NHS Lothian is the main dermatology provider for the Edinburgh and Southeast Scotland area, and wait times for specialist referrals can stretch beyond 12 months. Edinburgh hair loss patients who use that waiting period to build a clinical record with myhairline.ai arrive at their appointment with documented progression data that makes the consultation far more productive.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified dermatologist or GP for diagnosis and treatment.
The NHS Lothian Dermatology Pathway
Hair loss referrals in Edinburgh follow the standard NHS Scotland pathway. Your GP assesses your condition and decides whether a dermatology referral is warranted. If referred, you join the NHS Lothian waiting list for the dermatology department at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh or associated clinics.
Wait times exceeding 12 months are not uncommon. Rather than waiting passively, Edinburgh patients can use myhairline.ai to document their hair density month by month. When your NHS appointment finally arrives, you present your dermatologist with a complete timeline of changes, not just a snapshot from that single day.
This longitudinal record helps your NHS dermatologist assess the rate and pattern of your hair loss far more accurately than a first-visit examination alone.
Preparing for Your Edinburgh Appointment
Whether your appointment is through NHS Lothian or a private Edinburgh clinic, arriving prepared makes a significant difference:
| Documentation Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| myhairline.ai density report | Norwood stage, density data, progression tracking |
| Hair loss timeline | Onset date and pattern of progression |
| Family history | Pattern baldness on both sides |
| Medication list | Current prescriptions and supplements |
| Previous treatments | What has been tried and the outcomes |
| GP referral letter | NHS patients only |
Edinburgh dermatologists, both NHS and private, work within time-constrained appointment windows. Comprehensive documentation ensures your specialist spends the available time on diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Treatment Options in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers both NHS and private pathways for hair loss treatment.
Medical treatments: Finasteride (1mg daily) is available on NHS prescription and halts further loss in 80 to 90% of patients, with 65% experiencing regrowth. Side effects affect only 2 to 4% of users and are reversible. Minoxidil is available over the counter and provides 40 to 60% regrowth.
Surgical options: Hair transplants are available through private Edinburgh clinics. UK cost per graft ranges from $3 to $5 (approximately GBP 2.40 to GBP 4). FUE recovery takes 7 to 10 days with 90 to 95% graft survival rates.
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | Estimated UK Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NW2 | 800 to 1,500 | GBP 2,400 to GBP 7,500 |
| NW3 | 1,500 to 2,200 | GBP 4,500 to GBP 11,000 |
| NW4 | 2,500 to 3,500 | GBP 7,500 to GBP 17,500 |
| NW5 | 3,000 to 4,500 | GBP 9,000 to GBP 22,500 |
PRP therapy is available at private Edinburgh clinics, costing $500 to $2,000 per session with 30 to 40% density increases documented in clinical studies.
Private vs NHS in Edinburgh
The NHS covers diagnosis and medical prescriptions for hair loss but does not fund cosmetic procedures like hair transplants. Private clinics fill this gap, with Edinburgh consultations typically costing GBP 150 to GBP 300.
Many Edinburgh patients use a combined approach: NHS GP referral for diagnosis and prescription medications, paired with private consultation for surgical options. AI tracking data from myhairline.ai supports both pathways equally.
Start Tracking Before Your Appointment
Run a free analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to establish your Norwood stage today. Whether your NHS Lothian appointment is months away or you are booking a private consultation next week, starting now gives your specialist the best possible data.
For UK-specific treatment tracking guidance, see our UK hair loss treatment tracking guide. For general appointment preparation, read how to document hair loss for your dermatologist.