FOR many women and an increasing number of men cosmetic surgery offers the chance to do something about areas of their bodies with which they are unhappy.

Mel Braham, chairman of The Harley Medical Group, which this month opens its doors in Marlow's Court Garden House, says: "We've seen extraordinary changes in perceptions of cosmetic surgery by the media and of course the public, which has meant that the demand for surgery has increased enormously."

The most popular cosmetic surgery operation for women at Harley Medical Group clinics last year was Breast Augmentation.

"This is typically for the treatment of smaller breasts or breasts that have decreased in size following the birth of a child, which can be a source of embarrassment to a woman.

"However, by inserting an implant behind the natural breast tissue, surgeons can increase the size of the breast and along with it, can revive a sense of femininity for the patient."

Liposuction was the most popular operation last year for men and the second most popular operation for women, and is particularly popular for shifting stubborn pockets of fat that just won't budge, however many hours spent in the gym or at yoga class.

Commonly thought of as a treatment just for upper thighs or stomach, it is also popular for removing fat from other problem areas with superb results, such as chin and neck, upper arms, buttocks, knees, calves and ankles.

The new Marlow centre is the latest in the group, which already has clinics in Wimbledon, the City, Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Dublin and of course Harley Street.

So why Marlow?

The chairman explains: "Over our 22 years at the forefront of cosmetic surgery in the UK, patient demand for our services has grown exponentially year to year, requiring us to open new clinics around the country so that patients can be assured of Harley Street levels of care but on their doorsteps.

"We have always had a strong patient following in Marlow and the surrounding areas of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, with patients visiting us at our other clinics, so have been looking to open in Marlow to provide them with easier access close to home for cosmetic treatments such as Botox, Restylane and Laser Hair Removal.

"It will also provide discreet and comfortable surroundings for consultations for all of the main cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, face lifts and other options."

Part of the group's growth can be put down to a national mystery shopping survey carried out by The Consumers Association's Which? magazine, which reviewed 16 "leading clinics" but found that only five met with their whole-hearted approval including two from The Harley Medical Group.

The media took hold of the story and The Harley Medical Group was held up as an example of excellent practice by the media, with features on the BBC, GMTV, ITV as well as exposure all over the world. General enquiries for cosmetic surgery at The Harley Medical Group increased by more than 100 per cent last year.

All The Harley Medical Group's staff are trained treatment and nurse counsellors.

To order a brochure or book in for a free consultation, call 0800 085 9085 or log on to the website: www.theharleymedicalgroup.co.uk