Interventional hair reduction
National Referral Protocol
Procedures not routinely provided by NHSScotland
- Hair reduction other than as below is not routinely offered by NHS Scotland.
Clinical psychology
- Referral to a specialist Clinical Psychologist may be made at the discretion of the clinical team.
BMI
- There are no specific BMI restrictions.
- If BMI is significantly raised, consider carefully whether patient is appropriate for surgery.
Considerations for treatment
- Treatment will be based on severity which will be determined by a regional vetting panel.
- Severe abnormal facial male pattern hair growth in a female
- A formal reassessment of severity will be carried out after 6 treatments, and treatment will only be continued following reassessment.
- Formal medical photography will be required.
Indications for referral
- Dark, thick, terminal coarse hair.
- Treatment for hair growth secondary to flap surgery.
- Recurrent pilonidal disease.
Contraindications for referral
- White, grey, blonde, or red hair will not respond to laser treatment.
- Fine hair will not be treated.
- Hairline, eyebrows, and upper lip will not be treated.
- Infected or open wounds.
Waiting Times
- These patients are not subject to the 18-week Referral to Treatment Standard.
See Annex A for Laser Hair Reduction Score (to be used for abnormal hair growth only)
Laser surgery for hair reduction - evidence summary
Treatment for these conditions is not routinely offered by NHSScotland and can only be considered when all criteria are met.