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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This isn’t your standard holiday party. Join RefinedMD on December 4 for a festive evening filled with a little glamour, a little mischief, and plenty of holiday cheer. Stop by the office, grab a cocktail, explore offerings from local vendors, and strike a pose for a photo with our very special sexy Santa. Bring a friend, make it a date night, or simply stop in to celebrate with the RefinedMD team. Expect an evening designed for mingling, shopping, sipping, and kicking off the holiday season in style, all with a distinctly Refined twist. Additional details are coming soon, so save the date and start deciding what you’re going to wear for that Santa photo.
Choose the area you want to transform, and let’s focus on it. RefinedMD’s CoolSculpting special offers a set package price for a defined body area, including the lower abdomen, full abdomen, flanks, back, neck and chin, or inner or outer thighs. Complete your personalized package within 120 days as our team focuses on helping you achieve visible results in your selected area. It’s a straightforward approach to body contouring: one target area, one package price, and a treatment strategy centered on your goals. Plus, medically eligible patients who purchase a qualifying CoolSculpting package receive 12 weeks of microdosed tirezepatide at no additional cost. Schedule a consultation to determine eligibility and create your transformation plan.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by a RefinedMD Medical Editor on August 26th, 2026.
