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Mr Iain Nixon

MBChB, FRCS (ORL-HNS), PhD

ENT Surgeon

27 years of experience

Edinburgh, EH22 1FE

16 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr. James Robertson, Mr Samuel Mackenzie and 3 other professionals

5

/5

(98 reviews)

27 years of experience

Edinburgh, EH22 1FE

16 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr. James Robertson, Mr Samuel Mackenzie and 3 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Hearing Loss / Impairment
18
Dizziness
9
Tinnitus
8
1

Contact

Book


Expert in:

About Mr Iain Nixon

Mr Iain Nixon is the Clinical Director for the ENT department in Edinburgh.  As such he covers all aspects of ENT in his practice including ear problems, nose problems and throat problems.  He specialises in Head & Neck Surgery, with additional expertise as a Clinical Reader focusing on head and neck and thyroid oncology. He currently sees private patients at Spire  Shawfair Park Hospital and Edinburgh ENT.

Mr Nixon obtained his medical degree from Glasgow University in 1999, followed by the attainment of his Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2010, and a PhD from the University of Amsterdam in 2013. His training includes fellowships at both Guys and St Thomas' hospitals in London and at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York. He maintains a keen interest in both the clinical and academic aspects of head and neck cancer and thyroid surgery. He was also awarded the NRS Career Fellowship in 2018

Special interests that set Mr Nixon apart from others in the country include an interest in minimally invasive salivary surgery with extra capsular parotidectomy and a conservative approach to the management of thyroid cancer.

Alongside his clinical practice, Mr Nixon is co-editor of the main reference ENT book in the UK and serves as a member of the NICE guidelines committee for thyroid cancer and holds the position of lead author for the UK Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Management of Thyroid Cancer. His extensive experience in head and neck and thyroid surgery has garnered international recognition, leading to invitations to speak across the UK, Europe, the USA, and Australasia.

As well as general ENT, Iain has a special interest in conservative thyroid surgery for cancer and minimally invasive salivary surgery as highlighted by the BBC.

Mr Nixon is an avid researcher, has over 200 peer-reviewed publications and has contributed to multiple book chapters.


Subspecialties

  • Adult Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery
  • Endocrine Surgery
  • Head & Neck Surgery
  • Otology
  • Paediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery
  • Rhinology

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
(112)
Skill Endorsements
(19)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Hearing Loss / Impairment
18
Dizziness
9
Tinnitus
8
1
Nasal Blockage
6
Sore Throat
5
Thyroid Problems
5
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
5
Voice Disorders (Voice Problems)
4
Nasal Polyps
4
Nasal Cautery (Cauterisation)
4
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
2
1
Tonsillitis
3
Thyroid Cancer
1
2
Thyroid Nodules
1
2
Deviated Septum
2
1
Neck Lumps
3
Cancer of the Head, Neck, Mouth, and Tongue
3
Thyroid Surgery
2
Ear Microsuction
2
Parotid Tumour
2
Meniere's Disease
1
1
Cysts
2
Thyroidectomy
2
Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
2
Branchial Cleft Cyst Surgery
2
Head & Neck Tumours
1
1
Abscess Incision and Drainage
2
Excision of Lesion of Lip
1
Tinnitus Assessment and Management
1
Rhinitis
1
Acoustic Neuroma
1
Head and Neck Surgery
1
Sinusitis
1
Ear Infections
1
Vertigo
1
Ear Wax Removal
1
Swallowing Disorder (Dysphagia)
1
Parathyroid Disease
1
Otitis Externa
1
Laryngitis
1
Epistaxis (Nose Bleeding)
1
Deafness
1
Tonsillectomy
1
Balance Problems & Disorders
1
Earache (Ear Pain)
1
Laryngology
1
Pulsatile Tinnitus
1
Branchial Cleft Cyst
1
Tongue Cancer
Soft Tissue
Stridor
Laryngeal Cancer
Nasal and Sinus Cancer
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Salivary Gland Cancer
Oral (Mouth) Cancer
Head & Neck Cancers
Facial Palsy
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
Skull-Base Surgery
Labyrinthitis
Skin Cancer Surgery
Lymph Node Removal (Lymphadenectomy)
Excision of Laryngeal Lesions
Excision of Lesions of the Mouth, Tongue, and Gum
Excision of Benign Lesions
Microtia
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Surgery
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Salivary Gland Surgery
Noisy Breathing
Skin Biopsy
Otitis Media (Glue Ear)
Tongue Tie Excision
Submandibular Gland Tumour Surgery
Lesion Biopsy
Otosclerosis
Sebaceous Cyst Removal
Adenoidectomy
Prominent or Protruding Ears
Airway Reconstruction
Smell Disorders
Snoring Problems
Grommet Insertion
Laryngoscopy
Meatoplasty
Tongue Tie
Lymph Node Biopsy
Tonsil and Adenoid Infections
Microscopic Laryngeal Surgery
Septoplasty
Vocal Cord Disorders
Sinus Surgery
Vestibular Neuritis
Thyroglossal Duct Surgery
Tracheostomy
Perforated Eardrum (Ruptured Eardrum)
Ear Wax
Video Consultation
Removal of Tumors of the Ear and Skull Base
Cholesteatoma
Functional Nasal Surgery
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Surgery of the Larynx for Cancer
Dermoid Cysts
Scar Revision Surgery
Broken Nose
Mucocele Removal
Biopsy Procedures
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Cyst Removal
Laryngeal Papilloma Laser Treatment
Skin Cancer
Facial Trauma
Microlaryngoscopy
Minor Skin Surgery
Tracheal Stenosis
Skull-Base Tumours
Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)
Lip Lesion
Scar Treatment
Benign (Non-Cancerous) Skin Conditions
Nerve Graft
EBV (Mononucleosis/Glandular Fever)
Hoarseness and Other Voice Disorders
Mouth Sore Treatment
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Complex Congenital Disorders

Registered with

General Medical Council

No. 4614412


Education

University of Glasgow

Medicine

Graduated 1999

University of Amsterdam

Thyroid Cancer

Graduated 2023


Qualifications

MBChB - University of Glasgow, UK in 1999

FRCS (ORL-HNS) - Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK in 2009

PhD - University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 2013


Languages spoken

  • English

Insurers

  • General and Medical
  • Benenden Health
  • Healix Health Services
  • Freedom Health Insurance
  • The Exeter
  • Saga Health Insurance
  • Cigna
  • Bupa
  • WPA
  • Allianz Worldwide Care
  • AXA Health
  • Aviva Health
  • Vitality
  • Bupa Fee Assured
  • Simply Health (Dental)
  • Aetna
  • The PHC
  • National Friendly
  • Bupa Global

Fees

  • New appointment

    £250
  • Follow-up appointment

    £175
*May vary on location

Locations

Spire Shawfair Park Hospital

10 Easter Shawfair, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH22 1FE

4.86(795 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
13:30 - 20:00
Friday
13:30 - 20:00
Saturday
Sunday

Opening hours

Monday
08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
13:30 - 20:00
Friday
13:30 - 20:00
Saturday
Sunday

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Hearing Loss / Impairment
18
Dizziness
9
Tinnitus
8
1

Contact

Book

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Mr Iain Nixon is professional and clear in his patient interactions, giving explanations that ease patient concerns. He shows expertise in specific procedures like thyroidectomy and parotid tumour treatment. He uses a collaborative approach for ear issues, often with cameras during examinations, and provides dedicated follow-up care. Patient feedback frequently highlights his work in adult ear, nose, and throat surgery.

5
verified patient
02 Jul 2026

Very professional and explained things so clearly. Would highly recommend.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
05 Jul 2026
avatar-image

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!

5
verified patient
20 Jun 2026

Timeous, professional and everything clearly explained.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
21 Jun 2026
avatar-image

Glad to hear the experience was positive. Thanks so much for leaving a review

5
verified patient
13 Jun 2026

Possibly the best experience of a medical professional I’ve ever had. Warm, connected, professional, clear, unhurried, effective. Not only answered my questions but listened and quickly got to a sound diagnosis and treatment

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
14 Jun 2026
avatar-image

So glad to hear your experience was positive and thanks so much for leaving a review!

5
verified patient
11 Jun 2026

It’s rare for me to say that I’ve enjoyed a medical appointment. My previous experiences have been so negative that I have avoided seeing a GP for many years, and I sincerely hope I won’t need to in the future. However, my appointment with Mr Nixon was an exceptionally positive experience. He listens, he educates, is incredibly funny and has a fabulous sense of humour. I have never laughed so much during a medical consultation - it was genuinely enjoyable, and his approach immediately put both me and my husband at ease. I specifically sought out Mr Nixon because of his expertise and extensive knowledge of the thyroid and I’m so glad I did. Thank you, Mr Nixon, for your time, your humour, and for sharing some of your vast knowledge with us. You had actually successfully convinced me that I didn’t need a scan, before you changed your mind! I had my ultrasound scan today and received the all-clear, which was fantastic news (and confirms what you already knew!)!

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
12 Jun 2026
avatar-image

Glad to hear the experience was positive. I will start booking my festival show immediately! Thanks so much for leaving a review!

5
verified patient
07 Jun 2026

Very friendly helpful consultant and explained everything well giving me a clear understanding of next steps

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
08 Jun 2026
avatar-image

Glad to hear the experience was a positive one and thanks for taking hte time to leave a review

5
verified patient
05 Jun 2026

Kind, friendly and professional. Listened to me properly, took time to explain what he was going to do and what he was expecting. Made referrals to other specialist just as professional and reassuring as he was. Went a long way to ease the nerves I had when experiencing a new illness. Kept following up with me about my symptoms and appointments after the consultation, which showed great care.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
07 Jun 2026
avatar-image

So glad to hear your experience was positive and thanks so much for leaving a review!

5
verified patient
01 Jun 2026

My first appointment with Mr Nixon went really well. He seemed very keen to help me figure out the issues I'm having with my ear. He was very professional, insightful and had a good sense of humour, too! He seemed like he really cared and I genuinely felt listened to (pun intended). I feel hopeful he will help solve the ENT problem I'm having.

Reply from Iain Nixon
02 Jun 2026
avatar-image

Thanks so much for leaving a review. Glad that the experience was positive!

5
verified patient
01 Jun 2026

Mr Nixon was very pleasant and explained everything well and helped put my mind at ease. Listened to what I had to say and was very informative.

Reply from Iain Nixon
02 Jun 2026
avatar-image

glad you had a positive experience and thanks so much for leaving a review!

5
verified patient
30 May 2026

Dr Nixon listened to my concerns and provided follow up exercises.

Reply from Iain Nixon
01 Jun 2026
avatar-image

Glad to hear this was a positive experience and thanks so much for leaving a review!

5
verified patient
30 May 2026

Clear explanations and pleasant disposition.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
01 Jun 2026
avatar-image

I am glad this went well and thanks for taking the time to leacve a review!

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Skill Endorsements

Mr Nixon has a great reputation as an ENT Surgeon. He is always very accommodating, willing to give help and advice to colleagues when required.

10 Jun 2026
Endorsed for
Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Branchial Cleft Cyst Surgery

Dr. James Robertson

Dr. James Robertson

General Practitioner
Is a colleague

Mr Nixon is a renowned ENT surgeon who is a respected opinion nationally. I would seek his opinion for patients with complex ENT issues and would recommend his care to friends and family.

18 May 2026
Endorsed for
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid Nodules
Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Mr Samuel Mackenzie

Mr Samuel Mackenzie

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Is a colleague

Iain is a very highly experienced and respected ENT surgeon, offering excellence in his clinical approach and very clear, very compassionate expertise to his patients. I would thoroughly recommend him.

01 Jan 2026
Endorsed for
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid Cancer
Head and Neck Surgery

Mr John Terrace

Mr John Terrace

General Surgeon
Is a colleague

27 Apr 2025
Endorsed for
Branchial Cleft Cyst Surgery
Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

MM

Mr Jaiganesh Manickavasagam

ENT Surgeon
Is a colleague
Mr Iain Nixon logo

Get to know Mr Iain Nixon

Videos
Articles

Most recent videos

Explore videos from Mr Iain Nixon explaining process of procedures and other important things you should know before choosing your provider.

Introduction to Mr Iain Nixon - ENT Surgeon

Introduction to Mr Iain Nixon - ENT Surgeon

This video tells you a little about me and my practice.

24 March 2025

Successful trial could be 'transformative' in detecting cancer

Successful trial could be 'transformative' in detecting cancer

A medical research study involving cancer patients could be "transformative" in future treatments, experts say. The University of Edinburgh is using a pionee...

26 April 2024

youtube.com

Operating on Advanced Thyroid Cancer

Operating on Advanced Thyroid Cancer

This is a talk I was invited to give at the British Association of Thyroid Surgeons in Manchester in 2025. This outlines an approach to managing patients with big thyroid cancers which are quite rare.

26 September 2025

drive.google.com

Extent of Thyroid Surgery in Low Risk Thyroid Cancers with Dr. Iain Nixon

Extent of Thyroid Surgery in Low Risk Thyroid Cancers with Dr. Iain Nixon

Dr. Iain Nixon joins us to present a lecture entitled, "Extent of Thyroid Surgery in Low Risk Thyroid Cancers."0:00 Introduction3:32 Lecture Begins25:27 The ...

26 April 2024

youtube.com

FAQ

What are Mr Iain Nixon's reviews like?

Mr Iain Nixon's overall patient rating is 5 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 98 reviews.

What languages does Mr Iain Nixon speak?

Mr Iain Nixon speaks English

Where is Mr Iain Nixon located?

Mr Iain Nixon primarily practices at Spire Shawfair Park Hospital, located at 10 Easter Shawfair, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH22 1FE
See more locations

What are Mr Iain Nixon working hours?

Mr Iain Nixon is working Monday (08:00 - 20:00), Thursday (13:30 - 20:00), Friday (13:30 - 20:00)

Find where Mr Iain Nixon operates today

Does Mr Iain Nixon accept new patients?

Mr Iain Nixon generally accepts new patients.

Get in touch with this specialist to enquire as a new patient