Verified Company
Shocking experience — multiple red flags I regret ignoring
I rarely write reviews, but my experience at this clinic was so upsetting that I feel obligated to warn others.
I’m 52 years old and very familiar with laser treatments, Botox, and high-quality skincare. I take good care of my skin and regularly see experienced providers. I booked this clinic because I have an important event coming up in March where I’ll be seeing friends and family I haven’t seen in over 10 years. My goal was very clear: a full face and neck laser treatment about a month in advance to address some sun spots on my cheeks, improve skin tightening, and get an overall healthy glow.
Looking back, the consultation should have been my first red flag. I spent about 30 minutes with a woman who collected my information but offered little guidance or insight. Dr. Crippen briefly popped in for what felt like a rushed, unfriendly 10-minute interaction and then left. I was immediately ushered into another room for Botox.
The Botox experience was very different from what I’m accustomed to. I’m used to skilled injectors who assess my face and tailor the treatment for optimal, individualized results. Instead, Dr. Crippen appeared impatient and administered what felt like a standard, one-size-fits-all approach. I was charged just under $800 (I typically pay around $500 for much better results). My brows dropped significantly, and the skin around my eyes is now wrinkled and heavy — the opposite of what Botox should do. The results were poor, and his bedside manner was worse.
At that point, I should have cut my losses.
I had another appointment scheduled for laser treatment that was supposed to include my face, neck, and chest. Once again, my concerns and priorities were ignored. Dr. Crippen entered the room and announced he was going to treat redness on my chest — something I really didn't care about, but that he kept saying was "Easier" . He kept insisting on this despite me clearly stating (multiple times) that my priority was my face and neck, specifically new brown sun spots, due to my upcoming event.
This was very clear communication.
Despite that, he proceeded anyway. Without any topical numbing, without oral pain medication, he began lasering spots on my face — not a full-face treatment. I’ve never had just spots treated before, I've always had my full face done and it was painful and alarming. I immediately realized that not only was I not getting the treatment I requested, but my face was now being burned, meaning I wouldn’t be able to go elsewhere for the proper treatment while healing.
I was extremely uncomfortable and knew there was no chance I was going to allow him to laser my chest or arms — again, with no numbing — for something I never wanted treated.
After about five minutes, he stopped. When the nurse asked if I wanted to remove my glasses, I asked, “Are you done with my face?” They said yes. I again explained that I was scheduled for a full face and neck treatment.
Dr. Crippen’s response was shocking. He said, “You’ve never had a doctor like me,” and then labeled me as “aggressive” for stopping the session. I turned to the nurse and asked if I was being aggressive for advocating for myself — she said nothing. Apparently, a woman clearly expressing her boundaries and concerns is considered aggressive, but burning someone’s face without listening is not.
He refused to listen, dismissed me entirely, and showed no interest in hearing a new patient’s valid concerns — even though I was calm, clear, and articulate throughout.
For the record, I usually go to MDesthetics and see Dr. Banks on the Island. So when Dr. Crippen says I’ve never had a doctor like him, he’s correct. I’m used to skilled, respectful providers who run professional clinics, listen to their patients, and treat them with kindness.
This experience left me shaken, disappointed, and physically unhappy with the results. I would strongly caution anyone considering this clinic.
