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
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 …
Tattoo regret is more common than you might think—and now, more treatable than ever. At RefinedMD, clients turn to our experts when they want safe, effective tattoo removal that works with the body rather than …
More celebrities are stepping away from permanent ink, turning to laser tattoo removal as a statement of personal growth and evolving identity. Public figures like Pete Davidson have openly shared their tattoo removal journeys, citing …
Tattoo removal is more than a cosmetic update—it’s a chance to reclaim your skin and refresh your identity. At RefinedMD, we use the Fotona QX Max laser, one of the most powerful and versatile systems …
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.
