In an industry crowded with fast trends and fleeting fads, few technologies have stood the test of time like Thermage.
For Christiana O’Regan, CEO and Registered Nurse at Saphira Clinics, Thermage isn’t just a device – it’s a pillar of practice. Having worked with all four generations of the radiofrequency-based skin tightening system over the past two decades, Christiana has seen firsthand how consistent, evidence-backed results build trust and long-term patient relationships.
As the original pioneer of non-invasive radiofrequency skin tightening, Thermage laid the groundwork for an entire category of aesthetic innovation. From its groundbreaking debut to today’s precision-engineered FLX model, Thermage remains the go-to treatment at Saphira Clinic for skin firming, collagen remodelling and what Christiana calls ‘the restoration of self’. With a 98 percent rebooking rate and a loyal patient following, Christiana says the science still speaks for itself – and so do the results.
In this interview, she shares her journey with Thermage, the reasons behind her enduring confidence in the technology, and how she strategically integrates it into personalised treatment plans that keep patients coming back.
Q&A with Christiana O’Regan, RN
CEO of Saphira Clinic (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay)
Can you share your Thermage journey, and why it’s still your go-to skin tightening treatment today?
I’ve worked with Thermage devices since the first-generation release about 20 years ago. I’ve used all the Thermage models and currently use the FLX (the 4th generation) in my practice. When the original Thermage technology was released, the idea of a non-invasive treatment that stimulated your own collagen and elasticity – without visible downtime – was new, and at times a challenging concept for clients to grasp.
But the improvements clients experienced quickly made it popular and a go-to for those who valued natural-looking restoration. Thermage offered an alternative to the ablative lasers and dermal fillers that were available at the time. Today, clients understand the science of collagen remodelling, skin tightening, firming and what I call the ‘restoration of self’.
Thermage has become a cornerstone of my practice – not just for clients, but for myself, my daughters and my daughters-in-law, who have all adopted yearly Thermage treatments. They’re now practitioners themselves, performing Thermage procedures.
In our practice, we always start by suggesting Thermage before introducing any other modality. It offers the most significant restoration that I have experienced in our industry. It’s reliable and predictable; 98 percent of our clients rebook the procedure yearly or half-yearly.
In an industry full of fast-moving trends, what do you think sets Thermage apart?
I’ve always valued the depth of peer-reviewed clinical studies, the licencing, patents and the level of governance which has always been apparent with Solta Medical throughout the redevelopment and launch of each new Thermage device.
I have come to understand that it is important to clients to be informed of the details of a device’s governance and evidence-based research. Being able to discuss these details about Solta Medical’s technologies offers clients assurances of safety and treatment performance efficacy.
What does the typical Thermage journey look like at Saphira Clinic?
We have an ethnically diverse client base, so personalisation is essential. We consider individual anatomy, ageing patterns and ethnicity when designing treatment plans. These factors influence how we help restore the youthful features that are unique to the individual.
Global volume and the restoration of elasticity have always been the focus of a full-face Thermage treatment. The introduction of Thermage Zone treatments for targeted ‘sculpt up’ has been really exciting for clients. It gives them an opportunity to be proactive and focus on specific areas they see as a priority, what they perceive as their ‘problem area’.
How do you integrate Thermage into broader treatment plans at Saphira, and what are the most common modalities you pair it with?
We use what I call the three pillars of what makes us look youthful at any age. These are the foundation for every client’s treatment plan and maintenance. The three pillars of anti-ageing at our clinic (which our clients refer to as ‘The Magic’) are:
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Good quality skin elasticity for firm skin and deep volume in the right areas – we use Thermage for this.
- Uniform skin colour. Regardless of skin colour, smooth, even skin is youthful. We use light-based and laser devices for this.
- Luminosity – healthy, radiant skin reflects light off its surface. For this, we use a selection of SkinBoosters, customised to the client’s skin concerns, to increase the levels of hydration in the skin’s outer layers.
Wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are only used when needed as a specific and individual treatment.
What is Saphira Clinic’s retention rate for Thermage patients?
We are happy to share that our Thermage retention rate is 98 percent! Clients travel to us from countries such as France, South Africa, China, Singapore, Vietnam and the UK. We even have some Hollywood celebrities return yearly for ‘The Magic’ at Saphira Clinics.
I have some clients (including cosmetic industry practitioners) who have been having their Thermage with me for over 20 years. The early adopters are now in their 50s and 60s and there is no doubt that it was a great choice as a focus treatment because they look amazing.
What kind of feedback do you receive from long-term clients?
Long-term clients are devoted. Many no longer see the need for pre- and post-treatment photos – they know what to expect and see the results for themselves.
What role has Thermage played in building patient loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals?
Thermage has a kind of cult following. Friends notice something has changed – and most of my clients are kind enough to share their secret! I owe much of my Thermage business success to clients who’ve generously shared their experiences in-person and across social media platforms and reviews.
What would you say to clinics considering Thermage – both from a clinical and business perspective?
If you have a dedicated Thermage practitioner who takes ownership of the procedure and follows protocol carefully, it’s an outstanding business asset. It’s highly rewarding for both the practitioner and the client. Most importantly, Solta Medical continues to invest in the R&D behind Thermage, giving business owners confidence in the technology’s safety, efficacy and long-term value.
THFLX.0054.AU.25.
For more information, call Solta Medical on (02) 8311 0305 or visit soltamedical.com.au
