blonde, white, or hair lighter than your skin color you might not see the results promised by ALC.

Persons with dark skin and dark hair are best treated using a NdYag laser.

Persons with red/white/gray hair are best treated with electrolysis.

A lot of ALC locations use deceptive sales tactics.

Hope this helps you.

To Adam whose trying to look like a little boy by removing all his body hair, not only did I not lie about my skin type, they can see your color after all, hello?! But I dont take any medications, dont stay out in the sun, dont do anything to compromise my health during treatments and to get the best possible results. Yet still got burned and am dealing with scars. I resent the fact that you are blaming the victims here just because you got your weird pubes cant boy pre puberty results. You simply lucked out with a better technician. That's it.

http://www.hairfacts.com/medpubs/lasergen/overtreat2.html

The lady in the above link appears to have suffered even worse scarring than myself. Another facility but that is irrelevant. Lets hope that someone emails or calls her to let her know that they were lucky in that their experience not only didnt give them scars, but they are now hair free, you know... the way people with too much time on their hands do here. I am sure it would do a great deal for her mind and spirit to flaunt that in this poor womans face. To think that if the facilities compensate people when this happens and still make a killing off the majority for which is doesn't happen as is always claimed here, then we wouldn't even know about these incidences. I guess its somewhat good then that these laser places dont take responsibility because then no one will know.

I would like someone informed to please tell me about this requirement for a doctor or at least RN to be on staff. Because there certainly is not at the place I went to. There was at the previous one but not at this one... Also I would like to know which state agency licenses the technicians and the facility? is this the same board that licenses hairdressers? Cosmetologist health board? Thanks.

So Sarah says its a big company and most are happy with their services. So lets say thats true, makes some sense, then its not a big deal for them to compensate the few that didnt have a good experience. Because if YOU are the one who has permanent burns that turned to scars, it really doesnt help to know that some others didnt. What is the point of that?!? Thats great you got results, but you have to think past your own self and realize that is not the case for ALL. And your talking about your great results and going on and on about it has no bearing on those who didn't have the same experience. It's like throwing it in their face, as if you are somehow better for getting results and every other client must clearly be lying about their poor results or have done something to screw it up. Posts that go on and on about how great the company is, serves no purpose but a slap in the face for those who weren't so fortunate. It helps no one and this IS in fact a complaint board so makes no sense for Adam to complain that we are complaining. Not to mention he types far too much for me to want to read anything but the first sentence of gibberish. Again, glad your scrotum, back, ###, neck & whatever lovely body part is hair free but we really don't care, this is NOT a board for PRAISING. DUH! We're trying to find ways to get compensated for this crap, if you can't contribute to that don't flaunt your restful to us. Have some sensitivity dude or go away.

Jesus, you guys (most) are ridiculous. I mean seriously, do you not have anything better to do besides complain that you got shi**y service at YOUR location? It's the INTERNET, the place where people can flex their cyber-muscles and talk some serious trash. I'm a true, honest, normal 22 year old male. www.myspace.com/adamcooney before you start saying I'm some employee. Just like any franchise or corporation, people will be unhappy and tell you it's the WORST thing in the world... Just like people will also be 100% happy and tell you it's the BEST thing in the world... So no matter what you buy, get into, sell, hate, love, etc.; there will always be a positive and negative. For instance, do some reviews on the iPod. Before I purchased my black 80 gig iPod, I did research between that and the Creative Zen Vision M. It took me weeks before I could figure out what to get, because people were saying how crappy the iPod was and how horrible the sound was and controls and it broke and would put spells on your dog and all that other nonsense. Same with the Zen Vision M... So what was I to do? I went to the store and tried them out, felt them, messed around with them. Am I happy? Hell yeah, I haven't had a single problem with mine at all, it works flawlessly and I wouldn't give it up for anything.

Basically, just don't give in to all the [censored] you read on the internet. Just like a few other posters put, people who complain, will complain to EVERYONE they know and post it everywhere just to get some stress off and try to feel better about their boring lives and how much they hate themselves. I just dropped $10,000 at A.L.C. earlier this week for a full body, head to toe, 6 session bonanza! Yeah it's a lot of money, but I'm 22 and live at home so have no bills so it's no biggy. I'm a research [censored], and researched a ton on laser before I finally got into doing it. I didn't bother researching on the company since after I went there I felt completely at-ease. Yeah I mean the whole sales pitch thing kinda sucks you in, especially since it would have be closer to 18,000 bucks, then with 35% off if I signed up that day plus she knocked off another 1,500 which brought me down to 10,000 bucks it was hard to say no. I've been through almost my whole body, just 1 session of each, and only have my chest/stomach/privates left to do which is scheduled for Friday November 23rd. The location of my office is in Latham, NY and they just opened up here in August. I've been asking the 1 lady Vanessa who's doing my laser a ton of questions regarding results, etc. and shes super nice to me, as well as the office manager Lisa. She's been an estician (spelling?) for just over 3 years and knows her stuff hardcore. Extremely knowledgeable. Plus they want to take pictures after each time I visit back for my next sessions to put in their personal portfolio they are building for future customers to see all the differences.

Obviously laser is real, read up about it anywhere and the different kinds. If you are getting burnt, maybe you lied on your sheet, or weren't paying any attention when you were checking off the different things to see what your skin type would be. I rated a skin type 2, just a few points higher than a 1. Basically I'm super pale with dark hair. I mean everybody's body will react different to laser, hence side affects, same with ANY sort of medication you will take. So if you take anvil, and you start bleeding from the mouth, are you saying it's a horrible drug? Obviously not since they're a multi-billion dollar company and it works fantastically for me. Or maybe the person doing your laser sucks and doesn't turn down the machine when they should or put it on "bone" around money areas or check the numbers to make sure it's not going over a certain amount. Yeah I learned all of this after only 4 times because my laser tech. is telling me every single step shes doing and what it means. So if I can bang out 6 sessions in 1 year, that gives me another 12 sessions in the next 2 years in case nothing works, but I don't foresee that happening at all. Take a look to read blogs from people who post about their positive responses, not just all the [censored] negative responses on a COMPLAINT board. So those who want to know more, please feel free to send me a message on MySpace, the link again is www.myspace.com/adamcooney and I'll tell you step-by-step my procedures I'm going through and how it's working out each time and I'll be honest about it, so you can feel a little more safe about going to get laser done.