taking the plunge...

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

So I just paid for some laser hair removal packages… I know it is best to see how it goes after a session, but I don’t think I could pay for it that way, and have really been at my wits’ end. The place is owned/run/supervised by 3 doctors and is at the following site address http://www.laserskincenterboston.com/ http://www.laserskincenterboston.com/
I had a consultation today, and thought it would be with a doctor, but it was with a woman who was pretty young and a medical esthetitian. She said she would be doing the treatments. There are some promotions going on this much, and some websites have warned against places that offer discounts, but this place seems pretty reputable to me. I have light skin and very dark hair and a lot of fine but pigmented hair (probably thanks to my Turkish ethnicity). I THINK the kind of laser she said they would be using was the YAG.

I bought 7 sessions for “ab strip,” certain parts of my vertebrae, and my toes. Though most of the hair is fine, it is virtually black colored and really contrasts against my skin. She charged me a lot less for the back areas because I’m really small and it was just certain patches. The total was $1725. Most areas there are 30 to 50 percent off right now, and I got 100 off each area that I paid for during the consultation (all of those)

I made my first appointment for this Thursday. I am really nervous. Did I make a really idiotic choice? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

#2

  • Yag is not best for your skin type if you’re truly “light” in LHR terms, i.e. skin type III or lighter

  • Laser DOES NOT WORK on fine hair. It doesn’t matter that it’s dark. It still won’t work.

  • That’s a pretty expensive price for such small areas. The problem with buying packages and getting sold on “deals” without checking out 4-5 places like we recommend is that you have nothing to compare these prices to. So you just assume they’re great because they tell you so in their sales pitch. Even if you decide to treat coarse hair in the future, don’t seek out a place based on prices or “promotions” alone. Many times these “promotions” are nothing special and are simply used to get you in the door and to sell you a package. They’re rarely for limited time only and most of the time the clinic just ups the cost of the treatment to make up for this “discount”. Prices are variable and many clinics will match and beat others’ prices. Your concern should be with treating the right type of hair with the right type of machine and finding someone who won’t treat hair that won’t be affected anyway and actually CARE about your results and not the money only.

I would STRONGLY recommend you to ask for your money back and do more research. Laser only works on COARSE DENSE hair. In addition, there is a chance of inducing MORE growth when treating fine hair.

Please read the FAQs at the link below asap.

#3

Thank you so much for your response-- I may have been wrong about YAG…I just looked online and thought that sounded most like what she said. But it probably actually wasn’t.
I know that my skin type is not lighter than III, because I do tan pretty easily and don’t usually burn. But my natural skin (when not tanned) is very pale, though sort of yellowish. It is not the kind of pale that people who are Irish or English might be though… like I said, yellow undertones…probably like a lot of light skinned Middle Eastern people. It’s still pretty light, and the hair on my head is virtually black, as are some of these other hairs that I want to get removed.

Yes, my gut instinct did tell me that something was a little off-- should have listened to it more… especially because I have read the material on laser working on course dense hair only, and possibilty of inducing extra hair. My hair isn’t completely fine, but it definitely isn’t course in those areas.

Do you think I should e-mail the doctor? I feel like a total idiot…I just was very desperate and had read a lot of positive things about this place on citysearch and thought it seemed reputable.

I am thinking of asking about the things that you mentioned, and then perhaps asking for my money back, after I speak with the doctor?

#4

From their web site:

" Latest generation laser technologies available anywhere. Treat all skin types and all hair colors - quickly and effectively.

The Laser Skin Center uses non-invasive lasers specifically designed to eliminate hair from all parts of the body. One laser has great applicability for lighter skin types, while another is specifically for sun tanned patients and those with darker pigmentation. [color:#FF0000]Our third laser/RF instrument is the only FDA approved device for the elimination of apigmented (blond, white, gray) hair on the face and body.[/color]

The various systems generate intense, long pulses of laser light through a cooled hand piece. The lasers disable unwanted hair follicles, thus impairing their growth. There is absolutely no damage to the overlying skin. [color:#CC0000]Any one or all of these lasers may be used."[/color]

This is a red flag in my opinion. Either they are ignorant about how and why lasers work and were suckered into buying this 3rd device, or they are intentionally scamming those with light color hair.

I’m afraid you may have been too impulsive in choosing this practice.

#5

Thank you so much for the continuing feedback… I know I was way too impulsive…I am working on an e-mail that I am going to send to the doctor. Under where I signed after making the payment it says “I understand this is permenant reduction of hair… No payment refund(s) under any circumstances… Treatments are non-transferable…”

I would think that I could ask for a refund though on the basis of the first statement (That it is permenent reduction of hair)

I really appreciate your responses. I am sorry to be posting this on this forum where there is all of this information on what does and doesn’t work with laser… I really wanted too badly for this to work and ignored my gut instincts (and things I had read). I guess I was just way too desperate for the hair to be gone, and worn out because of a bunch of other things.

I just wrote the check today and it hasn’t gone through or anything. I am sort of panicking but trying to work through this in the bst way I can.

I am really grateful to have such a wonderful source of honest information and feedback on here… I hope I don’t seem like a troll or something

edited to add… I just sent an e-mail to the doctor there, and think they will probably think I am a freak, but anyway, here it is…

"I just purchased some packages, but after doing some reading on the subject, I am having serious concerns about laser as a hair removal method for the areas I decided on. I am concerned about lower back patches/ab strip, because apparently if the hair is not thick enough, it does not work, or can even induce more hair growth (or possibly thicker hair).

I don’t believe the woman I did the consultation with even looked at the patch on my back, and I’m thinking it is not dark enough at all. I was assured that it would absolutely work in these areas, and paid $1725 in full. I am aware that the sheet I signed said that there are no refunds, but it also stated (first and foremost) that there would be permanent hair reduction. So it seems that there is already reasonable evidence that this may not hold true for the areas I was told it would-- (thus making that first line of the agreement inaccurate) Hopefully this was just the small misjudgement, and can be worked through somehow.
I agreed so quickly and put down the money because your practice seems (from the website and reviews) to be very reputable and professional. Therefore I think you will understand why I would like to terminate this contract. Please get back to me about this.

Thank you very much and best regards
(My Name)

#6

I hate it when people look on doctors as if they are gods, the doctors I’ve seen lately were so bad that i can’t believe they treat real people.

Also, I know that my thinking is in Canadian dollars but $1725 is really steep if you ask me.

#7

Yeah, now I’m realizing it was pretty steep too. For some crazy reason, in the moment, it seemed like I would be getting a deal, just because that was the way she explained things. I know something seemed off but I just ignored it because I was feeling so lousy and have body dysmorphia in other areas (though the hair isn’t imagined), so just vulnerable sometimes. But I should have been more aware of that and pushed myself out of the place.

I sent that e-mail to the doctor. I have no clue what to do.

#8

If I were you, I would just cancel the check. Like NOW, before they have a chance to cash it.

Technically, they can’t keep money for treatments you haven’t or won’t have no matter what you signed. But getting them to admit it and give BACK the money would be close to impossible as many people find if you read past threads here. So I would jsut eat the $20 check cancellation fee before it’s too late.

#9

I am thinking about doing that. Is it considered check fraud and technically a felony though? That is the only reason I haven’t cancelled it.

#10

All large dollar contracts have a 3 day cooling off period.

Just cancel the check and send them notice that you are canceling the contract. You may still get hit with bank fees, but will they spend the time and money trying to make you repay them on a contract you backed out of? Not likely when they don’t have your money to spend on the effort, and they have not done any work.

#11

Thank you so much-- I did send that e-mail that I posted above to the doctor. I am thinking about waiting until tomorrow to cancel the check? I know that they probably wouldn’t go after me, but I am just really paranoid about being associated with any kind of fraud/felony, and what I read about check fraud sort of scared me.

Re: the 3 day cooling off period… So I don’t need to freak out so much about them cashing the check right away? (like tomorrow morning)

#12

It’s not a felony of any sort. Legally, they’re not supposed to make you sign anything that prevents you from getting your money back BEFORE you have started any treatments. I’m sure they know this. The big chain clinic is getting slapped with a class action lawsuit for doing this to consumers right now. You are absolutely not doing anything wrong. Send them an email that you changed your mind and that you’re cancelling BEFORE you’ve started any treatments.

Cancel first thing tomorrow morning or it will be too late. There shouldn’t be any fees besides a $20 or so fee by the bank to cancel a check. Just because there is a cooling off period doesn’t mean they wait to cash the check until it passes. It’s a technicality that they know you won’t pursue in court most likely. It’s always easier to prevent someone from getting your money than to convince them to give it back. No one likes to part with money and they’ll fight even if you’re right.

Btw, make sure to send them an email right after the check is cancelled informing them of that fact, and keep the email jsut in case. Basically, this is done in order to have proof that you let them know you did this and told them not to cash it (since they would incur fees if they did).

#13

Thanks-- I’m still not comfortable canceling the check like that unless I see something official that says that it is legal.

Ugh, I just got a response from the doctor…

“Renee, with whom you spoke assures me that she evaluated the areas in question. You apparantly have dark hair in the back area with fairly lightly colorored skin- We have a laser that specifically addresses this type of situation.
Your “research” was likely inadequate, based on outdated information.
With over 14 different laser/light devices at our disposal we are in a unique position to provide exceptional results to everyone, yourself included.
Our stellar reputation, which you noted, is based on providig RESULTS for a wide variety of skin conditions, the vast majority of which involves laser hair removal.
We stand firmly committed to providing the best possible treatment for all our clients.
I trust this will provide you with the confidence to move forward.”

#14

Call your bank and ask them what happens, legally, if you put a “stop payment” on this check. I think if you notify the company before they deposit the check (physically or electronically) then they don’t have a leg to stand on if they try to cash it and it is returned to them. And even if they can charge you with bouncing a check, depending on your state’s maximum, (NC is $25) it’s worth it to get out of this contract.

They took advantage of your situation. They are trained to do that. Many laser techs receive more sales training than actual “how to use the laser” training.

You may also want to ask the esthetician what measures she takes to prevent “paradoxical hypertrichosis.” If she can’t answer that, maybe her research is outdated and she needs to subscribe to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

#15

Choice, thank you, calling the bank is a great idea-- I don’t know why I didn’t think of that! Yes, I don’t mind a 20 dollar or so fee if it gets me out of this contract. I am nervous about calling my bank but am going to push myself to do it, and first write down notes about what I will say to them, because that usually helps with anxiety over the phone.

I did respond to the doctor just saying that I was uncomfortable having those areas treated, and asking about the credentials/certification of the person who would be performing the procedure, and he hasn’t responded. Interesting.

I know a lawyer who handles medical malpractice and if I talk to her, I’m thinking I could just ask her about the policy of “client payment agreements” in this situation. It might not be the kind of thing she deals with at all, but she might just know the protocol, and what I can do (e.g. cancel the check, or get a refund if they cash it if they have not yet). Am kind of embarrassed though because of the nature of this.

They did have a brief second sheet that I signed with very vague medical information. One question asked if I was on medicine. I wrote down “Yes” but didn’t write what, because it didn’t ask that. I am on a TON of medicine, though none I believe to be photosensitive.
Under medical condititions, I wrote that I was being treated for hypermobility (mainly joint issues related to that), and anxiety.
Hypermobility has been linked to increased bruising and similar things, but there isn’t much official research on the condition in the U.S.

Again, thank you so much for all of the feedback and advice everyone. I know I shouldn’t have gotten into this situation into the first place, but I guess I was feeling pretty vulnerable and not listening to my suspicions that something was off.

#16

Just e-mailed the bank because it was too late to call.
Another thing is that on their website it says

“Q: Is there a charge for consultations at The Laser Skin Center Medical Spa?
A: There is no charge for initial consultation with either Dr. Krausser or one of our nurse case managers. Dr. Spiegel charges a nominal $75.00 fee for consultation, which is credited toward any cosmetic aesthetic or surgical procedure.”

(If any of you could confirm having read that on the website, in case he changes it, that would be great)

I do not think I met with either. I met with a girl who said she was a medical esthetitian, though I have no knowledge on whether or where she is licensed etc.
It is especially important for me to have met with a doctor or nurse, because I have medical issues and am on so much medication.

#17

Q: Is there a charge for consultations at The Laser Skin Center Medical Spa?
A: There is no charge for initial consultation with either Dr. Krausser or one of our nurse case managers. Dr. Spiegel charges a nominal $75.00 fee for consultation, which is credited toward any cosmetic aesthetic or surgical procedure.

#18

Thank you… I am going to send an e-mail mentioning that so I really appreciate any confirmations of the website’s current information (that part about the consult).

I also find it kind of weird that it doesn’t say much about the Dr.'s medical degrees…just his memberships. Gah, I also am realizing that citysearch isn’t like Yelp? Apparently they had reviews of a place that didn’t even exist in the past. I think maybe the business can pay them something? I don’t know. The office of this place had “Best of Citysearch” or something I think, which was a strange thing to have on display…instead of doctor’s/staff diplomas/certifications

#19

Many businesses post their own reviews, especially on Citysearch where it’s hard to track (there is no community there like on Yelp). Don’t judge anything by those reviews alone.

I would really urge you to send them a note saying that you cancelled the check and not to cash it. And then cancel the check. That’s all you really need to do. There is nothing illegal about this. As long as you notify them, you’re fine. And even if they cash it anyway, they will at most ask to be reimbursed the bounce fee they encounter, which is $25. $50 is totally worth getting out of this $1700+ contract, which you will regret.

If you wait even another day, I’m sure it will be too late, especially now that they know that you’re hesitating. There is nothing preventing them from cashing it now, and then you’ll never see your money again.

There is NOTHING they can LEGALLY claim to get this money from you if you cancel. LEGALLY, they can only ask for money for COMPLETED treatments. They can’t ask for anything for work they haven’t performed.

#20

Thank you so much-- Are you absolutely sure?
Aside from the legal thing, I’m sort of paranoid in general about it–like that they will talk about me or something because the street they are on is right near me…I also tend to be scared of certain medical professionals in general because of one who was seriously abusive, so I am kind of scared of the doctor who runs this place.

I guess I’m just mainly freaked out at the idea of having written a bad check go in my record as some kind of crime. I would rather lose the 1700 than have this listed as some kind of a crime that I committed. I e-mailed my bank as I said above and everything.

I have been thinking about this almost nonstop since I signed that stupid contract.
It said no refunds under any circumstances and I signed it.
Is that binding??

eta: i’m working on filling out the information to stop a check on my bank website. just need to find my checkbook to figure out the check number.