All of my reviews with American Laser Centers.
When I decided to invest in laser hair removal, I had done no online research. I spoke to friends who had gone through it and saw results of no hair. I responded to an ad on Daily Candy, featuring a contest where you could win different levels of prizes. I have since come to learn that basically everyone wins the lowest level of $300, and you may win even if you don't enter.
During my consultation, I was told by the office manager that the process would take 1 year, which equals 6 appointments. American Laser Centers includes a 2 year extension, where you can continue your appointments for up to two years. I am into my 1st extra year, which means that as of March 2008, I had completed 10 appointments and was unhappy with the results. I had far too much hair left, since I was led to believe that I would have minimal hair by the 6th appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Everyone reacts differently and has different skin types and hair color. This is just my experience.
My decision was based on math from waxing. Every 3 weeks, which is 17 times a year, I paid $32 (which includes tip). I have invested at least $544 a year, times 6 years is $3,264, only to have to repeat forever.
Overall, I am glad I made the decision to laser. My hair is less coarse, I don't get ingrowns, and I feel more comfortable in general. My main wish is that American Laser Centers did not lead me to think I would be done in 6 appointments, with a 2 year cushion. If I did not have this 2 year cushion, I would be quite upset. As you research and review American Laser Centers, or lasering in general, I've included some basic questions below.
What's the process for laser with American Laser Center?
Your own laser experts should walk you through the procedure, as it may vary. I can only tell you what happened to me. A technician spreads the lasered area with the jell used when performing sonograms. The jell is cold, and is the worst part for me. The laser comes from a plastic head with a trigger on it. Here's a picture. The technician pulls the trigger and a little laser zaps dark hair follicles in the area. The laser is attracted to pigment, so the ideal skin type is fair, untanned skin with dark hair.There are different levels of the lasers power, depending on what stage you are in. Lasering the hair doesn't make it fall out right there. It just damages the follicle. Apparently, the hair falls out after the appointment. In my experience, I have never seen my hair fall out. For about 3-4 days after, I have to put special soothing lotion on the area. American Laser Centers sells lotion from AmeriPur, and it's wonderful. It's actually the best lotion I've ever used. My skin doesn't absorb lotion very well. But this lotion is absorbed well. You may see red dots on your skin after your appointment. In my experience, when I applied the lotion to the red areas, the redness was soothed.
Does laser hair removal hurt? I heard it's like getting a tatoo.
I've heard that too. I've also heard it feels like rubber bands hitting your skin. So far in my experience, the laser did not hurt, although perhaps it should have, hence why it's not gone. I did notice on some coarse patches on my thigh, the feeling from the laser was stronger. My Syrian friend is going through it, and she has hair coarser than I do. Her experience is painful. She is not going to American Laser Centers, and I don't know what kind of laser they are using on her. I have been told that the ideal skin type is fair skin with dark hair. If you are tan, I would not get lasered. I would take the summer off from laying out.American Laser Center's Financing Program
I financed my laser treatment with the GE Care Credit Card. The American Laser Center office manager told me that the card offers 0% APR, which is very attractive. I signed up, and agreed to pay $180 each month to pay it off.The fine print, which was not stated by the manager at the time of signing, is that if you are late on one or two payments, you will lose the 0% APR. Almost more important, and definitely not stated in the appointment, is that the interested from the APR is deferred and is owed by you if you do not pay it off in 1 year. That means that after 1 year, if you do not pay off this card, you will have to pay deferred finance charges, which could be as much as $500 or more, depending on the amount you got credit for. Big surprise. I learned of this when I had 2 payments before the year ran out. For some reason, I read the fine print where this was stated. I looked on other bills, and it had been there all the time, but the most recent bill had been redesigned, so I noticed it more.
As with all credit cards, beware. I wrote a more detailed review of the GE Care card here). In the end, I paid off the credit card before the end of the year and as of this date, avoided the deferred finance charges.
Also note, and this is very important, each American Laser Center office has the power to quote you a different quote, based on how much they think you can pay. I have experienced the negotiation, and so has this person, in a more grotesque way. It may be that you can negotiate with all laser companies.
Where should I go for the laser treatments?
NOTE: This paragraph has been edited after 10 appointments with American Laser Centers.As far as American Laser Centers is concerned, do your homework. If you are having many areas done, consider splitting it between a dermatologist and a place like American Laser Centers. ALC has offices nationwide, so check to see if there is one near you. Your doctor (dermatologist, gyno) may also offer laser treatments. Visit the office first to make sure you are comfortable with the location and people. Keep in mind, lots of people ask me about the American Laser Center contest that they've "won." The consensus is that everyone "wins," so it's a gimic to get you into the appointment.
Best of luck, and stay smart.
American Laser Center Reviews
Laser Hair Removal Review: Appointment #11, The DoublepassLaser Hair Removal Review: Appointment # 10. Yes, 10.
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #8
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #7 for pics of technicians
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #6
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #5.5 for Bikini
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #5
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #4
Laser Hair Removal Review :: Appointment #3.5
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The Second Zap
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The First Followup
Laser Hair Removal Review :: The First Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: War of My Legs Part 1
Disclaimer: FashionMista, nor its author, are qualified to give medical advice and cannot be held responsible for anything that may occur. Should you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
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54 comments:
Sounds like you had a good experience, but I think some people might like to know that the Advanced Laser Removal $300 prize is awarded to every single person who enters the online contest.
Basically, it's not really a prize. Think of it as a coupon. They're enticing you in with the lure of "free" money so they can give you their sales pitch in person-- which greatly increases their chances of making a sale.
So... if you're thinking of having this done anyhow, take the coupon and go for it. If you're only going in to it because you think you've won a prize.. think again.
Yes, this question has been asked of me regarding the $300 'prize.' I in no way think anyone is lucky to win this. In fact, I never get a question of: "Hey! I just one the $1500 prize!" that they once offered. I totally think, and have told people who contact me directly, that everyone 'wins' in this contest. It is a buyers beware world out there. There is no free lunch. I am only here to provide a very public first hand account of MY experience on the laser table.
Just to let you know, I think you did your math wrong. If you did it every 3 DAYS it would have been 121 times a year. But if you only did it every 3 weeks, it's only about 17 times a year.
Thank you Math Wiz! I have corrected it. No matter what, I have no interest in paying for something to not go away. Unless it's coloring my hair, because there is no permanent way to do that, and one would lose the fun of changing colors.
American Laser Centers is a scam. No results, burns, scars, rude staff. Expect to see them exposed on Dateline in the future.
in my experience American Laser center is a scam.
they lied to me to give my money back for a service I never received, took my $6000 and never return it back. I had a business trip to live a country, I show all my documents showing to them I'm living the country. ALC stuff hang up the phone, never receive any calls from them.
they are so rude, stammers .
I'm trying to coll them , promising to return the $6000. it is been a year no answers from them.
and this 2 nice thing who post it for ALC is the owner of the company,
making fun of as,
I know this was written a long time ago (2006), but it still comes up 3rd in Google when you're searching for American Laser Center reviews, so just thought I'd give my 2 cents.
I just won the $1,500 prize (woo-hoo), but just gave it to my friend because I'm not down with lasers. After reading this site, I'm definitely going to tell her NOT to use it. Just thought I'd let the world know that they do occasionally give out the $1,500 one, but it's just the same shit.
Thanks for your comment, even though this page was written in 2006. I'm still going to the treatments - and it's March 2008. So...
I update this page when I can to reflect what I've learned in my experience. Glad to know that someone wins the big prize. ;) Curious to know what they would have given her for $1500, since others seem to negotiate for their services when they can.
Just a quick comment... about the $300 dollar prize, that is great for some people! Its not like someone is forcing you to purchase. Its a win win situation, I think its brilliant. How else would you get new clients besides the traditional ? Anyways... the other thing I wanted to say is... the lasers that they use are the safest on the market....slower results less risk of burning. No company is safer, and has protocols. Of course anywhere u go you can find people who are unhappy...maybe a particular clinic had a bad manager or something...thats any business.Get real. Sure pay to go to some hole in the wall... but I guarantee you its way more of a risk. I love American Laser Centers.
I just returned from an appt. with American Laser Centers. I am about to hit 2 years of going to them for laser removal of hair on my upper lip. I have not seen any improvement/hair reduction and have just about had it with them. They keep saying how facial hair is the most difficult to remove, is very dependent on cycles/hormones on how well it works etc. They are now sending me to a different location which they claim has a more high power laser = more painful which may have a more positive effect. I asked them to do another area of my body just to prove it to me that it works and they did my feet/toes today. Results remain to be seen...
Wow...keep us posted...
5/17/08
I was also a "lucky winner" of a $300 gift certificate for American Laser Center after signing up at an event. I was also promised an extra $100 if I was to make the appointment in the next two days. This made me very skeptical but I decided to go anyway so investigate. They would not give me any pricing over the phone, not even a range, I needed to be seen by the professional. Once I got there, there was 20 year old
trying to sell me the packages. I'm so happy to have found your blog. I'm in NYC and had a successful series (less than 7 visits) of laser hair removal at a reasonable price. I found my Laser Nurse on City Search where she has several numerous positive reviews.
I just got back from an appointment. I will admit that I am easily sold and was sold on a package that cost $3000. After reading these posts and a few others. I'm now concerned becaue I've given my money to this company. Is there anyway I can get it back? Does anyone know??
Negotiate like crazy! For me it was to late. I had chemo and was at a fundraiser for American Cancer Socity. American Laser Center had a booth. I signed up and sure enough I won through e-mail $300.00+ another $100.00 off for ASAP appointment.
Made appointment, rep also told me about 25%off especally at end of month. Went in & got all the discounts! But it started at $3520.00 for the skin tighting pkg of 6, so it came out to $2240.00. Yeah,right? NO! I researched & found what vendor the used for all their laser treatments. They're made by syneron.com. On their web site they have Locate Reatiler, They e-mailed me a list & I started calling. They gave me pricing over the phone. For example, excatly the same pkg of 6 was $2850 -30%=$1995.00. Do I feel stupid. Don't let it happen to you! When I recieved the treatment they couldn't wait to get me out because they double up on Appt's. I hope it's worth all this money. You would think ALC would get a HUGH discount from Syneroh co., & give a nice price compared to one small clinic.
I started my treatment for lower legs, bikini area and underarms 18 months ago. I've had 6 appointments. If you could only see... it's like NOTHING happened, there's no difference at all. It's so frustrating, I feel like I've been robbed. I did everything they told me to do, even bought the lotion (over $30) from them, and wish someone had warned me. I have to shave every day. I wish I had my $3,000 in the bank... If at least they had been nice ! This lady Annette yelled at me several times when I tried to get an appointment, because if you get sick you have to wait 2 additional months to get an appointment, unless you decide to take a vacation day to have your treatment. Also, you have to wait sometimes 30 minutes, but don't think about being late, 10 minutes and you lose your appointment. Overall, and as you can imagine, I DON'T RECOMMEND American Laser Centers, AT ALL !
I'm a current ALC sad customer lol...i think staff is getting paid in dimes and nickels and thats why their customer service is so bad..anyways
FOR ALL THOSE WHO TRYING TO GET THEIR MONEY BACK...WHICH MAY ALSO INCLUDE ME SHORTLY....
DON'T EVEN BOTHER GOING OR CALLING AMERICAN LASER...THEY WILL IGNORE YOU...
GO STRIAGHT TO YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY OR EVEN IF YOU FINANCED WITH GE AND OPEN UP A DISPUTE WITH THEM...
THIS IS YOUR ONLY WAY AND HOPE OF GETTING ANY THING BACK FROM THESE PEOPLE...
IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUCCESS WITH A DISPUTE AFTER FEW SESSIONS BEC THEY ARE A UNHAPPY CAMPERS...PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPEREIENCE HERE.. GREATE SITE !!
I want to form a class action lawsuit against this company. There are numerous web sites with different people complaining about how their treatment did not work. There are 167 complaints about them with the Better Business Bureau. A friend of mine and I both signed with them for the 6 sessions and have not seen any results. We have been completely lied to by the branch manager several times in order to protect the business. They will tell you anything to get you to calm down and continue paying them money. We have decided to take further action in order to get our money back. If anyone is interested in talking with us about this, please e-mail us at ElizabethAnnB@sbcglobal.net
this is a reply to the comment above, if you were planning on doing laser but scared it wont work, well Originally I only planned on doing my underarms, but during my first visit I knew I wanted to do my bikini too because the procedure was quick and far less painful than I had expected. Shockingly, it only took about 15 minutes for both the underarm and the bikini areas together!
The laser technician, Cleo, was extremely knowledgeable and explained everything I should expect. I was mostly confused on how the process worked, and she explained that the light of the Candela laser she was going to use targets the hair follicle pigment in its growth (anagen) stage and then it damages the hair shaft and root, causing subsequent regrowth to be finer and lighter. This process doesn't actually remove the hair but instead, singes it. The singed (treated) hair falls out in one to two weeks. Since all hair grows in three stages, the targeted hair has some regrowth, but these hairs will be finer and lighter than before. She also instructed that, between treatments, I could only shave the areas being treated. This worried me, but as it turned out, I had so little regrowth after the first visit, shaving was perfectly adequate.
Treatments were quite painful for a couple of seconds at the time of the laser blast, but post-treatment irritation was very minimal. I've had electrolysis and that hurt worse than the laser, both during and after. Plus, with eltrolysis, each painful zap treats only one hair -- with the laser, I needed only about 15 zaps to treat my whole face each time.
The results were everything I'd hoped for. My thick, dark hairs did not grow back. I needed several treatments, because hairs were in growth cycles at different times. That also meant that it took several months to see full results, since new untreated hairs that had been in dormant cycles started sprouting shortly after treatments (treatments are spaced 8-12 weeks apart to account for growth cycles). But after about three treatments, I had almost no hairs. And after the last few, I was basically hair-free. A year after my last treatment, I've gone from pretty much daily tweezing to weekly plucking of one or two strays that missed getting sapped.
Based on what I've heard, I will probably need to get a follow-up treatment or two in a few years. That's fine. It was totally worth the money and I highly recommend this treatment to anyone with unwanted hair.
How long should I wait to get my refund?
This question I ask myself everyday. It's been 9 months trying to get my money back from American Laser(Boca Raton, Florida) and nothing seems to work out. I purchased on November/2005 a full package of six treatments for 2 years guarantee to remove the hair of my legs, under arms, and one scar. This cost me $3,600 dollars and including 10 fotofacial treatments.
I went for 2 years without missing any apointments and even they made on my skin doble passing, but guess what? I did not see any results at all! I remember the fist year, I told them that I did not see any results, but they kept insisting that I will see it in the next few months. Then in the next year, the mananger told me that my guarrantee has expired without seen any hair removed!
They promised me to remove my hair in two years, all was a big LIE!I know that they do not want to give me a refund and I have find out that they have done it with many people as well.
Since December/2007, I have keep trying to get my money back becuase is unfair to pay something that did not work out on my skin. I told them thousands of times that I want my refund and they keep saying this to me: "we have to take another pictures from your skin becuase it did not came out crear enough," they have done this to me 5 times!!!Also I have calling them and many times they do not answer me or they just hang up. They have made up a new story that my guarantee has never expired and will have to go for 1 more year for treatments.
Today, I have no other choice but to hire a lawyer and publish it. Also was told from oher lawyers that if I want to hire them I would end up paying more than $3,600!So this mean that in order to get my money back I have to pay some one to do it for me? It's unfair! I would like to advice other people to stay away from this company, they are not real "PROFESSIONAL" as they said, just make a google search and you will find out a lot of complains like mine.
Grace Toapanta
Boca Raton, Florida
Grace Toapanta
If any of you would like to contact me to make something about it, contact me to: gratoa_84@hotmail.com
I am not afraid to publish it becuase I can tell you with my own experience that they are real SCAMS!!! Beware people of this company!
x-employee of american laser centers. Hair removal lasers do work...they want your money. You're their #1 till you stop spending your money w/them. They don't care about their clients. find another laser center. avoid ALC...
I too "won" a $300 prize. I called to obtain more information particularly wanted to know when this prize expires. Surprised it expires in less than three weeks which is most unusual. Stated I was not available until November but the customer service person was adamant. She also would not divulge any information about pricing. Decided I had better check reviews...so glad I did. Previous postings have saved me a lot of money. Thank you.
Wow! I to "won" the 300 dollar prize plus 100 dollars for making as speedy appointment and on top of that every package would be half off! I was only looking for pricing information when I found hundreds of bad reviews in several different locations over the world wide web! I was so excited about this until these reviews! All I wanted done was my upper lip, there is NO way I'm going through with it now, I'll just stick with waxing at home!
American Laser Center (Madison Ave Lower Manhattan) - the WORST!
Apart from poor results (I've been going over a year). They are completely unprofessional and do not accept responsibility for their actions. I recently broke my foot so had to cancel an appt. outside of the 24 hour window or you are charged 30 dollars. I offered to bring a doctor's note and was told it was unnecessary - then tried to book an appt later on. I was told they would not book an appt unless I paid the $30 and denied telling me it was unnecessary!
I work there and it's a total scam. Highest prices, you should never have 2-3 months between treatments, it's excrutiatingly painful, and you end up with very hairly legs without melanin. Once the melanin is gone, that hair will NEVER be gone because that's what the laser is attracted to. My bikini line was done at a reputatble place, quick treatments, very little pain and in no time it was gone. I was an idiot to pay $3000 for complete legs. 6 treatments that don't work, THEN you have to return for the 2 year guarantee period to prove they screwed up and the hair can't be removed. 3 years and good luck getting money back. Threaten a class action law suit!! Guaranteed there are many others in your area that are unhappy. My clinic has 500 customers and there are over 200 clinics. It's also true they are unsafe. They will do facial lasers without totally blocking light from your corneas. If they laser your face without light-blocking goggles, call an attorney.
I had this done at the Cleveland Clinic's cosmetic surgery department and I paid about $1500 for five sessions. I could have gotten it done at a salon for a few hundred less, but I felt that it was worth it to be sure I was getting a safe, professional job. I had my upper lip and chin done, and each was billed separately. I also have a unibrow and the technician threw in treatments of my between-brow area for free (although she refused to do the full area I wanted done, since she was afraid of using the laser that close to my eyes).
Treatments were quite painful for a couple of seconds at the time of the laser blast, but post-treatment irritation was very minimal. I've had electrolysis and that hurt worse than the laser, both during and after. Plus, with eltrolysis, each painful zap treats only one hair -- with the laser, I needed only about 15 zaps to treat my whole face each time.
The results were everything I'd hoped for.
Everyone 'wins' $300 to get them in the door. Services are over-priced, extremely painful, and ineffective. Any lie will be used to make sales quotas. Customer service is non-existent.
THERE IS NO HAIR REMOVAL GUARANTEE and it often won’t work! The guarantee is that they will continue to treat for two years past your package. No guarantee that hair will be removed and there is no refund. If you get burned by inexperienced techs, you could lose your pigment forever. Hair removal very often doesn't work, or only partially works.
The fat treatments work once in a while, FotoFacials usually don't work. If you have Rosacea, see a doctor who can bill your insurance for Fotos. Skin tightening works for some, but not for many. Some people have reported looking fatter after fat treatments. I was sold a cellulite package with a promise that it would help flatten my stomach. The manager later admitted she lied to sell me the package as I don’t have cellulite.
Affirm facials are ineffective or mediocre for many people. They promise virtually painless, no down time, and flawless skin. Sorry, it's VERY painful, you may have days of downtime, and results are usually disappointing. And this is a $4400 package!
Laser facial treatments have been done without proper eye protection, exposing clients to permanent corneal damage.
Even the botox injections were disappointing. Hundreds of dollars and they only partially worked and only for a couple weeks. What a waste of money.
Avoid American Laser Center. If you have complaints, put together a class action law suit. It's the only way to stop the lying and cheating.
I’ve been trying to deal with ‘customer service’ for almost a year and have gotten nowhere. The Better Business Bureau in my state has HUNDREDS of complaints! Just think how many people go away without complaining or give up on the joke that is customer service.
I have finally contacted both the BBB and a class action attorney.
I also am using american laser center. I paid $4500 to have hair free legs, bikini, underarms, and arms. I am almost to the end of my 2 year contract and have had no results. I am totally getting the run around from them. They also told me I'd be hairfree in 6 sessions and then there is a 2 year hair free gaurantee. I am still not hair free, and the process does not feel like rubber bands snapping. It feels like someone is lighting your skin on fire. I have cried through some of the treatments. I would recommend using lidocaine cream if you already are stuck in this scam but furthermore I would recommmend spending your money on waxing or some designer jeans. Don't waste it on this hoax like I did.
How do you open up a dispute with GE who I financed through? Will it work if I already have paid? I am so sad I only found this blog AFTER I went through the time, pain, money, and disappointment of this failed ALC
American Lasers sucks. they take your money and offer you OH MONEY BACK AND THERES WARANTEES ETC and then it never works and they just take you off the list.
Also, the one in lake success totally messed up the treatment history charges. they said i had all this stuff done that I didn't...Stay away from american lasers.
I am interested in doing something against these ppl. I had about 12 treatments (honestly, I lost count. I had quite a few douplepass and treatments at 5 week interval. I started in early 2006. I am seeing maybe 5 % result. I sent in pics to MEDICAL twice already. They turn around and say to continue treatments. Neither thick nor thin hair gets affected, but amazingly their MEDICAL team sees improvement. I am at the end of 3 years in couple months. I think all of us who have not seen any improvements should hire ONE lawyer and fight them.
Deepa1977@hotmail.com
Dont ever say that you saw more than 5% reduction when they ask you at your appt. They will hold that against you when you ask for a refund.
i am currently in treatments. I pais 5000 dollars for full body and NO RESULTS!!!! I have been going for almost two years now!!! Its terrible and i really want my money back!! How do we need to do it?
Oh gosh, ladies. And gents if you are here too. I don't know what we can do. I applied for a refund, and it got stuck in "Medical" for a while, and then they rejected it, saying I needed more treatments. I wasn't comfortable with more treatments without doing some research on my own to see the long term health effects. I do know that they are owned by a new person now. That's all I know. I am open to organizing, so that others don't need to waste their money, or at least not be told that American Laser center "removes" hair. I do think they can "reduce" hair, or weaken it. But as for removing, this seems to be incorrect. Keep commenting here for ideas. If you are a lawyer and want to help, also chime in. If this gets big enough, I could also start another blog I suppose...
I spent over $7500 with American Laser Centers. Complained the treatments weren't working, was told they'd do double passes. Wow, kinda painful, kinda time consuming and STILL not working. When I complained to the manager again, she didn't even bother to respond and when I approached her in the office physically she RAN out! I filed a complaint with the Attorney General's office in the State of Michigan. They arleady had all their information because their were NUMEROUS complaints about them. When that wasn't getting anywhere, I filed a complaint with the local Better Business Bureau, no response, so the case was closed. Just recently I thought to myself, gee all these complaints and this company is taking EVERYONE's money. Time for a little justice. So I'm emailing every agency, newspaper and newstation I can to let them know about what's going on and to warn the general public. If they don't want to even work with us, let alone return a phone call, or answer a complaint, they can be exposed. Not refunding a little money in the long run is going to cost them their business. I suggest everyone's who had this experience and believe me there are many. Look up ALC on youtube: their laser is NOT permanent-it's documented-contact YOUR local news, radio, papers, tv. Also associated press who launches press releases nationally. Their email address is info@ap.org. It only takes a few minutes for each one of us. And, gee what else do you have to lose? If anything, I'm finding it AWESOME therapy and am really enjoying it myself. After all the hoops I've jumped through a customer service rep actually had the audacity to FINALLY contact me to tell me that if I would have complained before my 2 year guarantee expired she could have done something. WHAT?! Gee, thought I did - that's what the BBB is for, the Attorney General's office and their corporate offices. No reply? Well let's see if they reply to the media shall we? How much can ALC afford NOT to refund our monies? We'll soon see!
Also, please email info@glancylaw.com if you are interested in joining in a class action lawsuit.
Thank you for reading and remember if you don't stand for something you'll never stand up for anything . . .empower yourself again!
I finally got my refund without paying any money to a lawyer! You guys got to be careful becuase lawyers also want a lot of money from you. I got my refund by telling them this: I will report to the news so that everyone be informed about your fraud! They want people to know they are fraud but if you guys scare them, then you will receive your refund, believe me. Dont spend money in layers, everyone can get a refund if you persist and scare them.
correcting: I mean, they dont want the people to know about their FRAUD! Keep insisting,scare them and you will see the results! I worked for me.
Actually, I won the $1,500 prize from American Laser Centers. I went in for my first treatment in November '08 & have my second tonight. I was just researching ways to make the pain less. I got laser on my hands, lip & a small patch on my neck. The lip isn't bad but the hands & neck are excrutiating! I think it has to do with the veins in my hands.
Two of my friends went to ALC & told me to bargain. So I wanted to get my lip & they added my hands for $1,700 plus they threw in my neck. I am honestly not sure if I got a good deal, but technically I only paid $200 since I won the prize.
Hi Anonymous Prize Winner,
Do check back with us after a few treatments, to let us know how your results are going. We want to keep it fair and balanced in here, so if you do end up seeing results, please let us know! If you don't, please also let us know!
I went to American Laser Center of Dallas. When I signed up, I was told it would take six sessions with two years to go back if any came back after the six sessions. When I asked how others had treatments I was told just about everyone sees great and immediate results and I would too. It has now been three years.
Often I would have to wait for treatments because they were running late. During that time, I overheard the technicians discussing a burn on another client. One of the girls accidentally switched the numbers on the laser. When the client's phone call was returned they mentioned that she flinched causing the burn.
Over the three years, I had minimal results on my lip and eyebrows and absolutely no results on my underarms. I was also burned five times and now have scars from it.
I went in for my last treatment and asked for a refund. I was told it would be sent to medical and I would hear back in one week. She also mentioned since she could see results it would probably go my way. Two weeks later, I called to find out what medical said. They forgot to send it. A month later, I called again. After leaving multiple messages I finally got someone live. She promised to call me back that day. Another two weeks, they offer me repurchasing the package for half-price for six more treatments. $3,000 for nothing but scars. Go anywhere but American Laser Center of Dallas.
Wow I have had only two treatments but so far they are working fine. My first bikini treatment I didn't have to shave for like and a half except for the spots they missed. My legs not so successful the first time but this second time, it has worked amazingly. I only have hair in a few patches on my legs (once again spots they missed) and it has been like that since late January. My bikini is the same way only have to shave spots that are missed( or just don't get hit with the laser as well) The only thing that isn't doing so well in my thighs but I have really fine hair on my thighs so I don't really mind. I am loving it though, it is great. I can go days with out shaving right now. I have never been able to do that. I hope the results only continue to get better.
Word of caution though if you go to them know they do not give refunds, so you have to be absolutely sure you want it, other wise you have to fight them and go through the BBB to get your money back. Also with any medical procedure do your research, know the risk. I did a full two months of research and went to various clinics and found ALC to be the most inexpressive and the safest. I also understood that there is a laser involved and a possibility of being burned, but it was a risk I was willing to take, and as I said my results have been very good. Hopefully it will stay that way.
ALC had told me that they would give me 50% refund. 3 months passed and customer service wouldn't call me back or give me a straight answer on when I will see my money. So I filed a complaint against them with Attorney General's office. I had requested copies of my pics and chart 4 months ago and I was told that I should receive that within 3 weeks. ALC provided me with the copies of my pics and chart as soon as Attorney General's office got involved. To my surprise the date printed on my chart and pics were from the date that I made my request on 4 months ago. They didn't want to give me copies of my chart. DO NOT EVER ADMIT TO HAVING MORE THAN 2 % REDUCTION. Don't shave for 2 to 4 weeks to see if you actually have reduction. Ask for the copy of medical report when you send your pics to medical. The pics that ALC takes suck....You cant see anything...They need a better camera. ALC doesn't want to give anything to anyone in writing. I think that everyone should contact Attorney General and file a complaint with their Health Care dept. ALC told Attorney General that I will be receiving my refund so now I am not worried.
Hi I started my procures nearly two years ago on my chest where the hair is coarse very coarse. I am skin type 4, I use the level of 30 on the ameralase it burns a lot and is every painful but I am will to take the pain at the cost of being hair free. But the problem I am having is not the staff they are every friendly and polite, is my two years is about to be meet and I am nowhere near satisfied with the treatment never missed an appointment and only my first two treatments where done on low power like 21 or something. Soon as I figured out high the power better the results, I told them to increase the power immediately. They offered to renew the package at a lower cost but I have be thinking about other companies. Like Sona Med Spa I have been doing a lot of research, and one thing I heard is they have better lasers but I am not sure how. I even found the manufacture where ALC leases their machines from the specialize in IPL soft laser. They mainly focus on the laser combs and have an contract with Lexington Laser Hair Combs. What my question is dose anybody know if Sona Med Spa is worth a try or not.
Thank you,
my name is andrea, i had the laser hair removal in american laser center and it was HORRIBLE. i used to go to the one which is located in Miami beach, first of all the service is awful (once they burned my face), second of all they change the manager every 1-2 month so, it is always a mess, they never answer the phone or return messages, and you always have to wait for 45 min to an hour before your appointment.
i am asian, and i was doing the laser hair removal in my whole face. they told me that after 3 years the hair is gone at all, which is BS, everybody reacts different but i just found out that it doesn't work in asian people. ever since i started the treatment i started having breakouts in the face and now i have scars and pigmentation. i had 17 treatments and my hair started growing thicker so I stopped the treatment since you have to shave. now, they do not want to make a refound cause they said that i didn't complete the 2 year warranty and even if i did they wouldn't make a refound becuase they said that everybody has a different result. SO, IF YOU ARE ASIAN IT IS NOT GOING TO WORK!
Has anyone initiated a class action lawsuit against the company?
I am going on my 3rd year and have only seen about 50% reduction. Now they are trying to sell me a maintenance package after already having dished a few thousand
PPPLLLLLEEEEAAASSSSSEEEEE don't go to American Laser Clinic!! They ARE a scam. I went to ALC in New York and paid over $2000 to get laser done on my side burns and neck and after 6 sessions, it looked like I had more coarse hair than when I started the treatment. It was shaving 2 - 3 times a week which was really upsetting to me. Anyway, I moved to London and found another laser clinic which don't use the same lasers as ALC use and after only 3 sessions, I am over the moon!!! I have my sessions evey 4 weeks and don't need to shave at all. My new laser clinic told me that the laser ALC use is not a good one and even promotes more hair growth!!! Please don't waste your money or your time going to ALC. Do some research beforehand, you see hat most of the ALC reviews are negative!!!
ok, first of all... if your being financed with alc you should be reading the fine print cause your an adult and hopefully you are responsable enough to take care of your own finances. At any company they wont read it outloud to you. If you dont its your own fault. Plus if your thinking of getting laser i would want to get it with a company that has the reputation and strength that they have. If you go to a place where its just a esthetician performing it and there is no nurse or doctor on staff i would be worried. They follow a certain protocol for different skin types, that i personally would trust. And the 300 dollars, come on...are you guys stupid enough to think that you were only one to win. They are a business and thats how they get there clientele. Its called marketing! If its not something that you want to do and you get roped in on a sales pitch then thats your own fault. Im guessing that most people who have wrote on here dont have much to do with there time and need a life or at least one where there happy and dont have to complain about stuff like this!
I was burned by ALC. left with visible SCARS and no refund!! I'm a light skinned asian who apparently should not have even had laser treatment. They do change some numbers when taking the evaluation test so that you "are in the range" of getting treatments. They also promise this and that from the treatments, but dont be fooled. I warn you! if you are not pale and has any color to your skin, Don't do laser treatments at American Laser Center! Even if ur a very light skin asian. not worth the pain and suffering from burns and dealing with the scars. I'm in the process of suing =)
DO NOT go to American Laser Centers. You sign up and pay more than $2000 only to find it impossible to make an appointment. I have used 3 different centers and find it IMPOSSIBLE to make an appointment. I call I leave messages and no one ever responds. Its impossible to keep up with treatments when you cant make an appointment. There are so many better services where you will be treated much more attentively. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY
Dear Latest Anonymous,
This series of blog posts and comments are an effort to bring awareness to people who are about to make a purchase and physical treatment. No one calls anyone stupid around here. Yes, we should all read fine print, but not everyone does. Including you, I suspect. So, all we can do is remind each other.
As for your statement: "there is no nurse or doctor on staff i would be worried. " As you should know, there is no doctor or nurse on the premise in my American Laser Center Office. I cannot speak for all offices, but I would place a hefty bet that this is the case at other American Laser Center Offices. I do not know how it works at other companies. If you went to your dermatologist, you may be better off.
For new buyers, or those considering to get one from American Laser Center: BEWARE!
I am a current patient at the San Jose, CA facility. My 6 sessions of treatments has ended and I'm entering the second year warantee period, and I have not seen much results. I have an upper lips and extended bikini lines. None show much improvement, I'd say perhaps 10% maximum. And, it is very painful. Everytime I go to an appointment, my heart rate goes up. I'm a triathlete and I usually rough it up and have pretty high tolerance on pains, but nothing like this. And, aside from the $300 gimmick, be aware there is a $35 if you miss your appointment. No forgiving, not esp by the ruthless manager, Salina, at the San Jose facility. No results, Overpaying and rude managers. So think again. Just my two cents.
AMERICAN LASER SUCKS....and I sure like that class action suit idea. I have had over 10 treatments over 2 1/2 years on my underarms, bikini and legs. One of the treatments I had to abandon in tears because it was SO PAINFUL. The only reason I returned for another treatment was I was told that was the only way American Laser would consider giving me my money back. Unfortuantely, I paid $4000 in full upfront in order to get the "discount". Not only was that no discount but it has been mostly unsuccessful. My underarms have less hair growth but I still have to shave everywhere the laser has been applied.
The girls behind can desk can take your money but I have learned that they have virtually no authority to return it. They told me it would take 6 treatments but didn't say anything about that being every 8-10 weeks. When it wasn't working another "new" employee told me that because of my blond hair I should never have been told 6 treatments but more like 9-12and even then it may not work. Knowing this I NEVER would have purchased it. Apparently, laser hair removal is simply way more affective in people with very dark hair and they probably shouldn't be marketing it to blond haired people at all without a lot of caution.
American Laser is dishonest and has bad business practices.
Glad to see I am not the only one...in a misery loves company kind of way.
I got this really cool offer free trail treatment...its free so you can try it for yourself and see if you like it!
1. Call 877-252-4006 or www.americanlaser.com/vip
2. Enter code 299112
Hope this helps!
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