Time to Reconsider That Ink?
Summer often brings spontaneous decisions: a cheeky wrist tattoo, a carefree ankle design, or a microblading session that seemed like a good idea at the time—and maybe didn’t age as well as hoped. Now that …
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
First, some fun facts. It’s still true that red and black inks are the easiest to remove. Red and black are relatively easy because there are several laser wavelengths that can nail those colors. However, the Fotona QX Max can also treat blues and greens.
How do laser treatments for tattoos work? It’s all about the principal of photoacoustic destruction. Tattoos aren’t actually forever, or at least they don’t need to be. Those pigment granules can be destroyed, similar to blowing up popcorn kernels in the microwave. The laser hits the ink granules, and they “explode” into smaller particles. These little pieces might rise to the surface and disappear as your skin sheds naturally, or they might be safely processed by the body.
Tattoo removal takes time. Those little particles need to find their escape. That’s why patients should wait six to eight weeks between treatments. It’s a slow and steady removal. There are a number of variables to consider including skin type, ink colors, depth of tattoo, density of the pigment, blending, and a person’s age and health. You’ll probably spend a lot more time and thought getting a tattoo removed compared to getting one inked in. Consider that the next time you get an itching for new ink.

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
Transform your favorite summer look with our Cool for the Summer Package, designed to deliver remarkable body contouring results in the areas that matter most to you. Choose from the lower abdomen, full abdomen, flanks, back, neck and chin, or inner or outer thighs, then complete your customized treatment package within 120 days to maximize visible results. Our expert providers will tailor your treatment plan to help you achieve meaningful improvement in your chosen area while supporting your aesthetic goals every step of the way. As an added bonus, medically eligible patients who purchase a CoolSculpting package will receive 12 weeks of microdosed Tirzepatide at no additional cost to complement their body transformation. Be sure to ask about our inspiring before-and-after results.
Build strength, tone muscle, and enhance definition with our exclusive Accufit Buy 4, Get 2 Free offer. Purchase a four-treatment package for one treatment area and receive two additional treatments at no extra cost, a $1,400 value. Whether your goal is firmer abs, stronger glutes, or improved muscle tone in another target area, Accufit uses advanced electrical muscle stimulation technology to help you achieve noticeable improvements without surgery or downtime. This special gives you six treatments for the price of four, allowing you to complete a more comprehensive treatment series and optimize your results. It’s the perfect opportunity to invest in stronger, more sculpted muscles while taking advantage of exceptional savings.