One of the Worst Treatment Experiences I've Ever Had -- Buyer Beware!…read more
I can honestly say this was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a beauty or aesthetic treatment, from the initial communication to the procedure itself and the company's subsequent handling of my concerns.
The red flags started before I even arrived. The text communications were excessive, confusing and frustratingly vague. I couldn't seem to get straightforward answers to basic questions about the procedure. It wasn't until I arrived that I discovered I'd actually been communicating with a third-party service that apparently wasn't equipped to answer my questions accurately. Even the employee complained about it. She gave me the direct number for communications with her and the actual company, but I texted her after the experience with a question about how long until I could go swimming and she never responded.
When I arrived, the business appeared legitimate, but there was only one employee present (no other customers), who seemed scattered, disorganized and unsure of how to address my concerns. After clarifying some of my original questions, it initially seemed as though I might not even be able to receive the treatment I'd scheduled. As someone with a demanding schedule, I found this incredibly frustrating. Ultimately, she proceeded with the treatment, although by that point I was already questioning my decision to stay.
Unfortunately, the treatment itself was equally disappointing. The RF microneedling procedure involved treating individual areas (with single pricks) of my face with the device, and I found the process uncomfortable and not very systematic m. Afterward, I experienced some mild redness that disappeared within about a day. Beyond that, I noticed absolutely no improvement in my skin.
It wasn't until approximately six weeks later, when I visited Kiss and Contour for a microneedling treatment using the FDA-cleared SkinPen device, that I realized just how dramatically different the experiences could be.
The difference was night and day. The provider at Kiss and Contour was significantly more knowledgeable, professional and thorough. The SkinPen treatment seemed to cover my skin far more comprehensively, was considerably less painful and left my skin looking noticeably tighter immediately afterward. While I understand that different microneedling technologies work differently and results can vary, the contrast in both the treatment experience and my initial results was remarkable.
Even more concerning, the provider at Kiss and Contour explained that she would not have recommended RF microneedling for someone with my facial structure. She explained that RF treatments can potentially contribute to unwanted facial fat loss in some circumstances. This was never discussed with me at The One Beauty Bar, and it left me seriously questioning whether the original provider had adequately evaluated my individual needs or explained the potential risks.
Looking back, there were so many warning signs that I almost walked out before the procedure. I sincerely wish I had.
Adding insult to injury, The One Beauty Bar charges more than I paid for the significantly better experience at Kiss and Contour.
After experiencing the difference firsthand, I contacted The One Beauty Bar to express my dissatisfaction and request a refund. Unfortunately, the response was just as disappointing as the original experience. I spoke with a woman representing their marketing department who became increasingly combative rather than attempting to address my concerns professionally. I was ultimately informed that my refund request would be denied because I had signed liability paperwork before receiving the treatment.
Yes, I signed the paperwork. However, signing a consent form does not excuse poor communication, an unprofessional experience or a company's unwillingness to take a customer's legitimate concerns seriously.
I gave this business an opportunity to address the situation privately before sharing my experience publicly. Unfortunately, that opportunity went nowhere.
I would absolutely not recommend The One Beauty Bar. There are better options in San Antonio. My advice is to do your research, ask detailed questions about the equipment and your provider's qualifications and trust your instincts when something doesn't feel right.
I wish I had.
