In 2006 I signed up for an almost full-body package at ALC after getting a "coupon" for a 20% discount and "winning" $250 off. I paid all $6,000 to Care Credit in under a year. I went for almost 2 years, a total of 11 sessions, 4 of them what are called "double passes" where they do everything twice. I would be there from 2 1/2 to 5 hours a session, every 8 or so weeks. On my 4th, 5th, and 6th sessions I was burned; getting at least one blister each time; one on my inner thigh, one on the back of my thigh, and one on my genitals. Although a doctor is supposed to be on the premises overseeing everything, I never so much as saw one there, much less met one throughout the entire 15 or so times I'd been to the center.
After my 7th session I was not seeing much in the way of results and I had spoken to Joanne and Eva at Headquarters about my displeasure and I was told that someone was supposed to have called me after my 3rd session to see how it was going and if I wasn't having results, they would start doing double passes for my 4th, 5th, and 6th treatments. I was asked by Eva to do 3 more sessions (which would be my 8th, 9th, and 10th) at double-passes and then reevaluate. I agreed. And then did FOUR double pass appointments over the next 8 months.
I went in for my 12th session and after complaining to the manager at the Grand Blanc center, Tara, that I was STILL not having decent results (as they were well aware of), she cancelled my appointment and began what they call the nonresponder protocol. I had to grow my hair out for two weeks then come back in for pictures. I did so. She even commented on how much hair I had. She took pictures and I waited to hear back.
I had to call numerous times to talk to someone. I've talked to Joanne and Eva in "customer service" (I use that term loosely) NUMEROUS times. I was then told by Joanne that the report came back that they could not see any hair, but they wanted me to continue the rest of my guarantee period (another year of double passes.) I called Tara and told her if they aren't seeing hair, it's because of the pictures SHE took, and I then asked if she even bothered verbally stating that yes I do have a vast majority of hair growth. She said she did inform them and she also stated it was contradictory for them to say they didn't see hair, but then insist on continuing treatments; and she also said it was out of her hands after starting the nonresponder protocol.
I have called numerous times since then, left numerous messages and of course nobody (EVA!) has called me back.
It's ridiculous that it's come down to me getting a lawyer. I tell everyone who is considering "permanent" hair loss what a scam ALC is. I'm glad the word is finally getting out there. I've prevented three people from going to ALC as they had originally planned and i'm in the process of filing my legal paperwork as I type this rip-off report.
Jessica
Holly, Michigan
U.S.A.