Dr. Paul Haskell Toffel, MD

Dr. Toffel is a Wonderful, Caring and Compassionate surgeon. He saved my life. (This is a bit lengthy, but I want you to know what I went through and why I feel so strongly about this man, Dr. Toffel. I have not read any of his other reviews.) I have told this story -- my personal story -- to many people over the past 19 years. I am filled to over-flowing with gratitude to Dr. Toffel to this day. In 2000 I had not been able to breathe through my nose for 40 YEARS due to severe sinus polyps. As a result, my sense of smell (and taste) were almost nil. In 1967 I had had a polyps removal procedure done by "snare", and it felt AWFUL. Horrible. And the polyps grew right back. By 1995 I had a "revolving" sinus infection (and headaches) which had stopped responding to antibiotics. I was miserable 24/7. Scared and desperate. I searched locally for a doctor to perform the sinus surgery. Every one I interviewed was officious, to a varying degree, and refused to talk to me in… detail about how they would help me. They all basically said "Hey, I'm the doctor, I know what I'm doing. Just give me your money and trust me." Not good enough for me. Then, through a truly amazing coincidence I found out about Dr. Toffel. I was living in the San Francisco Bay Area and spoke -- I can't recall now -- with his office. I liked what I heard. I arranged to go down and have an interview with Dr. Toffel. That meeting was like none other before or since. One thing that impressed ( and touched) me right away was this: He let me know right away that There Was No Time Limit to our meeting that day: he would answer all my questions and for As Long As It Took. Wow. And he did. Dr. Toffel went over his background, experience, and handed me the brochures he uses to teach his students at USC Medical School. Clear, detailed, comprehensive. At last I understood: what he was going to do and how he was going to do it. Clearly. Bottom line that day: I felt good about putting myself in Dr. Toffel's hands. He did not disappoint; to the contrary, my experience was AND STILL IS the most Wonderful, Caring and Transformative Event in my Life. When I came out of surgery I COULD BREATH THROUGH MY NOSE!!! I was amazed!! Dr. Toffel told me that he had invented a packing -- necessary after surgery -- that included a Breathing Tube (duh!) that allowed the patient, ME, to begin enjoying breathing again Right Away. I was amazed and grateful. I had known several other people who had had sinus surgery in the past. (Not by Dr. Toffel). They had ALL told me what was the WORST part of going through the procedure: having the gauze packing removed a week afterwards. They said it was horribly painful. Not so with Dr. Toffel. Caring. Compassionate. Wonderful. Personal. When I went back to Dr. Toffel to have my packing removed, he told me that the Anesthesiologist was there and would be putting me "out" for 5 minutes while he removed the packing. I felt nothing. Had no trauma. Was free and clear and could breathe at last through my naked nostrils!! It was a MIRACLE to me. He also told me this: that since I had had no air in my sinuses for 40 years, it was going to take them "about a year" to adjust. To help in that process, he handed me a little blue-and-white bottle of Ponaris -- a nasal emollient natural oil mixture that the Astronauts use in the zero humidity conditions during space flight. He showed me how to use it/unique way to apply it, and how often. No side effects. I am amazed and pleased to tell you that I became and still am a "Sinus Infection-Congestion Sufferer" NO MORE. Before surgery: revolving antibiotics regimen, feeling run down, and congested all the time. And bad headaches, too. After surgery: clear-and-full breathing, unobstructed. If ever I am in an "air pollutant" situation, I apply Ponaris to protect my sinuses, and re-apply as often as necessary because there ARE NO ADVERSE SIDE AFFECTS. NO side effects at all, except a pleasant scent. ( I keep several "Ponaris kits" for use around the house and in my vehicles: bottle of Ponaris; Q-tips; in a dollar-store plastic 2-part soap carrying case; perfect!!) I have had only 5 "sinus attacks" in the 19 years since my surgery. In every case I have been able to "defeat it" WITHOUT HAVING TO TAKE ANTIBIOTICS!! By using Ponaris around-the-clock and as needed until clear. Amazing. Every time, I began applying the Ponaris (and drinking LOTS of water) and have knocked it out within a few days. If I get congested sometimes, I simply apply the Ponaris (once, or more if needed) and I am able to blow my nose until clear. A bottle of Ponaris lasts me a month or more. It keeps pretty much indefinitely so long as it's kept relatively cool. That's my story. Dr. Toffel is My Hero. As far as I am concerned, Dr. Toffel gave me a Sinus Miracle and a new life!! Thank you, Dr. Toffel. 19 years on and Still Breathing!! Thank you.

As a patient, i cannot express accuracy of diagnosing the problem with my sinus. anybody having sinus trouble is a must to see Dr. Toffel. Thanks again for all the staff!

I was referred to him while at college after suffering endless sinus infections each 2-3 months and monthly migraines that caused me to miss class constantly. After a series of tests to ensure the correct diagnosis of a deviated septum, I had surgery in 1992. Dr. Toffel is very caring and professional. He is my go-to doctor for any referrals to other health specialists from 1992 and everyone he referred me to have been equally conservative, caring and professional. He still teaches at USC Medical School after graduating in 1968. He knows all the ENT in the US having been president of the national association previously. Surgery is the last resort for Dr. Toffel. Everyone who has a similar problem I had whom I've referred to Dr. Toffel have had an excellent experience with Dr. Toffel.

Doctor Toffle performed surger on my nasal passages, removing polyps, and correcting a deviated septum. I could not reccomend him higher.

Dr. Toffel believes surgery can fix everything, he performed Sinus Surgery on me 7 months ago, my condition is much worse after surgery. stay away from this doctor, go to a more conservative docotor