Douglas Hetzler's Online Review Report Card

We initially had a really hard time trying to get ahold of Hetzler's staff to book an elective Surfer's Ear surgery for my husband. However, after finally getting my husband's profile in order, we were able to book, cancel, re-book, cancel and re-book our appointment with Dr. Hetzler's team several times with ease (COVID19). Donna, Dr. Hetzler's nurse was incredibly helpful and diligent with us throughout the process. We live in Orange County, CA so getting up to Santa Cruz took a little extra planning and coordination, all of which Donna was able to offer great support. We made it to Santa Cruz without issue however, we arrived the weekend the CZU Lightning Complex fires were decimating the area. We actually got evacuated from our hotel while we were having our initial meet & greet with Dr. Hetzler! Dr. Hetzler was so kind, thoughtful and even called to check in on us several times to make sure we were safe and had a new accommodation. My husband had his surgery on a Friday and we spent the weekend in Monterey. The drive is about 35-40 mins to the surgery center from Monterey, which is a straight forward, easy drive. The surgery lasted about 1hr, during which, I had to wait in the car due to COVID, but everything went smoothly. We had one follow up appointment with Hetzler the Monday following surgery. Hetzler confirmed that all looked well and was healing appropriately. He took out a few blood clots, which is typical, and we headed home. My husband had two more follow up appointments back down in Orange County, and the doctor here was extremely impressed with Hetzler's work and technique - he even asked my husband if he could review the paperwork more closely because he was so surprised at how well the healing process was going, with zero damage to my husband's ear structure. If you're having your follow up appointments outside of Santa Cruz, Hetzler's team provides detailed paperwork for you to give your local doctor. The documents explain the surgery, Hetzler's technique, what the healing should look like, etc. As for healing, my husband had to avoid water in his ears and switch out cotton swabs with Aquaphor for about a week which was totally manageable - that's it! Overall, my husband is so glad he chose to have the surgery done with Hetzler. It was easy, painless and extremely efficient - even when living outside the Santa Cruz area. 10/10 would recommend Hetzler and his technique if you or a loved one need Surfer's Ear Surgery!

Had my bilateral surfers ear surgery on Dec 4 2020. I flew in from out of town and they scheduled my pre-op the day before at 5PM. Hetzler spent an hour answering all of my questions and giving great tips for ear care. For  instance getting a small ear camera.Surgery took around 3 hrs, woke up and other than barely able to hear anything, felt great. Other than an advil, never needed anything after the first day. Pain was almost none existent. Be prepared to not hear much the first week, but after getting the blood clots pulled out, BOOM, a whole new world. Healing took about two weeks and I got back into the ocean after 4 weeks just to be sure.I wish every surgery was this effortless and Hetzler is the best. Highly recommended.

Dr Hetzler performed surfers ear surgery on both of my ears, and I got through the surgery and healing with little pain (did not even take ibuprofen) and no ear complications. Only issue I had was nausea after the surgery because of the anesthesia. If you get nauseous easily, ask about nausea meds before surgery. I wish I would have inquired about a nausea patch before surgery. As far as Dr Hetzler, I have nothing but positive things to say about him. He was thorough, patient, and kind. I felt confident in him from the first time I met him and he did not let me down! My ears are now healed and ready for the water! I recommend him and his chisel technique. He really did seem to be the Kelly Slater of ear surgery!

I went to Dr. Hetzler for my surfer's ear procedure. The experience was a very good one and Doug is the best. Three weeks after the procedure, he gave me the go ahead to get out in the ocean again. I was a little  anxious before the procedure but I can honestly say there was no need to be. He is great at explaining things to you as well as answering any questions you may have. Everyone involved in the process from staff, nurses, etc. were also the best.Anyone that has surfer's ear should definitely go to Dr. Hetzler.

I'm deaf in my right ear from birth and both my ears are 90+% blocked w surfers ear. My ENT in Albany NY tells me just let's manage it, the lack of draining, the lack of hearing as he would not want to risk making me deaf. I found Dr. Hetzler online and soon realized he's an amazing pioneer with a newer method minimally invasively. I flew to Santa Cruz and met him. He is kind, thorough, detail oriented and he's training drs.around the world to do this chisel method going in from the front of the ear vs using a drill from behind the ear, cutting the ear away from your head. He told me "why would your hearing be jeopardized by this procedure?" Dr.Hetzler is a pro and never saw this as an obstacle. I knew then and there, he was my choice for this surgery. From pre-op to post-op, the professionalism, attention to detail and Dr. Hetzler's overall approach was reassuring. Today, my ears are wide open and I hear SO much more, so much louder! I am forever grateful to have found this Dr. And for the amazing work he does. His passion is his patients. The only choice for fixing surfers ear is from inside the ear w a chisel. Day 1 little pain, Day 2 no pain. I flew home to the Adirondacks of NY the morning after surgery. Do not be afraid. Go to Dr. Hetzler.

Dr Hetzler just did my ears (surfers ear surgery) I did a lot of research on this surgery and was very nervous about the whole thing from anesthesia to post op pain. Day three and so far haven't needed more than Motrin. He is amazing and very kind. Well worth the 5 hour drive to Santa Cruz.

I highly recommend Dr. Hetzler. I was surfer's ear, medically known as "exostosis of the external auditory canal. My ear canal was 95% shut on both ears. After my surgeries with Dr. Hetzler, my ears opened up to be 90% open. He is the leader for this type of surgery and is well known amongst all the surfing community. He spent a considerable amount of time educating me on my condition, the procedure and what to expect for recovery. He was very personable and professional.

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Not a fan. I was having major sinus issues saw me once put me on prednisone condition got a little better but as time went by I started getting worse. He sent me for a scan which apparently showed polyps and deviated septum. Called in needed relief couldn't get me in for 2 months. Said I couldn't wait that long the office and staff didn't seem to care. I proceeded to have my scan sent to Stanford got an appt there in a week. Polyps everywhere in my sinuses. got into surgery following week.

Nice enough but really messed up my friend's ear for three years. Dr. Hetzler pounded out his exostosis surf ear with a hammer and chisel that cut his ear drum and got his jaw joint out of whack. To boot half of his surfers ear was left in and regret anyways. Two surgeries later the drainage and knife like pain was gone but his hearing is still muffled. My under uses to do nose jobs with chisels and that's a bigger are to work in.