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 …
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.
