By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - For millions of people over the last decade, laser hair removal has become a popular alternative to shaving or a way to get rid of unwanted hair. But how permanent are laser treatments?
Bobby Mode, of Knoxville, called 6 On Your Side after spending thousands of dollars for laser treatments at American Laser Center in Farragut only to have his hair grow back.
6 On Your Side has learned that for laser hair removal treatments to be successful, you should have the right hair type.
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses an intense laser beam or light that passes through the skin to individual hair follicles. The intense heat of the laser damages the follicle, which inhibits future growth.
Bobby received two years of treatments and says he followed the instructions to a T.
Although he doesn't look like Willie Nelson, Bobby sounds like him and can make a decent living as an impersonator on cruise ships.
When the real Willie Nelson sings, he often wears a tank top and he doesn't have hair on his shoulders.
However, Bobby Mode does have hairy shoulders and he's disappointed with his hair removal treatments.
Notes show that hair was to be removed on Bobby's shoulders, neck, and back. But after two years of treatments and spending $4,000, Bobby's back doesn't look like the hair was removed.
However, "The treatment was from my hairline to my waist line," he said.
Bobby received six treatments with eight to 10 weeks between each session. "It came back directly, as soon as the treatment was over," he said.
He was told American Laser Center uses the latest FDA-approved, highly effective lasers. He paid $4,049 up front.
The procedures would be guaranteed for two years and Bobby says he was told he wouldn't have to worry about his hair growing back.
"They told me, no they had new lasers that would recognize any hair. It didn't matter what shade it was, what color it was. These new lasers would take anything, would get rid of anything," he said.
6 On Your Side asked Dr. Kimberly Grande, a dermatologist, to look at video of Bobby. Her office did not treat Bobby, but she's an expert in laser hair reduction.
"If he were to come to our office today, we wouldn't take him as a candidate because that light hair he has wouldn't go away with laser hair removal. It's because the laser cannot pick up the hair bulb that is white, or light," Dr. Grande explained.
"We find the best candidates are those who have dark, coarse hair, light skin and thin-skinned areas," Dr. Grande added.
Bobby's contract reads that within the two-year warranty period if he experienced hair growth he could return for additional treatments, which he did.
"They had to keep me coming on a regular basis because it was not working," Bobby said.
6 On Your Side contacted American Laser Center. The company's general counsel says for the 150,000 treatments performed by certified professions per month, they follow protocols written by medical professionals to ensure safe and effective treatments.
The company also says the effectiveness of its FDA-approved laser hair removal system can be affected by genetic makeup, hair and skin color, or sun exposure.
"Since the company's clear goal is client satisfaction, it is unfortunate that in Mr. Mode's opinion he did not receive the results anticipated," the general counsel said.
But the company says Bobby is welcome to voice his concerns to the clinical staff and it hopes he will choose American Laser Center in the future.
Bobby recently received a call from the company, and he was given an option. "My two-year warranty had run out, but for an extra $1,000 I could have more treatments," he said.
He turned down the offer since he had already spent thousands of dollars for the first treatments. "I'm just real disappointed with it, and I feel kind of foolish," he said.
Bobby asked American Laser Center for a partial refund, but says he was told there are no refunds.
If you have a consumer issue call our 6 On Your Side Hotline at 865-633-5974.
Bobby Mode has hairy shoulders and he's disappointed with his hair removal treatments.
Bobby says his back looks just like it did before he was treated.
