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Mr Iain Nixon

MBChB, FRCS (ORL-HNS), PhD

ENT Surgeon

27 years of experience

Edinburgh, EH22 1FE

28 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Eamon Shamil, Dr. James Robertson and 4 other professionals

4.99

/5

(132 reviews)

27 years of experience

Edinburgh, EH22 1FE

28 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Eamon Shamil, Dr. James Robertson and 4 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Hearing Loss / Impairment
26
Tinnitus
13
1
Dizziness
10

Contact

Book


Expert in:

About Mr Iain Nixon

I am an ENT surgeon who trained in Scotland, London and New York.  I now live and work in Edinburgh and patients with all ENT and head and neck conditions.  

When you are experiencing a worrying symptom like a neck lump, a throat issue, or a change in your voice, what you need above all else is rapid clarity and absolute reassurance. As the Clinical Lead for ENT Surgery in Edinburgh, my practice is built entirely around providing a warm, educational, and deeply reassuring environment. I believe that a patient who truly understands their condition is a patient who feels empowered. In my clinic, you will never be rushed, and you will leave with a clear, step-by-step roadmap for your recovery.

To ensure you get answers quickly, my practice at Spire provides seamless, rapid access to a full suite of cutting-edge diagnostics, including on-site ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and comprehensive audiograms.

**A Pioneering, Minimally Invasive Surgical Ethos**

My clinical philosophy is rooted in preserving your natural anatomy wherever possible through advanced, minimally invasive techniques. I am recognized as a national leader in two highly specialized areas:

 * **Advanced Parotid Surgery:** I am currently the only fellowship-trained ENT surgeon in the region offering *extracapsular dissection* for parotid gland tumors—a highly precise, minimally invasive technique featured by the BBC for its ability to protect facial nerves and accelerate recovery.

 * **Conservative Thyroid Cancer Management:** I am at the forefront of a modern, conservative approach to thyroid cancer, prioritizing close, meticulous surveillance and targeted treatments over unnecessary, aggressive major surgeries.

**Academic Authority & Trusted Care**

My commitment to the future of ENT medicine is reflected in my role as a co-author of the *Scott-Brown's Otolaryngology (9th Edition)*—widely regarded as the UK’s most authoritative and definitive textbook on ear, nose, and throat surgery.

While my academic and leadership credentials reflect the highest standards of surgical excellence, my proudest achievements are found in my patient feedback. I encourage you to read my Doctify reviews, where patients consistently highlight the speed of their diagnosis, the warmth of our consultations, and the profound peace of mind they felt after placing their care in our hands. 


Subspecialties

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

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
(170)
Skill Endorsements
(23)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Hearing Loss / Impairment
26
Tinnitus
13
1
Dizziness
10
Sore Throat
9
Nasal Blockage
9
Thyroid Problems
8
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
7
Neck Lumps
6
Ear Infections
5
Voice Disorders (Voice Problems)
5
Nasal Cautery (Cauterisation)
5
Sinusitis
4
Tonsillitis
4
Nasal Polyps
4
Cancer of the Head, Neck, Mouth, and Tongue
4
Deviated Septum
3
1
Thyroid Surgery
3
Ear Microsuction
3
Parotid Tumour
3
Thyroidectomy
3
Epistaxis (Nose Bleeding)
3
Balance Problems & Disorders
3
Thyroid Cancer
2
2
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
2
1
Cysts
2
Vertigo
2
Otitis Externa
2
Deafness
2
Abscess Incision and Drainage
2
Earache (Ear Pain)
2
Thyroid Nodules
1
3
Meniere's Disease
1
1
Swallowing Disorder (Dysphagia)
1
1
Head & Neck Tumours
1
1
Tinnitus Assessment and Management
1
Rhinitis
1
Vestibular Neuritis
1
Sinus Surgery
1
Ear Wax Removal
1
Ear Plugs
1
Tonsillectomy
1
Laryngology
1
Pulsatile Tinnitus
1
Branchial Cleft Cyst
1
Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
2
Branchial Cleft Cyst Surgery
2
Excision of Lesion of Lip
1
Throat Cancer
1
Acoustic Neuroma
1
Head and Neck Surgery
1
Parathyroid Disease
1
Laryngitis
1
Head & Neck Cancers
1
Goitre
1
Tongue Cancer
Soft Tissue
Stridor
Laryngeal Cancer
Nasal and Sinus Cancer
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Salivary Gland Cancer
Oral (Mouth) Cancer
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
Microtia
Excision of Benign Lesions
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
Otosclerosis
Lesion Biopsy
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
Thyroglossal Duct Surgery
Tracheostomy
Perforated Eardrum (Ruptured Eardrum)
Video Consultation
Ear Wax
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
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Biopsy Procedures
Cyst Removal
Laryngeal Papilloma Laser Treatment
Skin Cancer
Microlaryngoscopy
Facial Trauma
Minor Skin Surgery
Tracheal Stenosis
Skull-Base Tumours
Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)
Scar Treatment
Lip Lesion
Nerve Graft
Benign (Non-Cancerous) Skin Conditions
Mouth Sore Treatment
EBV (Mononucleosis/Glandular Fever)
Hoarseness and Other Voice Disorders
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


Publications

+7

Read publications and papers written by this specialist.

14 / 07 / 2026

Salvage Neck Dissection in Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Primary Radiotherapy (RESCUE): An IReC Multicentre Consecutive Cohort Study

Published in Head and Neck

16 / 06 / 2026

Neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for locally advanced, well-differentiated thyroid cancer

Published in Surgeon

01 / 07 / 2026

Not all guidelines are created equal: Rigour, evidence, and the case for transparent adaptation in papillary thyroid cancer guidance

Published in European Journal of Surgical Oncology

01 / 06 / 2026

Subcentimeter thyroid nodules: Diagnostic challenges, risk stratification and management in contemporary surgical oncology practice

Published in European Journal of Surgical Oncology


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(911 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
26
Tinnitus
13
1
Dizziness
10

Contact

Book

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Mr Iain Nixon is clear with patients. He listens and explains each health plan. Patients feel at ease in his care. Main areas are hearing loss and adult ear, nose and throat surgery.

5
verified patient
31 Oct 2026

I went in anxious, unsure and quite deflated. I left clear headed, freshly hopeful, validated and calmer. Such a wonderful doctor. Clearly deeply engaged in his field and a clear thinker and charismatic communicator. Has been a profound marker in my health trajectory already. Lost beforehand after years of disinterested physicians and no progress or plan to even alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions let alone resolve them Not anymore. Couldn’t recommmend highly enough

Reply from Iain Nixon
01 Nov 2026
avatar-image

Thanks so much, glad this was a useful experience form you and thanks for leaving a review!

5
verified patient
31 Oct 2026

Very clear expert assessment. Sensible advice gladly taken.

Reply from Iain Nixon
01 Nov 2026
avatar-image

👍

5
verified patient
31 Oct 2026

He got me in, put me at ease and made sure I understood exactly what the steps were to finding a diagnosis and resolving the problem. He got me booked in for scans quickly as well. Finally feeling optimistic about my future. Thanks Dr Nixon!

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

Glad this was a positive experience and I am sure all will be well. Thanks for leaving a review.

5
verified patient
16 Oct 2026

I attended Mr Nixon for a second opinion after a vestibular issue that has affected my balance and life for 12 weeks now. He was patient , kind, interested and clear in his thoughts and explanations. He gave me great re assurance. A great doctor and a thoroughly nice man. A breath of fresh air. Would highly recommend .

Reply from Iain Nixon
17 Oct 2026
avatar-image

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

5
verified patient
15 Oct 2026

Very friendly which put me at ease. Explained everything in full to help put my mind at rest.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
15 Oct 2026
avatar-image

Glad to hear this was a positive experience and I am sure we can get that scan quick! Thanks for leaving a review!

5
verified patient
04 Oct 2026

Extremely happy with my visit to Mr Nixon. Clarified many things for me and was an excellent listener. I would thoroughly recommend him.

Reply from Iain Nixon
05 Oct 2026
avatar-image

I hope I can continue to lend some support here! Thanks for taking time to leave a review!

5
verified patient
04 Oct 2026

Went to wrong clinic but not a problem, arrived 29 mins late at correct clinic then sort wait and received great advice and help.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
04 Oct 2026
avatar-image

Sorry about the initial mix up but we got there in the end. Thanks for taking time to leave a review!

5
verified patient
01 Oct 2026

Dr Nixon was wonderful and put my mind at rest confirming I was healthy. He took the time to explain everything I was feeling and for the first time in weeks I feel so much better and relieved. First class doctor.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
04 Oct 2026
avatar-image

I am glad this was reassuring and thanks so much for leaving a review!

5
verified patient
27 Sep 2026

I felt listened to and was given the reassurance I was looking for. Everything was explained in detail but in a clear way that was easy to understand.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Iain Nixon
28 Sep 2026
avatar-image

I am glad this was a positive experience. Thanks for taking time to leave a review

5
verified patient
27 Sep 2026

Iain spent some time explaining to me the different types of hearing loss, and this was very interesting and useful for me. He put my mind at rest about the particular hearing issue that I brought to him.

Reply from Iain Nixon
28 Sep 2026
avatar-image

So glad this was a positive experience and thanks for leaving a review!

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews.
Learn more here

Skill Endorsements

25 Aug 2026
Endorsed for
Thyroid Nodules
Throat Cancer
Goitre

Mr Eamon Shamil

Mr Eamon Shamil

ENT Surgeon
Is a colleague

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 Nodules
Thyroid Cancer
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
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

Iain Nixon's new book - Scott Brown 9thEd Patients

Iain Nixon's new book - Scott Brown 9thEd Patients

My new book has arrived. Together with Adam Donne from Liverpool, ...

01 November 2026

youtube.com

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 4.99 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 132 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