WALTHAM — The I-Team’s Call to Action came to the aid of a Waltham woman who paid thousands for a procedure to help her lose fat. But after the medical spa told her the treatment wouldn’t give her the results she wanted, she asked for her money back. Then she discovered that the contract she signed was non-refundable.
CoolSculpting treatment
CoolSculpting is described as a non-invasive fat reduction treatment. No needles, no anesthesia and no recovery time. Deborah Singleton did her research and thought the treatment was exactly what she was looking for.
Deborah tells the I-Team, “I expected my stomach to be smaller. I would look good and maybe feel better about myself.”
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Deborah, recently retired, went to Ideal Image in Newton, where she says the staff helped her get a $10,800 loan to pay for treatment. Deborah says the money was sent directly to Ideal Image. Deborah tells the I-Team it was a lot of money. She planned to pay back the loan with her 401(k).
Not a good candidate for the procedure
On the day of her first treatment, Deborah said a nurse told her she would not get the results she was hoping for and that she would have loose, sagging skin. Disappointed that she was not a good candidate for the procedure, Deborah went home and later called Ideal Image to get her money back, but was told the contract did not allow for refunds. This means she would have to use the nearly $11,000 for facials, electrolysis and other services she says she had no interest in receiving.
That’s when Deborah called the I-Team’s call to action. Within hours of contacting corporate headquarters, the I-Team received an email from media relations that stated, in part, “While we cannot release detailed personal customer information, we can confirm that this issue has been resolved.”
A relief for Deborah who has a fixed income. ‘You called on Thursday and the loan was resolved on Friday. I’m so grateful I can never thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me…so happy.”
Medical spas are not heavily regulated by the state. Make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policies before signing up for any treatments or procedures.
Cheryl Fiandaca
