Institute of Laser Medicine

This is seriously the worst laser place I have ever been to in my life. I admit that it’s my own fault that I stuck with these guys for as long as I did but I was quite naïve about the state of laser hair removal technology when I first started with this place and thought I was paying for top quality UCLA services. The opposite was true. This institute claims to have patents on their machines, which I suppose means that they’re some kind of pioneers but the truth is that their machines are grossly out dated. Plus they have terrible business policies. This place would require payment 2 days before the treatment and charge a fine if I cancelled my appointment within 48 hours. Also, if I was late for like 10 minutes for a 50 minute appointment, I would only get a 40 minute treatment despite having paid for the full 50 minutes already. This was their «policy.» I literally, still think back to my experience with this place and get mad at myself for how much money loss and pain I put myself through. I SERIOUSLY advise individuals looking for laser hair removal to try other places that not only cost 80% less but also involve less pain, faster treatments and better results. The only positive thing about this place was the nursing staff, which was highly professional and absolutely wonderful.

Four stars because I wish the prices were just a little bit lower, but It worked for me! =) Guess some are hairier than others! (sorry one stars). I must say, I’ve had quite a few treatments with great results. It is pricey but worth it, if you like not having to worry about hair growth for long periods of time.

I wish I had read these reviews BEFORE I returned here for a touch-​up. I went here for 6 treatments in 2006, and once for a follow-​up treatment in 2008. Like the other reviewers I never saw any sign of a doctor — except for the name plate on the door. Everyone seemed professional and helpful. For the most part my treatments worked so-​so, but during the initial consultation I wasn’t made any kind of elaborate promises. I was mildly happy with the results, despite the incredibly high cost. Fast forward to 2011, I’ve moved across the country but wanted a touch-​up. I called several weeks in advance and set up an appointment. On the phone the receptionist said, «this appointment will be with Cassey (sp?), is that ok?» I should have taken this as a warning. In the past, every other technician I saw was really nice and patient. I know I’m getting laser hair removal. I know it’s not supposed to be pain free. They were always really good at saying if it hurts let me know and I’ll stop. Only a few times in the past did I say anything, because for the most part it’s just uncomfortable, not painful. If for some reason it did hurt, the technician would apologize and stop. But not Cassey! She seemed to actually enjoy hurting me. I’ve now had 8 total treatments, and never during the 7 previous times have I actually physically needed to get away from the technician and the laser. At one point I almost jumped off the table/​chair. I said, «ouch, that really hurts.» Cassey did not apologize, and actually rolled her eyes at me and kept going. She was pretty sadistic with the laser! If I hadn’t already paid for the appointment I would have left. (Of course they take a deposit for half over the phone before you even set foot in the office and then you have to pay for your treatment before you set foot through the door.) I will never go back there and if any of you out there are still considering going to this laser hair removal place, make sure you request NOT to have Cassey as your technician — unless pain is your thing.

PLEASE DO NOT GO HERE! YOU WILL REGRET IT!
I agree whole heartedly with the negative reviews on here. This place should be facing criminal charges for being a big time fraud! I had some unwanted hair zapped. I figured this was a good place since it is UCLA and all. I only dealt with a nurse who was nice enough, and the lady taking my credit card payments. I never met with Dr. Tobin. I got five sessions done for well over $ 2,000 dollars and the results… It didn’t make the slightest difference. What a waste of time and money! Not only did their fancy laser make a hill of beans differance, it hurts! Nair for Men gets it done and it works great. At the very least, ask if they guarantee permanent removal. I guarantee they cannot.

My experience was horrible as well. Told the same thing as another reviewer: your the perfect candidate (light skin, dark hair) and it will take approx. four sessions. It was for the hair under my arms, so a small area. Well, eight sessions and $ 2700 later and the hair is still there. Not sure how they can continually make false claims about their services.
In response to the snarky review by Lesley M., that if reviewers left one star the treatment didn’t work because the reviewers were just too hairy — BS. I’ve tried other laser places since, that were about ¹⁄₃ the price, and they worked wonderfully. Institute of Laser Medicine and it’s founder, Edward Tobinick, have had multiple claims filed against them and Tobinick has received medical suspensions. So… not the negative reviews that should be questioned.

I have spent a few thousand dollars getting my back, neck and shoulders treated by their laser. Guess what? It hasn’t made a difference! I have the same amount of hair there.
I was supposedly the perfect candidate — I had white skin, dark hair and I stayed out of the sun. They suggest approximately 4 – 6 treatments for good results. I figured that I’d do 7 just to be sure. As I was finishing the 7^th session I said to the nurse, «So I guess this will be it for me. I have had 7 sessions now and I should be good.» She replied, «Well, you’re going to need to keep coming in to get touched up. There are no permanent results.»
WHAT?!
Yes, they expect you to continually spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get zapped by their machine.
What happens after you get treated is all the hair in the area falls out and stays gone for about 3 weeks. They suggest that you have about 4 weeks in between treatments. So here I am becoming ecstatic about what I think are fantastic results. A little over a month after I finished the 7^th treatment, I became very disillusioned. Now, about a year and a half after my 7^th treatment, the areas I got treated look exactly the same. The only thing that ISN’T exactly the same is my bank account!
I am not alone in my experience either. In the middle of my misguided delight, I convinced a friend to get the same treatment. He has the same results that I have. He tried to talk to them about about his displeasure, but they immediately reminded him that he signed a legal agreement (prior to the procedures’ beginning) removing them of any and all culpability. That’s right, you have to sign a form saying that even if their laser makes you HAIRIER, they are not at fault.
The treatment hurts also. They say that it is gentle, but I assure you it is not. It hurts more if you have darker skin or if your hair is thicker. If you have ever received a tattoo, it feels a lot like that. If you are going to get treated, I suggest that you use the numbing cream they recommend.
I have received treatments at both their LA location and their Newport Beach location.
If you want unsightly hair removed (or significantly reduced like they suggest they can do), I DO NOT recommend going to the Institute of Laser Medicine. If you want to spend a ton of your money and receive nothing to show for it besides several painful experiences and an empty wallet, then by all means give these guys a visit.

Too much detail, would be TMI IMHO, sooo… Professional staff, courteous to your needs, and efficient. PM me if you want more info.
I’ll say more about parking… it’s free and easy on Saturdays (don’t let the fact that it’s on the UCLA campus scare you — the place is dead on Saturdays).