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 …
Take the first step toward feeling balanced, energized, and aligned with our GLP1 and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy special. New patients are invited to begin their journey with a complimentary in-person consultation, where a personalized plan can be developed to support metabolism, hormone balance, and overall wellness. For a limited time, enjoy 20% off regular pricing, making it easier to invest in long-term health and vitality. Whether you are looking to manage weight, improve energy levels, or support hormonal changes, this offer provides a thoughtful entry point into a more comprehensive wellness strategy designed around your individual needs.
This summer, take control of your body goals with our Cool For The Summer package designed to deliver real, visible transformation in the areas that matter most to you. Choose from targeted zones such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, back, or chin and commit to a customized treatment plan completed within 120 days for optimal results. This package is built around achieving meaningful change in a defined area, with a team that is committed to helping you reach your goals. As an added benefit, medically eligible patients will receive 12 weeks of microdosed tirzepatide at no additional cost with package purchase, supporting your progress from multiple angles and helping you feel confident all season long.
