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
Women often begin developing cellulite as early as their teens. Cellulite becomes more pronounced when you pinch the skin of the affected area, making the skin look even more bumpy. This is why cellulite looks more pronounced in the buttocks and thighs when seated. Cellulite can also become more pronounced with age as the skin loses collagen and elasticity.
Cellulite forms when fibrous tissue attached to the muscle has underlying fat that pushes through to the skin’s surface. Since women typically have more fat in the buttocks and thighs, these are the most common areas where cellulite forms. The result of fat pushing between these bands is dimpling, bumps, and an uneven surface—and often low self-esteem.
A 2009 cellulite severity scale divided the condition into three grades. Mild cellulite (grade 1) presents with an “orange peel” look, with women having 1 – 4 depressions. A light sagging or “draping” of the skin is also common. Moderate cellulite (grade 2) includes 5 – 9 depressions of medium depth, moderate draping, and a “cottage cheese” appearance. Finally, severe cellulite (grade 3) requires 10+ deep depressions, severe draping, and a “mattress” appearance. Hormones can play a role in the development of cellulite, as can carrying excess weight.
Cellulite happens to the vast majority of women and some men. You don’t have to be overweight to have cellulite, and in fact many female celebrities have been spotted with cellulite at the beach. For years, the only answer for cellulite was a painstaking and painful surgery that snipped the bands causing cellulite. Now, at RefinedMD, we offer a new non-surgical option to get rid of cellulite Emtone.
Additional treatments for cellulite include Cellfina, Exilis, and ZWave. Each technology works differently and we invite you to schedule a consultation at RefinedMD to learn more about treatments for cellulite today.
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 Swengel
Emtone is one of the latest cellulite technologies available. From the makers of Emsculpt and Emsculpt NEO, Emtone is a quick, non-invasive solution that uses RF energy and targeted pressure to reduce the appearance of cellulite and tighten skin simultaneously. As a result, collagen growth is kick-started following treatment, and the skin is more toned and less lax. It’s great for therapy on the abdomen, arms, thighs, love handles, buttocks, and more.
Cellfina is a non-surgical option to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Minimally invasive, this treatment uses a microblade that can be used on the thighs or buttocks to release the tension of the bands below the skin’s surface that cause cellulite. Known as subcision, this approach can also be an effective tool for minimizing wrinkles and lines. It’s just the size of a needle and has been FDA-approved since 2015. Many clients see results in just three days, and the look can last for up to three years. Cellfina has a fantastic client satisfaction rating, and it takes just one hour for every 25 dimples.
Exilis combines skin tightening with cellulite reduction and body contouring by harnessing the power of radiofrequency. RF can penetrate deeply into the skin to kick-start collagen production. Non-invasive, Exilis can heat the tissue causing cellulite to just the right temperature to simultaneously destroy fat cells and smooth out the skin. There is zero pain or downtime, and depending on the amount of skin to be treated your appointment could be as short as 15 minutes.
Z-Wave breaks down cellulite without needing surgery or any needles. It uses radial shockwaves to destroy cellulite and smooth the skin with small pulses of energy. Appointments last 10 – 30 minutes as your provider slides a handheld device over the treatment site. There’s no downtime or aftercare necessary, and you can immediately get back to your day after the treatment. Most clients require 6 – 10 treatments for optimal results.
Summer means showing more skin—and for many, that brings renewed attention to cellulite. At RefinedMD, we offer several advanced options to help smooth and tighten skin, all designed to treat the root causes of cellulite. …
When it comes to contouring and sculpting your body, there’s only so much the gym and a healthy diet can do. That’s why RefinedMD offers six unique options for improving your body—all non-invasive or minimally …
When it comes to sculpting and contouring your body, there’s only so much you can achieve through diet and exercise. That’s why at RefinedMD we offer a number of minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments and …
Some people spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on expensive creams or exercise classes to get rid of cellulite—those approaches simply don’t work. RefinedMD is committed to only offering patients effective treatments that actually …
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.
