A Resilient Revival: The Harley Medical Group’s New Chapter in Cosmetic Surgery
In the ever-evolving world of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments, the Harley Medical Group has long stood as a hallmark of professionalism, integrity, and patient care. Established in the 1980s, this distinguished UK provider faced considerable challenges but has impressively re-emerged under new ownership. In this article, we explore the brand’s legacy, its iconic locations in London and Leeds, the pivotal figure of Mel Braham, and its modern reinvention—complete with up-to-date operational details including website, phone lines, headquarters, founding history, and specialties.
A Legacy of Trust and Growth – Founded and Headquartered
Founded in 1983, the Harley Medical Group quickly established itself as one of Britain’s leading cosmetic surgery providers. With its headquarters situated in central London, the company built a reputation for delivering high-quality aesthetic procedures through a medically-led model. It combined ethical practice standards with a deeply patient-centred approach—positioning “professional, ethical, integrity, ambitious, caring” as its guiding principles. These core values helped shape its identity as a trusted brand in the cosmetic realm.
Iconic Locations: London and Leeds
The Harley Medical Group London – Harley Street and Beyond
London’s prestigious Harley Street has been synonymous with medical excellence for centuries, and the Harley Medical Group’s presence there became emblematic of its ambition and professional standing. At its flagship clinic in central London, the group offered a comprehensive suite of treatments including breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation, laser therapy, and non-surgical anti-ageing services. Alongside Harley Street, other Greater London sites like Chiswick and Wimbledon served a diverse clientele—providing convenient access to cosmetic expertise within a medically secure framework.
The Harley Medical Group Leeds – Serving the North
Meanwhile, in Leeds, the group established a key regional hub—for many, a more accessible alternative to London. The Leeds clinic became known for a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and a full range of aesthetic services mirroring those on Harley Street. The strategic location in West Yorkshire allowed the group to broaden its reach and bring its cosmetic principles to the North of England.
Mel Braham – Driving Vision and Controversy
One cannot discuss the history of the Harley Medical Group without acknowledging Mel Martin Braham, the original founder and long-time director. An entrepreneurial spirit, Braham’s leadership propelled the group’s growth through the 1980s, 1990s, and into the 2000s. His ambition shaped the company’s expansion and ingrained an identity of medical-led care anchored by brand values.
However, under his tenure, the group also became embroiled in controversy. In particular, the fallout from the defective PIP breast implants in the early 2010s tarnished its reputation. Reports revealed that while many clinics offered free replacements, the group resisted doing so—leading to a significant number of legal claims. Braham faced criticisms related to governance and offshore corporate structures. Despite these challenges, his role in elevating the group’s prominence remains a central part of its legacy.
The Collapse and a Bold Revival
Ceasing to Trade and Acquisition
In a dramatic turn of events, the original Harley Medical Group and its corporate parent ceased trading in mid-2024. The collapse created uncertainty among patients, staff, and stakeholders. At that point, the once-celebrated brand seemed poised for disappearance.
Enter Optical Express—acquiring the group’s assets and brand soon after the collapse. That acquisition laid the groundwork for revival, though the future remained speculative until late 2024.
Relaunch under Lorena Cosmetics
In December 2024, Lorena Cosmetics Holdings, part of Lorena Investments, formally acquired the Harley Medical Group along with Sk:n Clinic Group, another cosmetic network that had suffered a similar fate. Together, these brands were re-imaged under the company’s broader umbrella, alongside Optical Express and related aesthetic ventures.
By early 2025, the brand was legally reconstituted as Harley Medical Group Ltd, a fresh corporate entity based in Leicester. This rebirth was accompanied by rehiring of approximately 150 former clinicians and staff—ensuring continuity in care and experience.
Current Operations – Website, Phone, Headquarters, Specialties
Website and Contact Information
The revived Harley Medical Group maintains a functional and consumer-oriented presence online. The official website (harleymedical.co.uk) actively invites visitors to explore treatments, request appointments, and navigate clinic locations. A free consultation option remains prominent, emphasising their renewed commitment to patient engagement.
For prospective clients or returning patients, the group provides a general contact number—0330 838 4292—alongside accessible local numbers depending on the chosen clinic. This streamlined contact system reinforces a user-friendly interface rooted in service.
Headquarters and Corporate Structure
Though its heritage remains deeply linked to London, the brand’s new legal headquarters is in Leicester, where the company was incorporated in March 2025. This structural shift marks the distinction between the reincarnated Harley Medical Group and its predecessor— while still honouring the iconic Harley Street location as a flagship clinic.
Specialties and Services
The reborn group continues to offer an exhaustive range of surgical and non-surgical treatments:
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Breast Surgery: Augmentation, reduction, lifts
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Facial Rejuvenation: Facelifts, eyelid surgeries, rhinoplasty
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Body Contouring: Liposuction, stretch mark reduction
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Skin & Laser: Laser hair removal, acne and scar treatment
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Anti-Ageing: Fillers, wrinkle reduction, cosmetic injectables
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Male Treatments: All-encompassing aesthetic solutions tailored for men
Crucially, the group emphasises that all clinics are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) in Wales, and surgeons are properly registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Many new clinics are co-located within Optical Express premises, offering upgraded facilities and expanded access to treatments.
What’s New in 2025 – Expansion and Innovation
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Clinic Network Regrowth: By mid-2025, the Harley Medical Group is operating from over 30 locations across the UK, including its flagship Harley Street clinic and regional hubs such as Leeds, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, and others. Many of these sites are situated within Optical Express centres—offering strong synergies in healthcare and aesthetics.
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Regulatory Assurance: Each location aligns with current healthcare standards and is actively regulated by local healthcare bodies to ensure patient safety and quality.
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Service Enhancements: The group is introducing cutting-edge treatments such as polynucleotide injectables, dermatologist-led drug regimens, and premium skincare technologies that were previously unavailable under the old structure.
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Talented Team Re-staffing: By rehiring former clinicians and staff, the brand seeks to keep its hallmark expertise, while augmenting the team with fresh talent to deliver innovative treatments.
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Geographic Expansion: Plans are underway to open additional clinics in underserved regions, aiming to enhance cosmetic accessibility across the United Kingdom.
Why This Matters – A Unique UK Cosmetic Provider
The Harley Medical Group’s story is a compelling case of brand resilience. In its early years, it became synonymous with cosmetic excellence and ethical care. Its collapse in 2024 seemed to signal the end of an era—but the brand’s rebirth under new stewardship demonstrates the power of strategic recovery.
Patients can now return to a rejuvenated version of the group, with modernised clinics, improved treatment offerings, and an emphasis on safety and regulation. At the same time, the return of revered staff from the original group inspires confidence and continuity.
Final Thoughts – A Brand Reinvented, Yet Familiar
In conclusion, the Harley Medical Group remains firmly entrenched in the UK’s cosmetic industry—but as of 2025, it stands as a transformed entity. The brand’s heritage in London and Leeds lives on, Mel Braham’s legacy is remembered (both positive and contentious), and its foundational values continue to guide a new generation of aesthetic care.
With a renewed website and contact services, an updated headquarters in Leicester, a vast and expanding clinic network, a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical options, and a secure regulatory framework—this rejuvenated Harley Medical Group is poised to reclaim prominence in the UK’s cosmetic sector.
If you’re considering cosmetic treatment, the group’s restored reputation, enhanced offerings, and patient-first approach make it a compelling choice. Welcome to the new chapter of a familiar name.
