LONDON, September 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harley Medical Group reports that it has seen a steady increase in breast reduction procedures in the UK. With breast surgery still top of the ops in the cosmetic surgery field, wanting to appear slimmer is an increasingly common motivator for women having breast reductions. A smaller looking frame helps towards the perception of an individual looking slimmer.

Lisa Littlehales, Specialist Nurse Councillor at The Harley Medical Group said: We are seeing an increase in the current female generation opting for breast reductions. The average dress size for women these days is a 16 and many women have at least a size D bust. By decreasing chest size it helps women to look and feel thinner and also helps them in their quest to get fit and lose weight. Large breasts can cause back and neck troubles and also restricts women when trying to exercise - oversized and heavy breasts can be a huge inconvenience on women's lives.

Katherine Richards, breast reduction ( http://www.harleymedical.co.uk/cosmetic-surgery-for-women/breast-surgery...) case study at The Harley Medical Group commented: I suffered from terrible back and neck problems due to the sheer weight of my size H breasts. It was awful because a real passion of mine was running but I would have to wear two extra supportive sports bras and would often feel embarrassed when going to the gym. Since having surgery a weight has literally been lifted - I am now a manageable D-cup which makes running much more comfortable. I also have the confidence to wear a bikini on the beach which I could never ever do before.

Breast reduction surgery usually takes three hours to complete, depending on the size of the breasts. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic, and patients stay in hospital for one to two nights. Breast reduction patients are required to wear a supportive bra for up to three months following surgery to keep the breasts well supported whilst healing takes place and ensure the best possible results.

All patients considering cosmetic surgery should ensure that their surgeon has completed his/her training, received his/her qualification as a Plastic Surgeon and is registered on the GMC Specialist Register as a Plastic Surgeon. All consultations at The Harley Medical Group are carried out by a fully qualified Cosmetic Surgery Nurse Counsellor, followed shortly thereafter by a fully qualified and GMC registered Plastic Surgeon. All operations are carried out in Care Quality Commission Registered Independent Hospitals who specialise in Cosmetic Surgery.

Notes to editors:

About The Harley Medical Group:

The Harley Medical Group is the UK's largest cosmetic surgery (http://www.harleymedical.co.uk/) provider, performing more procedures and with more clinics than any other cosmetic surgery provider. It has been established since 1983 and is one of the most highly-regarded Cosmetic Surgery Groups operating in the UK. It has treated over 450,000 patients to date.

The Harley Medical Group works tirelessly to maintain the highest standards in the industry for the benefits of all cosmetic surgery and non surgical patients. We are currently at the forefront of the campaign to ensure that the Government continues to regulate the use of certain laser types used in cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments so that patients are protected from rogue practitioners. The Harley Medical Group also offers other procedures such as scar removal ( http://www.harleymedical.co.uk/non-surgical-solutions/stretch-marks--and...) and rhinoplasty ( http://www.harleymedical.co.uk/cosmetic-surgery-for-women/the-face/nose-...).

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For further media information, please contact: Caroline Lay Rain Communications UK 2 Greycoat Place London SW1P 1SB +44(0)20-7828-0118 http://www.harleymedical.co.uk/

SOURCE: The Harley Medical Group

CONTACT: For further media information, please contact: Caroline Lay, RainCommunications UK, 2 Greycoat Place, London, SW1P 1SB, +44(0)20-7828-0118