POSTED UNDER Ear Surgery Reviews
Recommended Doc - San Diego, CA
UPDATED FROM Alohamom
4 years post
Additional info
WORTH IT$4,000
I had always felt embarrassed by my ears the stuck out. They stuck out of my hair when down. I didn't like to wear my hair up because I felt so self conscious about my ears.
I had consulted with one doctor in Phoenix. I even set the surgery date. However, the day before I cancelled. I just didn't feel confident in him since he didn't have many photos to show me. I put it on the back burner, feeling silly since I'd lived with these ears for 40+ years. Finally, As I said before, when I hit 50 I decided to move forward. I consulted with a couple of physicians in San Diego, one being Dr. Hilinski. I liked his humility and friendliness as well as his website.
The surgery itself was easy. The doctor and his surgical nurse performed the surgery. He used an oral medication that made me sleepy and local anesthetic to numb the areas he'd be making incisions. The three of us talked the entire time. When it was over he wrapped my head fairly tight and sent me on my way.
Admittedly, the pain following the surgery is very very intense. Anyone having this surgery will need to take their pain medication around the clock.
I don't remember how long before the pain decreased since it was 5 years ago but I think it was a couple of days. I followed the post-op instructions to the tee. I healed up very nicely without any issues. i did have swelling and bruising. I recommend folks take arnica to help with this.
Despite all the pain, I'm glad I had it done. It was definitely worth it.
I don't have any before and after photos. However, Dr, Hilinski did put them in his gallery. Take a look.
I had consulted with one doctor in Phoenix. I even set the surgery date. However, the day before I cancelled. I just didn't feel confident in him since he didn't have many photos to show me. I put it on the back burner, feeling silly since I'd lived with these ears for 40+ years. Finally, As I said before, when I hit 50 I decided to move forward. I consulted with a couple of physicians in San Diego, one being Dr. Hilinski. I liked his humility and friendliness as well as his website.
The surgery itself was easy. The doctor and his surgical nurse performed the surgery. He used an oral medication that made me sleepy and local anesthetic to numb the areas he'd be making incisions. The three of us talked the entire time. When it was over he wrapped my head fairly tight and sent me on my way.
Admittedly, the pain following the surgery is very very intense. Anyone having this surgery will need to take their pain medication around the clock.
I don't remember how long before the pain decreased since it was 5 years ago but I think it was a couple of days. I followed the post-op instructions to the tee. I healed up very nicely without any issues. i did have swelling and bruising. I recommend folks take arnica to help with this.
Despite all the pain, I'm glad I had it done. It was definitely worth it.
I don't have any before and after photos. However, Dr, Hilinski did put them in his gallery. Take a look.
Alohamom's provider
ORIGINAL POST
My protruding ears had always been a source of...
My protruding ears had always been a source of embarrassment for me. When I turned 50, I decide it was time. I selected Dr. Hilinski after speaking with other surgeons because I found him to be knowledgeable, approachable, friendly and personable. He also made me feel at ease during my consultation, surgery and afterward. Dr. Hilinski himself responded promptly to my email questions. His website has an extensive before/after gallery that helped me decide that this doctor was the one. His work is top notch. His staff is accommodating too. His coordinator was able to squeeze me into his busy schedule. The office is very nice with a comfortable seating area, located in the Hillcrest area. Parking is limited.
I highly recommend this practice.
Replies (2)
May 21, 2016
Welcome to the community and thanks so much for offering your opinion of your doctor.
It would be great if you could give us a little more detail about your experience, like why you had the surgery, your tips for getting good results, pros/cons, and info on the recovery process.
Our community members especially love seeing photos from before, during, and after — a realistic look at what they can expect. Photos grab the attention of the community and encourage more support for you.
As a community manager, I get requests all the time from other members who want me to to keep encouraging people to share their experiences, which are so helpful for others considering these procedures. So please accept this as a well-intentioned request from thousands.
May 23, 2016
Hi Aloha, In my quest to get an Otoplasty, something I wanted done since I was in middle school, I have never been more delighted to say I have finally come up with the extra time and money to have one! I am shooting for Mid- to Late September and was also super impressed with Dr. Hilinski (have not visited him yet.)
I have a Question for you: discoloration or scarring I can deal with long term, but scary incisions in the backs of my ears seem unbearable and highly noticeable, esp since I have short hair. Do you think I take a few weeks off from work, but come back and scars be unnoticeable? How long did your incisions take to be un-noticeable after getting your procedures? Thank you so much for any time you can take to help me out with some info!
May 24, 2016
Hi GabrielKnight! The scars I have aren't noticeable as they were place in the crease where the ears attach to my head. I did wear a headband over my ears during the night for the first few weeks and elevated on a pillow. Bear in mind that you will not be able to sleep on your side because it will be uncomfortable to lay the side of your face on the pillow. I used one of those pillows for sleeping on the airplane and pull it up so as to prop my head up.
I don't think you'll be disappointed in choosing Dr. Hilinski. He has done many otoplasties.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Best wishes!
I don't think you'll be disappointed in choosing Dr. Hilinski. He has done many otoplasties.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Best wishes!
May 24, 2016
Thanks Aloha, I looked at the site for Dr. Hilinski and I am just so impressed with his thorough explanation and breakdown of the procedure. I think it seems a little bit more $ than average, but for me, I think he seems like one of the best, so who cares, when it's such an important decision. I especially like how he mentions over correction to avoid a situation where things don't get resolved. Anyway, thank you for recommending.
I understand completely about the sleeping aspects. I also like the fact that I don't have to wear the headband 24/7 only at night during recovery, according to you. Did you have to go Back and get stitches removed several days after procedure? Thanks so much for responding :)
May 30, 2016
Honestly, I cannot remember if I went back for stitch removal but I think I did in two weeks. I returned at 2 months for a follow up.
Replies (1)