RefinedMD
800 Pollard Road, Building A
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: (408) 688-2082
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: Please call for availability
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Two types of skin pigments respond to BBL light: reds and browns. Everyone gets more red and brown spots and patches as they age, especially with excessive sun exposure or not enough of the right kind of sunscreen. Brown spots can make skin look “smudged,” older, and duller than it is. And skin that’s red from either broken blood vessels or flushes is nobody’s idea of beauty. This is where BBL steps in. With just a few treatments, BBL can clear, correct, and rescue skin from various signs of aging while actually slowing down the entire aging process.
The initial corrective BBL treatments are simple. Before starting the treatment, we remove makeup and skin products and protect the eyes with special shields. The provider then applies a cool gel to the treatment area and selects customized filters based on each client’s number of red and brown spots. We take a minimum of 4 passes over the entire face during the first treatment.
Even though BBL is sometimes called a laser, it uses intense, clinic-controlled light that’s completely safe when performed by trained providers. Each pulse creates a brief heat sensation as it targets brown and red pigment. After treatment, skin may feel warm, and dark spots often appear darker right away—Dr. Swengel calls it the “lightly burned French toast” phase. This is normal. Within 7 to 10 days, spots rise to the surface and fade.
You can apply makeup, but you should use sunscreen immediately afterward. Because BBL causes no surface injury, there’s essentially no downtime. After a few treatments, the skin looks brighter, more even, and noticeably younger.
BBL works best when you complete an initial corrective series and maintain results with 2 to 3 sessions per year. Forever Young BBL (FYBBL) keeps the momentum going, improving tone, pore size, and overall radiance. A Stanford study even found that regular BBL can help slow visible skin aging.
Since establishing RefinedMD in 2012, Dr. Swengel has earned a reputation throughout the South Bay as one of the area’s top cosmetic and medical dermatologists. He is sought out for his expertise as a Mohs micrographic surgeon and laser treatment specialist, as well as his warm, attentive style of patient care.
Meet Dr. Steven SwengelIPL (intense pulsed light) is closely related to BBL and treats concerns such as:
It uses multiple wavelengths—similar to a camera flash—to target pigment. IPL’s “scatter” allows deeper penetration with less disruption to the skin’s surface, which means less downtime.
Pigment cells absorb the light and convert it to heat, clearing discoloration and, in some cases, reducing hair growth. IPL is versatile but less ideal for darker skin tones or those prone to keloids.
Both IPL and BBL convert light to heat to clear discoloration. However, BBL generally offers better temperature control, a dual-lamp system, stronger acne benefits, and greater safety across a wider range of skin tones. Many patients see superior overall results with BBL compared to IPL or older photofacial technology.
A photofacial is simply another term for IPL. The treatment takes about 30 minutes, stimulates collagen, reduces redness, softens fine lines, and improves overall skin clarity. Results begin quickly and continue to develop over several weeks.
Patients who have spent years in the sun often gravitate toward photofacials. Rather than lecturing, the RefinedMD team helps you reverse damage and build a skincare plan that protects your results in the long term.
However, if you have deeper wrinkles or textural concerns, they may be better addressed with laser skin resurfacing, which can be discussed if appropriate.
Pricing depends on the number of sessions and the areas treated. Because BBL and IPL are cosmetic procedures, they’re not typically covered by insurance, but payment plans are available, and some patients can use HSA funds. Full costs are reviewed during your consultation.
Preparation varies, but strict sun avoidance is essential afterward. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and follow the detailed pre- and post-care instructions provided before your appointment. These habits help prevent future damage and support the best possible results.
Dr. Swengel often recommends BBL for its power, precision, and broader suitability. However, some patients may be better candidates for IPL based on their skin tone or hair characteristics. A consultation will determine the safest and most effective option for you.
Most patients find BBL and IPL very tolerable. If you’re anxious or sensitive, the RefinedMD team offers comfort strategies to keep you at ease during your quick treatment.
Minor improvements may appear right away, but full results can take several weeks to months, depending on your skin and treatment plan.
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Curious about peptides and how they may fit into your wellness plan? Join us virtually on September 22nd at 6:00pm for an educational event on medically supervised peptide therapy. Learn what peptides are, how they are administered, and how our providers determine which options may be appropriate based on your individual goals and health history.
Refresh, replenish, and give your wellness routine a boost with RefinedMD’s physician-developed IV Therapy. Designed to deliver hydration, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream for rapid and efficient absorption, our IV treatments make it easy to choose support aligned with how you want to feel. Whether your goals include hydration and recovery, immune support, antioxidant support, or energy and metabolism, there’s an IV designed with your needs in mind. And now is the perfect time to experience IV Therapy at RefinedMD: choose from five of our most popular IVs and receive 20% off when you book your treatment on a Thursday or Friday with Nurse Denise. Want to personalize your drip even further? Ask about available add-ons, including glutathione, NAD+, and vitamin D3, for an additional wellness boost.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by a RefinedMD Medical Editor on August 26th, 2026.
