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
RefinedMD serves patients throughout the South Bay seeking effective medical weight management. People from Campbell, Saratoga, Cupertino, San Jose, and nearby communities trust our team for advanced options like semaglutide and tirzepatide, along with expert guidance to help them look and feel their best.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, while tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Both medications work by mimicking the effects of naturally occurring hormones in the body that regulate hunger and promote satiety. By increasing feelings of fullness, these medications help patients reduce calorie intake and manage their weight more effectively. In clinical studies, patients have experienced an average loss of about 15% of their body weight when combining medication with healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
Beyond enhancing confidence and self-esteem, GLP-1 medications offer several key health benefits, including:
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are suitable for men and women aged 40-50 years old who are looking to lose a substantial amount of weight. Patients can expect to lose around 15% of their bodyweight when coupling treatment with healthy habits and sticking to their weekly injections.
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 SwengelOur GLP-1 weight loss program is designed to help you lose weight quickly and safely. The process begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our providers, where we’ll review your medical history and discuss your weight loss goals. You will then receive a customized weight loss treatment plan and information on how to get started.
After receiving your first injection at our office, you will be sent home with the supplies you need to self-inject from the comfort of your home.
Though each patient is unique, most will notice weight loss within the first month of treatment. Significant results will be apparent in 4 to 6 months.
These medications are generally well-tolerated, but the most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes mild indigestion. These symptoms are often temporary and tend to subside as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Hair thinning is a side effect some people experience while taking semaglutide or tirzepatide. Clinical trials have reported hair loss in a small percentage of patients, with rates varying by medication and sex. Hair shedding may be associated with significant weight loss, although research into the relationship between these medications and hair loss is ongoing.
Fatigue is a reported side effect for many individuals taking GLP-1 medications. Fluctuating blood sugar levels, dietary changes, and dehydration (especially during the early adjustment period) contribute to tiredness. It’s important to focus on following a nutritious diet and to prioritize sleep.
If any side effects persist or cause discomfort, we encourage you to contact RefinedMD or your primary care physician for assistance.
Not necessarily. Their use should be carefully evaluated and recommended by a health care professional based on an individual’s overall health and weight loss goals.
Switching to tirzepatide may be a good solution for some patients who have plateaued during semaglutide treatment, but the treatments are not combined. Your health care provider will monitor your progress and adjust treatment accordingly to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Most patients notice reduced cravings and increased feelings of fullness within the first few weeks of treatment. Appetite suppression often becomes more consistent as the medication is gradually increased to the full therapeutic dose.
Treatment length varies depending on your health, weight loss goals, and how your body responds. Many patients stay on semaglutide long term under medical supervision, since stopping the medication may allow hunger and weight to return.
Yes. Semaglutide should be stored in the refrigerator until use to maintain its effectiveness. Once opened, some formulations may remain stable at room temperature for a limited time—your provider will review storage instructions specific to your prescription.
Microdosing refers to using GLP-1 medications at a fraction of the FDA-approved doses. The safety and effectiveness of nonstandard microdosing protocols have not been well established in clinical studies.
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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.
