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American Laser Skincare

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

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Author of the review
12:00 am EDT
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After being burned by their laser on 4/13/07, I have contacted their corporate office dozens of times with no response . The procedure was so painful, I had to stop stop the treatment. It left burns on my legs.

I had paid over $2,700 for a service package, but will no longer return to their clinic. It was the most painful, unprofessional experience I've gone through. I have demanded a refund on services not rendered but cannot get anyone to address my complaint. The customer service department has transferred my case to the "appropriate department," but I am still waiting to hear from them. I have called almost every day since 4/13/07 (today is 5/16/07), and am always transferred to an unidentified voicemail box. I have left a message every time.

Beware people!

Update by Anonymous
Jun 13, 2009 8:42 am EDT

Update on my original post on 5/16/07 - With no success after letters to my state's AG, the BBB, and ALC corporate headquarters, I was contacted by ALC on 10/15/08, after they saw my posting. Here is an excerpt from their email to me, "I was notified by our marketing department for American Laser Centers about your blog, and am currently a member of the Customer Service Team. As a result, of course I am familiar with the refunding policy changes and am responsible for screening eligible clients for refund. I notice in your case you had started treatments, and I am guessing that is why you were denied refund. It used to be only clients that had not received any treatments could be refunded. However, ALC has reviewed their policies under new ownership and are refunding treated clients the unused portions of their contracts if they still wish to cancel services. Since yours was the first posting that I saw online I thought I would contact you first in the hopes that you would want to work with me to get your matter resolved. "

On 10/21/08, the representative asked me for my Care Credit information so they could process a partial refund.

On 1/6/09, I asked for a status of my refund. On 1/23/09, their response was, "I apologize but this still has not been completed." Also, "Accounting has given us 12-16 weeks as timeframes but I know that those are only estimates and that we truly do apologize for this delay."

I checked in again on 6/10/09 - EIGHT months after they said they were issuing a refund. Their response was a request for photos of the injuries I suffered! I'm back to square one.

I'm not holding my breath; it's obvious they never started the refund process at all. The only recourse I have is to keep you all updated on this blog.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

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609 comments
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beth
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Sep 30, 2008 5:26 pm EDT

I went for the first time to the asheville nc office last wed. came out burnt and blistered. they tell me nothing helpful on how to fix this. they say its bc the hair on my face is so course like a mans, she said. the girl was new and she doesnt need too be doing this my face looks awful! burnt bumpy and blistered? what can i do? has anyone had this problem with their face? please help

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Amy D
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Sep 28, 2008 3:21 pm EDT

Sure glad I research things first! I entered a contest yesterday and today I got an email that I was a 'winner' of $300. Did a quick google of the company to see if they were reputable and found all these complaints. Thanks for saving me a HUGE headache!

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anonymous
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Sep 27, 2008 6:27 pm EDT

HEY ANOTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT MD AND VA ALC OFFICE WHO'S OWN BY THE THE SAME ### HOLE FAMILY. HA!

I GUESS ITS TRUE THEY REALLY ARE A ### COMPNAY AFTER ALL.

OH DOES THIS MEAN I'LL BE GETTING ANOTHER THREATEN LETTER IN THE MAIL. BRING IT O ### HOLE.

PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN AND MORE WILL KEEP ON WRITING THEIR DISLIKE AND TELL ALL COMPLAINT ABOUT ALC.

AGAIN I WELCOME ALL COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS ABOUT THESE PEOPLE. SURE ALL YOUR EXPERIENCES AND PLEASE SURE NAMES AND EVEN PHONE NUMBERS TOO.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PLEASE WRITE ANY EXPERIENCE ABOUT ALC MAKING THREATS AND USING INTIMIDATION WAYS TO SCARE CLIENTS AND EMPLOYEES. ATTORNEY WANTS TO KNOW.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

WE WANT TO HEAR YOU! WRITE MORE GIVE NAMES AND NUMBER LIKE JESSICA! ALC KISS MY ###!

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anonymous
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Sep 27, 2008 2:09 pm EDT

This is to Heather who's on ALC pay roll, family of ALC or best bed buddy of ALC:

Even studit people can tell that you're full of ###. By all means its they are so great what about many -many websits complanits about ALC, hunderds and hunderds of people that have been hurt and abuse. People have been scared their experience by ALC.

It never seem to amazed me that each and every other compliants - comments about ALC on this site, there would be one "I love them, their a great place" write up soon after pop up. What a bunch of horse ###. Yes the world is never short of stupit people whom a chicken can beat them in tic tack toe game would even think ALC is "wonderful and so good".

Save the chicken people we got a live one here!

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DR
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Sep 27, 2008 1:59 pm EDT

HEY JESSICA,

ALL THE LOCATION YOU'VE WENT TO IN TOWSON MD AND COLUMBIA ARE OWN BY THE SAME FAMILY NOT CORP. YES YOUR PROBLEM IS NOT COMMON AT ALL NATION WIDE. BUT EACH LOCATION ARE OWN AND BASE ON THEIR OWN RULES. HEAD OFFICE IS NOTHING SHORT BUT A ### FARM. KEEP CALLING THE MAIN OFFICE DAY AND NITE. KEEP WRITING TO WEB SITES AND SPEAK TO AS MUCH CLIENTS THEIR AND ANYONE YOU KNOW THAT MIGHT WANT TO DO BUSINESS WITH THEM. TELL THEM THESE PEOPLE ARE RUDE, DISRESPECTFUL TO PAYING CLIENTS AND NOTHING SHORT BUT CRIMINALS. NONE OF THESE TECH ARE TRAIN AND NONE COULD CARELESS IF THE CLIENT IS HAPPY OR HURT OR BURN. ITS SAD AND ITS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND NATION WIDE.

HOWEVER, THE STATE OF MD REQUIRES TECH BEING FORMAL TRAIN AND A NURSE HAVE TO BE PRESENT ON STAFF FOR SERVICES. IF THEY BREAK THESE STATE REQUIREMENT BY ALL MEANS CALL STATEBOARD GET THE STATE TO DO INSPECTION ON THEM.

THE BETTER BUSINESS B. HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE MD LOCATION BEFORE. CALL THE BBB AND MAKE ANOTHER COMPLAINT ON THEIR RECORD.

BOTTUM LINE ONE ONE, ONE CLEINTS SHOULD EVER BE MISTREATED AND THEIR CONCERNS SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RESPECT, NOT LAUGH AT. KEEP NOTES, AND RECORDS, DATES, NAMES ECT... ALL INFORMATION WILL HELP WITH ANY LAWSUIT. IT TIME THEY GO DOWN.

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TAKE NOTICE: ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT MD AND VA OFFICES ARE ASUMMED THAT ITS THE WORK OF ONE PERSON. ALL COMPLAINTS OF ALC MD AND VA ARE TAKEN AS A JOKE AND LIES. BUT THE TRUTH IS IF THEY ARE GIVING GOOD CUSTOMER CARE AND SERVICES THAN THEY SHOULD NOT BE GETTING ONE NEGATIVE WORD OUT ON THEM. SO IT MUST BE ALL TRUE! PEOPLE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR WORDS WILL BE MONITOR BY THEIR OFFICE AND THEY TEND TO MAKE THREATS AND INTIMIDATE YOU WITH LETTERS OF THREATS AND GET ON THIS SITE AND CLIAMS THEY MAKE CHANGES, ITS NOT THEIR ### SERVICES THAT YOU'RE NOT HAPPY WITH ITS "SOMTHING"... ALWAYS AN EXCUSES...

PEOPLE YOU WATCH THE RESPONSE AFTER THESE COMMENTS ARE POSTED...THEY WILL POST "OH NEVER HAD A PROBLEM AT MD OR VA OFFICE " LOVE THEIR SERIVCES AND PEOPLE"... PEOPLE JUST TELL THEM TO SHOVE IT UP THEIR ###. ITS BULLLLLLL ###!

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jessica
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Sep 27, 2008 1:00 pm EDT

I go to the Towson, MD location. They cancel a lot of my appointments and that throws my schedule off. I see practically a new person there each time and each one does the proceedure differently and has completely different advice for me to help with pain or whether they drag the laser or place it down for each snap. NEVER see Jennifer. She is mean. Rude. After another cancelled appt, She actually called and asked me to come in early so she could leave early(even though I drive over an hour and half to get there) and then she proceeded to yell at me when I didn't numb long enough and was in complete tears. She was incredibly rude the first time I saw her and I blew it off because i figured everyone has a bad day but the last time almost made me slap the woman. Then I called Columbia (another 45 minutes away, so over two hours from my home) for my next appointment and they said JEnnifer works there too. I called corperate headquarters and told them and they did nothing but laugh. I am probably one of the most tolerant people in the world, but she is unprofessional, mean, rude, and I have never experienced anything like that ever. She talked back to me, was yelling about other employees giving me the wrong information, and making me feel bad because I was in so much pain. I would've numbed longer had she not been in such a hurry due to a cancelation. THe office receptionist Michelle is pleasant and has done nothing but assist me in my needs from the beginning of my treatments. I explained to her that I would never ever ever be near that woman again and would not be doing any more treatments until she could assure me that it would not be JENNIFER. I seriously suggest that this woman get a hold of herself and a grip on her attitude. I work in the medical field as well and I would be fired on the spot with no ifs ands or buts if I treated ANY patient the way she treated me. She should be ashamed of herself.
As for the treatments, I get the lower part of my legs done and I had horrible folliculitus for years and years(10+) and after the first treatment it all went away. I have very coarse black hair and the treatments work wonders. They are excruciatingly painful even with the embla numbing cream though, I'm usually in tears. I went one time for a treatment while in Chicago because I was in school and the laser didnt work at all. I was told it was a different laser. My hair didn't even fall out. I have to say I shave maybe once or twice in a 10 week period between treatments and I've had 4? treatments maybe 5, however there is growth still so i'm curious to see how quickly it grows back when I stop. $3000 is worth it so far but if it all grows back...rrrrrr.

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Heather
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Sep 27, 2008 10:54 am EDT

I have been going there for the past year and have never had a problem, I am very happy with the services. Sure it is painful, but seriously people think about it your being zapped with a laser to kill hair follicles of course its going to hurt. I've never been "tricked" into signing anything I didn't want and yes they do try to sell me more things, but they are a business too they have to make money some how, and you can always say no to something you don't want, I have. I have had my bikini, underarms and eyebrows done and I just started getting my lower legs done as well, and I am thinking about starting on my upper legs next. I also never notice a problem with over booking, half the time when I get there I am the only person there other than the technician. Some days I actually enjoy going there and find it someewhat relaxing, despite the pain, just because I get to enjoy just sitting for a while chatting with the technician because I don't get to normally just sit anywhere else. Also during my chats I have asked about other procedures that they have available and they have been honest enough to let me know that some of them are not worth it. As for the hair removal I am a fully satisfied, no longer having to shave lady.

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DR
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Sep 25, 2008 11:44 am EDT

Keep in mind ALC in some part in corp. and most are locally owned. Yes there is a pay scale. But you ones can find out if other RN pay rate is and if one or even two RN with the same back ground and experience back are being pay different than yes you do have case.

Alot of ALC are independently owned, they fly under the rader. They pay RN and Techs they way they see "fit". They make up their won rules and fire employees by voilating their civil rights.

Former employees RN and Techs some do know their rights and some don't. The issue at hand is discrimination and equal employment treatment. Any RN and Tech have a much better chance to sue ALC than clients. Clients sign contract that is much harder to get out of and their credit get pulled into collect ect. But employees rights gets into a Federal state matter. This is where EEOC is in the picture. Companies have known to pay fines and hit with millions of dollars.

Bottom line to more reach about your RN pay scale and fine out more about other RN pay. Call the local hospital HR office and ask them on their pay scale, its a start.

ALC have illegal ways will come to an end soon. They don't like any negative recognistion about themselves because it takes away one client that they could of lied to and steal their money away. What hurts them save the public of pain and money.

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none
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Sep 24, 2008 11:29 pm EDT

ALC violates the Equal Payment Act of 1963 in regards to how they pay their per diem RNs. Isn't this illegal? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

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mho
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Sep 24, 2008 11:53 am EDT

Freedom of the Speak!
Freedom to write!
Freedom to Express yourself!
Freedom to email, speak online or the phone!

When people have a problem with this, than the court should take a hard look into. The jury will decide and people have rights! This site is nation wide and hundred of people have spoken. ALC your problem is you!

ALC keep all your threats, letters and calls to yourself. People are looking into to this matter!

Keep threaten me and I'll do a tell all... !

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Danielle
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Sep 24, 2008 9:17 am EDT

THESE COMMENTS ARE NOT INAPPROPIATE OR IRRELEVANT. THESE ARE LEGITIMATE COMPLAINTS FROM FORMER EMPLOYEES AND PATIENTS. SAY WHAT YOU WANT AND TRY TO DEFEND YOURSELVES BUT THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH AND THESE COMPLAINTS ARE SOOOOO RIGHT ON!THE LIES HAVE COMPOUNDED OVER THE YEARS AND IT WILL ALL CATCH UP TO YOU.THE SOONER THE BETTER!

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mho
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Sep 23, 2008 4:57 pm EDT

This page is GREAT! Oh Sweet Jessus bless you all!
I'm so happy to see when ALC get pissed off at responded about their ### company. Yes people are not stupit, they can tell that ALC business sucks and all want ALC to go down in flames. They think they have the money to buy a place and the company will run it self. It is very clear now that the company must not make much money lately to have so much time on their hand to read all these messages about their ### company. Oh my heat don't go out to them what so ever.

Hey I personally invite mailing address, email address, phone numbers of law firms who wants to suit these ### hole. Just ban together and take them to court. Hell just post your statements, records and any information that can help others take them to court. Post them and make more commets they are now reading our commets and are hurt and losting sleep over this. Oh isn't this GREAT ALC.

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Danielle
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Sep 23, 2008 1:54 pm EDT

I know my words hit home. The truth pissed you off that's why you responded . People are not stupid they know when ALC employees are writing in responding to others messages. I really wonder if the new owner is aware of what kind of ###s were running this company when he bought it. He must be really stupid or an ### himself to have bought this company.I pray for the day this company goes down.

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Bh
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Sep 22, 2008 8:58 pm EDT

Come again?

This company ALC make claims on the web site on how they trained all there employees and by doing so clients are are badly burn, employees are let go so that the owner would not face any law suit and owners and current employee of ALC have the time to response to our commets on website like this, because they can't stand take the heat that they created.

Oh sweet Jessue what has the world come to?

ALC has a lot of time on there hand to write commets about clinets and former employees commets about them and they need to, they got to, they can't sleep or eat without writing something back on this site. WOW KEEP IT UP PEOPLE!

15 PAGES GOING ON 16 AND HUNDREDS MORE!

UNTIL THEY GO OUT OF BUSINESS!

Don't hate the player hate the HO and the son of ###!

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Bh
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Sep 22, 2008 7:58 pm EDT

OH TALK ABOUT THE ALC TIME WASTED AWAY READING YOUR COMMETS AND JUST HOW SAID WE THE PEOPLE ARE. SO ITS TRUE, THEY MUST DOING SOMETHING WRONG TO HAVE TO READ YOUR COMMETS AND RESPONSE BACK.

I TOTALLY AGREE WHEN THIS SITE WAS FIRST DESIGN AND STARTED. CALL YOUR STATE OFFICE, STATE BOARD AND STATE BAR AND JUST TELL THESE PEOPLE YOUR STORY. THERE WILL BE ONE GUY THAT WILL TAKE THEM DOWN AND YES TAKE ALL THEIR EMPLOYEE WITH THEM FOR LYING TO TO YOU.

NO FORMER EMPLOYEES IS NEEDED TO TELL IT AS IT IS. PEOPLE HAVE RIGHTS AND THEY ARE PISS! ALC YOU'RE NOT THAT GREAT. YOU'RE JUST GREAT IN ### SERVICES AND GREAT IN BULL ### TO PEOPLE AND TAKE THEIR MONEY.

COUNT THEM PEOPLE 15 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS AND COUNTING... ITS NOT ONE PERSON, OR ONE X-EMPLOYEE. ITS THE SMALLER PART OF A LARGE COMPANY AND YOUR MONEY IS WHAT KEEPS THEM ALIVE. NO MONEY, NO CLIENTS - NO ALC!

AND THEY SAY THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!

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mh
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Sep 22, 2008 7:44 pm EDT

I DISAGREE!

This is exactlly what the other one said. WE are FINALLY getting the attention of ALC owners and employees and they now response to this site, just to make themselves feel "better". Now who is sad and sorry now.

There wouldn't be any disgruntled employees if ALC had treat their employees with responct and not lied to them and exspect them to lie to the clients. For the employees who were "fired" they should be happy that they get money from ALC and work at much better places other than a sack of lying, black ###ing [censored] lover ### and lying to your face to the clients just so that she can make money off of clinets. Now who's sad! To those people and their "endeavors" commets on this site and many other is clearly upsetting owner of ALC and employees and they two are on the net reading what bad things are said about them and what should they do next... hahahaha!

No there's no kicks in people who pay alot of money and are being lied to and having to deal with the company's abusive bull ###. The ALC is not just one but of many parts company.
ALC is like Subway, Pizza place ect... they were at one time apart of one family. Than like someone who couold not make in there own profession bought out the name/a small piece of the company and run it like the way they think its a "big" company. But in truth its just a samll mama and papa one tow people who are very sad indivdual who just couldn't make in their field and that they know it all and yes spent all day too reading the consumer truth about their ### company and how people just hates them.

People, if they are a true professional - did no wrong and clients really - really truely like them. Than they too would have to spend all day reading "nothing" from anyone "heresay". If they were true on the level than they just wouldn't care and have to spent any time to read such complaints and negative words about them and intead just focus on the clients wouldn't it?

Wait and see nest is going to be family members writing... and making threats too.

GEEE talk about ### you!

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Former ALC
Gambrill, US
Sep 22, 2008 12:22 pm EDT

Its sad that some people actually have complaints and come to a site like this so that they can voice it with legitimacy and others (more than likely disgruntled former employees...more than likely fired for incompetencies) resort to foul language, inappropriate/irrelevant comments, and down right stpuid statements that make those few legitimate complaints get lost through the cracks.

American Laser is the largest laser hair removal company in the country therefore they are going to have the largest number of complaints. My heart goes out to those that have been burnt. American is not the only company whom with burns occur (which is why any laser company...ALC included...has you sign a consent explaining that this is a risk). I feel for those that made rash decisions that they could not afford to pay for but suggest that in the future you read what you sign...high pressure sales tactics or not...it is your money and your decision.

More than anything I feel for the people that are posting their real concerns and having those concerns be swallowed up by all the nonsense that gets posted here. Good luck in your endeavors and hopefully the former ALC employees that like to abuse sites like this to get their kicks will eventually run out of unemployment and have to go to work at a place that doesn't allow them to type the "F" word on the internet all day.

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Danielle
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Sep 22, 2008 12:09 pm EDT

I WORKED FORALC AND EVERYTHING THAT D POSTED IS A BUNCH OF CRAP. THIS COMPANY IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE DEVIL. I HOPE THEY GO DOWN HARD AND THEIR EMPLOYEES GO WITH THEM.ALL EMPLOYEES END UP LYING TO PATIENTS SO THEY CAN KEEP THEIR JOBS.UPSELL, UPSELL, UPSELL IS WHAT YOU HEAR ALL DAY LONG.THEIR LASERS(NOT) DO NOT WORK AND THE TECHS ARE NOT PROPERLY TRAINED. YOU NEED TO BE YOUNG CUTE BLONDE AND HAVE BOOBS TO WORK THERE.THE OLD OWNER RICH ###ED ALL HIS NEW MANAGERS. HE ESPECIALLY LIKED BJ'S FROM GAIL.

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mh
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Sep 20, 2008 2:19 pm EDT

Hey notice how these " soooo great, sooo wonderful, sooo professional and you love it" commets are all from one person and working for ALC. I think we the people commets and telling the truth about ALC has finally scared them to have to write great things about themselves.

Why not sell it to your mother ALC employee!

Why not burn your mother, sister and take their money!

Why not burn yourself under the laser wonderful treatment and than write us on how you the ALC employee is soooo great.

### you all ALC employee and as for all your wonder and great ALC commets NO ONE CARES WHAT YOU THINK OR HAVE TO SAY!

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Mary
Milwaukee, US
Sep 18, 2008 5:30 pm EDT

CHECK IT OUT

5 Reviews by Citysearch

Professional, Nice Staff and Atmosphere, Good Choice
I have been going here for a few months, and love the relaxed atmosphere, the staff is great, friendly and helpful. I never had problems with my laser removal, no burns or discomfort, and the hair stopped growing as much, I've seen results. They also have some financial plans for you if you don't have all the money at once, they'll work with you depending on your income.
Overall, a nice experience!

Pros: Professional, friendly, helpful, ambience
Cons: None

Posted 05/21/08 at 4:27am

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Actually works
The staff is very friendly, prices are reasonable. I highly recomend american laser center to anyone. I have see wonderful results and am going to continue with more packages. I have been getting my neck lasered and i have no more ingrown hairs and see a great reduction of hair only after a few treatments. If you need laser hair removal, go to american laser centers!

Pros: Friendly staff, great location
Cons: Can be painful

Posted 04/18/08 at 2:11pm

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friendly staff, excellent customer service
reasonable prices, good service, pleasant staff, knowledgeble about their product and services.It never feels like you are here for appointments it feels like you are visiting friends.I would recommend this place to anybody.

Posted 04/16/08 at 5:44pm

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Great environment, great prices, friendly staff!
My initial consultation was both informative and inviting.

My first laser hair removal treatment was amazing. Laser hair removal is a lot more effecient than the old electrolisis sessions. It is a far better value as well. I am anxious to see the results after a few more treatments!

Pros: Friendly Staff
Cons: None!

Posted 04/12/08 at 2:46pm

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Love this place!
This place is very nice! Great people and they give great service! Very patient and helpful. If you really want hair removal, at least one treatment will show you that this place actually works! Friendly friendly staff and I can't stress that enough! :D

Pros: Service
Cons: Nothing!

Posted 04/12/08 at 2:26pm

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Danielle
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Sep 18, 2008 11:37 am EDT

If they were sooooooooooooo wonderful why why why are you not still working for them. Your post is a bunch of crap! YOU KNOW PATIENTS WERE NOT HAPPY AT ALL. WHY WOULD SO MANY PEOPLE WANT MONEY BACK IF THEY WERE HAPPY.THERE ARE ALSO MY SITES THAT HAVE POSITIVE FEEDBACK ON HAIR REMOVAL AND YOU WILL NOT FIND ANYTHING POSITIVE ABOUT AMERICAN LASER CENTERS ON THERE EITHER.

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Mary
Milwaukee, US
Sep 16, 2008 5:29 pm EDT

I use to work for American Laser Centers. I do not agree with many posts that are on this site. I believe you hear all the negative before you hear any positives. If you notice this is a complaint board...not a positivie experience board. If you are baseing your decision to go experience this company on this board...I would reconsider. They hold very true to thier word. They were the best thing that had ever happened for my family and I. The store I use to work at had many happy clients. The clients ment everything to the store. We did everything to make sure they were happy when they left our office.

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ef
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Sep 10, 2008 3:19 pm EDT

I was able to get part of my money back, thanks to my credit card company, American Express. I had had a positive experience with a dermatologist in Atlanta; hair on my legs was reduced considerably after two treatments, though not totally. Later I had to move to Nashville, so I did not continue the treatments. I thought my upper lip would be a cinch. I went to ALC and found the same thing that others have complained about: unprofessional, deceptive, high pressure, and ineffective. I signed the contract and told the manager that it was against my better judgment to pay for services not yet rendered, but given my experience in Atlanta, I thought I could take the risk. I paid $374 for six treatments and was pressured to have the first treatment that same day, April 7, 2008. Later, I became suspicious that the manager had changed the code of my skin color; this in conjunction with their administrative blunders and dubious equipment sanitation practices, caused me to request a refund. I graciously agreed to pay for the first and only treatment ($374.77 divided by 6 = $62.46) and requested a refund of $312.31. However, I was told that since I was not finishing the treatment series, they would have to charge me for the one treatment at regular price rather than the “discounted” price. She said she would refund me $254.77 ($374 minus a full price treatment of $120). After many calls, e-mails, and a certified letter, I did not get anywhere. I did tell /threaten them with submitting my complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, my local BBB, and copy news programs like "7 On Your Side" so that others would be warned of their business practices, but no avail. Finally, my husband thought of calling our credit card company, and we got back the $254.77. After my experience with ALC and reading all the complaints, I do hope that this company is put out of business soon.

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Kathy
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Sep 09, 2008 6:47 pm EDT

I have been on the fence about laser hair removals for a while now until i went to my free consultation. More like a waste of 20 minutes. The location will remain disclosed but the managers name JOANN SMITH will not. JOANN made me wait in the waiting room which was a mess until SHE SHOWED UP AT 11! Needless to say she called to confirm the appointment the day before and said "she looked forward to seeing me at 10 o'clock". Little late? She looked very unprofessional in wrinkled scrubs and had not a stitch of make up on her face. When she took me in to talk about the extremely overpriced procedure she was very pushy. None to my surprise she WREAKED of alcohol! I didn't want anything to do with this place after I got there before her PLUS she was obviously under the influence. Stay away from American Laser Centers, unless you want to get "burned" by hungover people.

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Anonymous
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Sep 06, 2008 6:44 pm EDT

I work for ALC and it's not a reliable company. My clinic manager doesn't have the experience for her position. She doesn't know how to talk to clients. If anyone is thinking about Vela Shape, don't waste your money the treatment doesn't work and the machine is always breaking down.

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anonymous
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Sep 03, 2008 11:48 am EDT

ALSO...DO NOT BLAME THE TECHS! IT'S THE MANAGERS AND THE AM'S! MOST OF THE TECH'S WALK IN ALC NOT EVEN KNOWING THAT THEY HAVE TO KEEP UP SELLING OR THEY LOSE THEIR JOBS! LET'S ALL HOPE AND PRAY THAT THIS HORRIBLE AND UNPROFESSIONAL COMPANY GOES DOWN REALLY SOON! YOU KNOW WHAT'S EVEN WORSE, JUST IMAGINE THE OWNER, THE MANAGERS, AND AM'S, RECEIVING ALL THE MONEY THAT IS SUPPOSE TO REFUNDED! STAY AWAY WHILE YOU CAN!

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anonymous
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Sep 03, 2008 11:36 am EDT

ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION!

I USE TO WORK FOR THIS COMPANY AND IT IS ALL TRUE! YOU HAVE TO SELL SELL SELL! IF YOU DON'T, THEY FIRE YOU! I AM ONE OF THEM THAT GOT FIRED! IT'S A HORRIBLE PLACE TO WORK FOR! THEY ARE VERY UNPROFESSIONAL! ALL THE MACHINES ARE TAPPED, AND WON'T GO ANY HIGHER SO THAT PATIENTS HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER PACKEAGE, NOT THE BEST RESULT, SO THEY KEEP COMING FOR MORE! DO NOT PURCHASE SKIN TIGHTENING, SKIN REJUVENATION, VELA TREATMENTS! THEY ARE ALL SCAM MACHINES! IT ONLY WORKES IN A DOCTOR'S OFFICE! IF YOUR HAIR IS BLONDE OR WHITE, DO NOT PURCHASE LASER HAIR REMOVAL! IT WILL NOT WORK!

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gary
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Jun 07, 2016 5:07 am EDT

I totally disagree with these comments, American Laser Centers has been wonderful to me and my whole family. Everywhere you go there is going to be complaints, AlC is the LARGEST AND SAFEST laser clinic in the NATION. i WOULD STOP LISTING TO COMPLAINTS AND GO CHECK IT OUT FOR YOUR SELVES.

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Amy Gagliardi
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Aug 27, 2008 4:36 pm EDT

Well I'm certainly happy I never got a job there! I almost filled out an application to apply for a job there as an Esthatician, however their web-site isn't even working. Instead I found all these complaints! I happen to agree with the no-results aspect. I spent over two grand and have not gotten any rusults at all after over a year of treatments. I'm completely unfamiliar with law-suits and have no idea how to join. I would love to get my HARD EARNED money back that I would have gladly paid had my hair been removed. If anyone reading any of these can e-mail me any info on joining please do so. Thank you! AGagliardi06@yahoo.com

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Grace Toapanta
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Aug 26, 2008 8:21 pm EDT

I got shoked after reading all those complains... I am having the same problem at the present. I have been 6 months trying to get my money back but they just playing fool with me. I knew it was a mistake to pay them but I couldn't cancel my contract becuase I signed the papers first, so they forced me to pay them. I did not see any result after 2 years of treatments. I am very dissapointed with this company bussiness. I paid $3, 600 dollars for a full package, I have telling them thousands of times to give me a refund but they just keep telling me "call next week" "we need to take some pictures" "we call you back with the results" "we will give you a refund" "the camara doesn't work!" blalblalbla... I have been told a bunch of lies, now I know that they are real ROBBERS not " PROFESSIONALS" like them call themselves.

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sim
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Aug 25, 2008 1:16 pm EDT

I completely agree with the posts above. During first treatment, while treating my uni borw they took off 1/4th of my actual brow. When I complained, they told me I was rude and that it was just a mistake. Imagine paying $3500 to get your face treated and then walling out with half a brow. They even told me that I wasnt allowed to enter the clinic, and that they are cancelling my contract and taking of the charge of the first consult + the 10% cancellation fee... I am going to court.

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gparty
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Aug 20, 2008 12:41 pm EDT

Hello Ms. Plainview, NY.
Yes we are very happy that you are the only one that had a "great Love affair with ALC". As for the rest of us, we are not so lucky to experience the bull ### run around, the lying and the fresh out of school Tech that burn and scare us. I think its an employee of ALC to need to tell the read readers that "people need to READ before they sign and what they are told". Its so ALC song to pich "oh its not our fault that we burn you and take your money...ha ha.. your bad not ALC. If anyone have the common sense they should listen to others that have bad experience and knowing that you where fore warn before you make a Big mistake by signing up with ALC and give your money away.

Yes, go happy and sign away in NY. As for the rest of us the other part of the counrty, don't bother with ALC. Also know that they are differently own by smaller owners like mama and papa set up off of a big corp. branch. Keep that in mind too. Best for all just don't bother with ALC go see a Dermalogoist office or other doctor's office. You all have been warn!

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Ginny
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Aug 20, 2008 9:17 am EDT

I'm surprised to read about your complaints as I have nothing but good results from ALC. I go to the Plainview, NY location on Long Island and the girls are always courteous and kind. I've never had an issue with making an appointment and have only once had to wait more than 5 minutes for my appointment. I bought the VelaSmooth package and receive laser hair removal on my underarms. I've had 7 sessions with my laser hair removal and about 95% of the hair is gone. It's been an amazing turnout as I used to get ingrowns and multiple hair growths from one follicle. As for the VelaSmooth, I bought a package of ten and have only used 5. I decided to break up the package because I saw great results after 5 sessions. My husband agreed! It's been a year and some of my cellulite has come back - I used it only for the back of my legs and butt area only - but I think that is normal. I am saving my other 5 sessions for after the birth of my child in the winter. I probably wouldn't buy another VelaSmooth package, only because the results are not permanent and I don't have the money to keep maintaining smooth, bump-free skin forever. I do recommend the laser hair removal services however. I think a quick, 2 second zap worth of pain and a permanent result is much better than monthly visits to my waxer--as much as I love her! However, I am unsure about using this in my bikini area, though the girls who have done my services swear it's worth the zapping!

Finally, I also used CareCredit for my purchases but I don't understand why people are so upset with it. It was interest free for a year and as long as you paid your balance off by the year-end you should have no problems. While I could have paid in cash, I took advantage of this option and am happy to say that I did not pay interest and have paid off my balance. I think people need to listen to what they are being told and also READ before signing anything.

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gparty
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Aug 20, 2008 8:00 am EDT

This sounds like the same experance that I had with "crazzed Paige". The Tech I had was wonderful. She was full of knowledge and sure hell knows what she's doing than Paige who's the "office manager". Paige kept knocking on the door and before the Tech or I could respone she would walk in, saw me all nude and started asking questions about more sign on, if I wanted to sign another package. What the Hell is wrong with that woman. Hello Common Sense! The Tech just have this look in her eyes like she just wanted to be anywhere else other than that treatment rm. To my superise that Tech was let go and Paige the manager got her self another Tech. These people just have no concept of what they had and now they hire fresh out of school. The new Tech was asking Paige for questions and Paige just rolled her eyes and just can't give her any questions. What question-able position to be in. You spend so much money to be treated and the best that ALC can provide to you is a crazzed manager who calls you 4-5 times at work to push you to sign another package and a new Tech that just got out of school. I tell you its time the state and county look into ALC for a serious inspection! I'm so sick of this, I can't wait for my package to finish.

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asdasdasd
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Aug 20, 2008 12:06 am EDT

hey "what a shame", shut the ### up.

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prettyg
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Aug 18, 2008 4:20 pm EDT

I have something I would like to add concerning the Sterling Va. location. I signed up a microdermabrasion package from another location. I was sent to get it done at the Sterling office. Well when I got there the manager tried to have me cancel my package and sign up with another that I don't really need. Than I was told that the machine was broken, its the Tech's fault and not the managers'. SO I should sign up with another package instead and call the office that I sign up with and cancel my micro. What a piece of ### that manager is. She tried to get the Tech in trouble and cancel money from another location. I've had enough of all the drama and I went back to the first location and just ask for my money back. I'm better off spending it at a spa. People listen to me, the Sterling location is nothing short but one drama and BS to the next. I'd call the other day and ask if the nice Tech there can speak to me, the same manager Paige told me that the co. fired her and felt she was not giving the clients what they needed. Thats bad mouthing in the worst form. If I were the former Tech I sue ALC for bad mouthing her. What a sack of ### that manager is! Don't go to Sterling VA location, she's crazy and full of her self.

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beche
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Aug 12, 2008 2:45 pm EDT

FIRE ALL THE MANAGER ### AND LET THE TECH RUN THE OFFICE AND SERVICE ON CLIENTS. THEY WENT TO SCHOOL, WELL SOME BUT AS LEAST THEY KNOW BE TO BE PROFESSIONAL AND WHEN TO NOT TO PRESSURE CLIENTS. ALC I REALLY HOPE YOU GET SLAP WITH MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS LAW SUIT FROM CLEINT AND EMPLOYEES AND IS FORCE TO SHUT DOWN OVER NITE. ### HOLE! WHAT GOES AROUND WILL COME BACK AND BIT YOU IN THE ###.

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Danielle
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Aug 12, 2008 12:10 pm EDT

That sounds like typical ALC. They threaten techs every day if they don't up-sell they will lose their job. The worst is the super ### Gail from their Michigan office. She was manager then and threatened the techs all the time. I couldn't believe they took all that ### from her.She said things in front of clients all the time I was so embarrased for them. The old bag would also flirt with the young guys and stick those fake boobs out at them. Not too professional!I hope this company goes down, down, down! I'll never get my money back!

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beche
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Aug 12, 2008 7:44 am EDT

I have a question that I would like and answer to: Does any one know of the owner or operation manager direct phone for the ALC Va. location. I understand they are the same owner as the MD offices. I just want their direct mumber not their location. I really want to see them face to face. I have just had it with that crazy psycho office manager at the Sterling office. Its not a client's problem if you won't be able to make your sales goal. But don't be calling me at home and at work for days and telling me "you should consider sign another package, if I were you I'd take avenage of this, I don't give this kind of discount again, you will never see this kind of give-away from any other offices like my office. Jessue crist, if I get one more call from this nut job, I'm going to call the cops. I'm the client and its up to me to want to sign up or not. I told her at least a dozen time that I'm not signing up any more packages and if i were it would not be with her. She than got piss ... she raise her voice at me, the client! And told me, "Its not my fault that my managers kept sending me unqualified Techs. Its not my fault that when I live in DC and have to drive here to Sterling and exspect to do sells and no Tech to provide it, you should think of these things before saying something like that. It just hurt my feelings. My manages value my professional work history. Hell they let go one of my Tech most recent because she thinks she's better than me. My office can give you the service that you want, but its a give and take here. You have to help me to help you." She just went off on me. I did call the police non emerency # and the authority told me why should I change my number and pay for the change just because the company just can't take you the client telling them NO. Make notes and if she still calls press charges. This is crazy, but its so very real. I can not image anyone working with this woman. And as forthe Tech she was referring to, what a bunch of bull ###. That Tech was nothing short but a professional health provider. I only wish she's reading this and call me or drop my work to speak to me. I'm the lady that work at the "Dullas Town Center new building." P please remember me if you're reading this and help me with this matter. As for this nut job, some one fire her before I call 911.

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cc
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Aug 08, 2008 11:32 am EDT

YOU PEOPLE DO KNOW THAT THE ONLY PERMANENT FORM OF HAIR REMOVAL IS ELECTROLYSIS? LASER HAIR REMOVAL IS NOT A PERMANENT APPROACH ANY ESTHETICIAN WILL TELL YOU THAT! RESEARCH PROCEDURES BEFORE YOU JUST GO OUT AND GET THEM PEOPLE.

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