Q&A with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Colson

Dr. Thomas Colson is a plastic surgeon at the Clinique Sainte Victoire in Aix en Provence. It is the only clinic dedicated to cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine in the city of Paul Cezanne. A dedicated place to beauty in a refined and discreet setting. Here, the atmosphere is carefully designed to create an atmosphere of calm, harmony and trust. Medical rigor meets French elegance.

How would you describe your work?

I am specialized in facial anatomy and surgery, scalp surgery, and hand surgery. I always love to say that my goal is to offer reliable and satisfying solutions to my clients. Surgery is the way I aim to help bring a real improvement in my client’s life.

When was the clinic founded? Why in Aix en Provence?

 We took the clinic over in 2018 after its founder retired, and we’ve expanded it significantly. We have now one clinic dedicated for the surgery procedures and the brand new one opened last September for aesthetics.  Dr. Antoine Alliez, Dr. Claire Baptista, and I have always wanted to work in a facility dedicated to beauty, where we would be in control of our choices, investments, and equipment. Performing cosmetic surgery in a general practice clinic didn’t seem like the right fit for us. A fourth partner Dr. Nicolas Correia joined us two years ago to expand the surgical team. We have two nurses for aesthetic medical procedures, two nurses for hair care, three nurses in the operating room, one nursing assistant, three secretaries, and one office manager.

We chose Aix because the opportunity to take over this facility arose at a convenient time for us, and we were all trained in Marseille. Furthermore, it is a city that is well-known in the region and attracts people from the Paris area as well as international visitors. The clinic is easily accessible for both Aix residents and those arriving from the highway or the train station/airport. It is the only facility of its kind in the city and the greater Aix area capable of offering the full range of aesthetic treatments and surgeries.

How many surgical procedures are performed per month at the clinic? 

We perform between 60 and 80 procedures per month. The top 3 are liposuction, breast augmentation, and eyelid surgery. 

Are they performed at the clinic? 

Yes, everything is done at the clinic, which is equipped with 2 operating rooms and 6 patient rooms and state-of-the-art equipment. 

What is the ratio of aesthetic procedures versus surgical procedures? 

Every day, a surgeon sees approximately 10–15 patients for treatments such as injections, and about 30 patients per day for treatments such as laser hair removal, HydraFacial, cryolipolysis, chemical peels, mesotherapy, and post-operative drainage care, which are provided by our specialized nurses. 

How do you see the future of aesthetic medicine?

There is a growing trend, with greater acceptance among the public, while still maintaining very reasonable expectations and avoiding excess. Excesses in cosmetic surgery and medicine are not accepted by us or by our surgeons. 

What are the major trends right now?

In surgery, we see advancements in liposuction with Vaser, the treatment of lipedema, which is starting to gain attention in France, regenerative medicine (PRP, lipofilling), and thread lifts which have evolved significantly in recent years. Breast procedures remain very popular. In aesthetic medicine, injections are being administered earlier, at a younger age, but more discreetly and in smaller doses, for long-term maintenance and gradual improvement