Breast augmentation in Bordeaux
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that aims to increase breast volume, improve their shape and give them a more harmonious curve.
Written by Dr Maxence Thomas, plastic surgeon
Content reviewed on 13 October 2026 · RPPS 10101703519
- Type of anesthesia
- General
- Duration of the procedure
- About 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes for implant placement, depending on the case.
- Hospitalization
- The procedure is performed as day surgery or with one night's stay, depending on the case.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that increases breast volume, improves breast shape and creates a more harmonious contour. Dr Maxence Thomas, plastic surgeon, performs it at the Clinique Esthétique Aquitaine in Bordeaux.
It is intended for women who feel their breasts are too small, either naturally or after a loss of volume following pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. It can also correct some asymmetries between the two breasts.
Implants or fat grafting?
This page covers breast augmentation with implants, the reference technique for a significant and predictable gain in volume. For a more moderate augmentation using your own fat, without implants, see natural breast augmentation with fat grafting.
When the breasts are sagging, implants can be combined with a breast lift in the same operation.
How does the procedure work?
The consultation
The consultation is used to analyse your anatomy (chest, skin quality, breast tissue volume, nipple position) and to listen to your expectations. Dr Thomas offers you a personalised plan: volume, implant shape, position and incision site. A 3D simulation can help you visualise the intended result.
The benefits and risks of the procedure are explained, and a detailed quote is provided. French law requires a cooling-off period of at least 15 days between the quote and the operation.
Choosing the implants
Breast implants are most often filled with cohesive silicone gel. They differ in shape (round or anatomical, teardrop), volume and projection. The choice depends on your anatomy and on how natural a result you are looking for.
Implant position
The implant can be placed in front of the pectoral muscle (subglandular) or behind the muscle (submuscular or “dual plane”). Placement behind the muscle often gives a more natural result in slim patients, but is a little more painful in the first few days.
Incision sites
The incision can be made around the areola, in the fold under the breast or in the armpit. It is chosen to be as discreet as possible and suited to your anatomy and the type of implant.
What is the recovery like?
Scars
Discreet, placed around the areola, in the fold under the breast or in the armpit depending on the chosen incision site.
Post-operative course
The operated area will be swollen and bruised, and pain may be felt when raising the arms. Dressings are applied and must be changed regularly. The patient must wear special bras day and night during the recovery period.
Recovery
A period of social downtime and a break from activities of 5 to 10 days are recommended. Recovery is very quick, but sports are not recommended for 1 to 2 months.
What results can you expect?
The result is visible straight after surgery: the breasts are fuller, better shaped and more in harmony with the figure. It takes about 2 to 3 months for the implants to settle and for the final result to be assessed.
→ Natural look and feel, depending on implant choice and position
→ Discreet scars, hidden in natural folds
→ Long-lasting result, with regular follow-up
Implant follow-up
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Regular follow-up with your surgeon is recommended, together with appropriate imaging. Implants may need to be replaced at some point, in the event of a complication or if you wish to change the result.
Price of breast augmentation in Bordeaux
Breast augmentation with implants performed by Dr Maxence Thomas costs between €3,200 and €5,250, depending on the care involved. A personalised quote is provided after the consultation.
How much does it cost?
€3,200 to €5,250
A detailed quote is given after the consultation. For a cosmetic procedure, French law requires a cooling-off period of at least 15 days between the quote and the surgery.
FAQ
Depending on the incision site, the scar lies around the areola, in the fold under the breast or in the armpit. It is chosen to be as discreet as possible and fades over time.
The Urgotouch laser can be used immediately after surgery to help scars fade.
Breast augmentation with implants is performed under general anaesthesia.
The stay is short: day surgery or one night, depending on the case.
Pain mainly depends on the implant position: it is more noticeable when the implant is placed behind the pectoral muscle. It is well controlled with painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
A break from activities of 5 to 10 days is advised. Sport is not recommended for 1 to 2 months; the exact timing is adapted to each patient during follow-up.
In the vast majority of cases, implants do not prevent breastfeeding. Mention any plans for pregnancy during the consultation: the incision site and implant position take it into account.
No. Screening remains possible with implants. Simply tell the radiologist about them so the examination can be adapted (mammography, ultrasound or MRI).
Implants are not permanent. They require regular follow-up, and replacement may be needed at some point, in the event of a complication or at the patient’s request.
Like any procedure, breast augmentation carries risks: haematoma, infection, healing problems, changes in nipple sensation. Some complications are specific to implants: capsular contracture, rupture, implant displacement. A rare lymphoma associated with breast implants (BIA-ALCL) is monitored by the French medicines agency (ANSM).
These risks are explained in detail during the consultation, and an information sheet from the French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is given to you.
Any other questions? Dr Thomas will answer them during the consultation.
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What patients say
4.7/5 · 121 Google reviews« I recommend Dr. Thomas without hesitation. This is the second time he's performed my lip injections, and I'm once again delighted with the results. The work is meticulous, elegant, and above all, natural—exactly what I was looking for. He perfectly respects the facial structure, and the result is harmonious, without being overdone. I also want to thank his assistant, Béatrice, who is incredibly kind. Always smiling and welcoming, she makes you feel truly listened to and well taken care of from beginning to end. An excellent experience; I will definitely return. »
Coraline Hayward5 months ago« One year after my breast augmentation surgery, I wanted to warmly thank Dr. Thomas for his professionalism and outstanding work. The result is very successful, natural, and completely met my expectations. During my stay at the cosmetic surgery clinic, the entire team was incredibly kind, caring, and reassuring. I experienced very little pain, which surprised and relieved me greatly. I also want to acknowledge the doctor's secretary, who called me the day after the procedure to check on me—a very thoughtful and genuine gesture. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Thomas and his entire team. »
Raphaëlle Mazeau10 months ago« A huge thank you to surgeon Maxence Thomas, who took care of me. He's the best in the department. Excellent service. Special mention to surgeon Maxence Thomas and his team. Thank you for your kindness and for putting me at ease, and for the follow-up care you provided afterward. Very satisfied with the result, even after just one week. Impressive! I can't thank you enough. Thank you for this operation. So happy! Very welcoming. I highly recommend them. Highly professional and charming. I am extremely grateful. »
Chrystel Fereola year agoReviews published on Google · See all reviews on Google