I’m looking for opinions on Dr. Djalilian at UCI for surfer’s ear surgery. From people who have had him do their surgery. Feel free to post here or send me a PM. Thanks so much for any intel.
I don’t know Djalilian but the doctor who did mine, Dr. Brackman at the House Ear Institute, seemed to know every other doctor in the business (and every pro surfer who’s had the operation), so he’d probably be a good source for a reference. Dr. Brackman’s theory is to go big or go home. While several friends have gone back for their third or fourth round of laser surgery, Dr. Brackman said that he’s never had to do a second operation because he takes so much out. Mine hurt like nothing I could imagine, and the House Ear Institute shies away from pain relievers because of links with deafness but, luckily, pain is only remembered in an abstract sense so you’ll get over it. One of the reasons I chose Brackman over our local doctors is that he is a neurosurgeon and was unlikely to accidentally hit one of my facial nerves. I like to smile! Don’t wait too long. My ear was closed to the degree that only a very fine wire would fit through the canal, but once that tiny hole disappears the doctor is drilling blind.
I saw an ear, nose & throat guy earlier this year who is a surfer. He reckoned the surgery results are now much better than in years gone by. He also recommended alcohol & vinegar for general good ear health. I recall him saying surfer’s ear could be associated with warm climates but the odds were much higher in colder climates.
Bob