Help Me Howard: Laser Hair Removal

WSVN -- Felix Rodriguez: "I like to be clean cut."

Felix will never be caught with long, flowing locks.

Felix Rodriguez: "I like to cut my hair all off. I don't have to wake up and comb it, brush it."

He doesn't like hair on his head and is not real fond of hair on his face either.

Felix Rodriguez: "And that's why I wanted the hair on my face removed completely because I want to be clean cut."

He talked it over with his girlfriend and future bride.

Felix Rodriguez: "We don't have a set date yet. We are still working on that."

Felix then decided to spend $2,000 for laser hair removal. Normally, you need six treatments, and Felix was told, after they were over, he would never need to shave his face again.

Felix Rodriguez: "They painted a good picture to me. They told me it was going to take a while, that I would start seeing results within six months."

After six months, Felix says he did start seeing results, just not what he expected or wanted.

Felix Rodriguez: "I'm getting ingrown hairs. I'm getting little holes in my face. I have blemishes."

It's now been nearly two years and 11 treatments, which he was told would be enough, and they are right, he has had enough.

Felix Rodriguez: "Now I regret it. I was hoping that it would have worked, but it's not working. It's just ruining my face."

And Felix says it's not just his opinion.

Felix Rodriguez: "They have told me themselves, the ones that give me the treatment, 'This is not working on you, you should try to get your money back, this is what you have to do, this is what you have to say.'"

Felix has asked for his money back, but he is once again unhappy with the treatment from the laser treatment folks.

Felix Rodriguez: "I have called corporate office, I've called corporate legal, and nobody responds to me whatsoever."

But what can Felix do? Can he legally stop the treatment, or will he then risk not getting his money back?

Howard Finkelstein: "Felix has a contract, which does not specifically promise to give his money back if the treatments don't work. However, the law will imply a warranty when the product does not achieve what was promised. In other words, since he still has his beard, he should get most or all of his money back."

When we spoke to the laser company, an officer told us laser hair removal has been proven to be safe and effective, but occasionally a person is a "non-responder," meaning the laser has no effect.  He also told us Felix's claims of damage to his skin are false and that he came in with bad skin. However, they stand by their procedures, and, since Felix is not happy, they agreed to refund all his money, and if you are planning any procedures, this is a good warning.          

Howard Finkelstein: "Medical procedures are not like having a contract to build a fence or a pool. The results are not always black and white; there are gray areas when you are dealing with the human body. Because of that, go to someone who has a good reputation. Felix did, and that helped him get his money back."

Felix Rodriguez: "Gimme paw, good girl."

Felix is satisfied he will get back his hard-earned money and is resigned to a life with a razor.

Felix Rodriguez: "My lesson? Stick to shaving. Don't try these new things they have out there. Keep your beard and just shave. It's not worth it."

Patrick Fraser: "With all cosmetic procedures there are great rewards, and there are risks. Ask your doctor about them, and do a little research, go on-line to find out the side effects or the downside. Bottom line, ask a lot of questions, get the answers and promises in writing, and make sure you use someone with a great reputation.

Hair-raising experience shaving years off your life? Need it permanently removed? Make an appointment with us. We'll surgically implant a smile on your face. OK, we won't, but it just seemed to fit in so well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

CONTACT: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
DADE: 305-953-WSVN
BROWARD: 954-761-WSVN