Migraine Surgery
Downtime: 3-5 days
Invasiveness: Invasive
Anesthesia: General, asleep
Size of Scar: Anteriorly - Length of the eyelid, hidden in the crease, posteriorly 2-4 cm in the hair-bearing scalp
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What is Migraine Surgery?
Those who suffer from migraine headaches understand how debilitating this issue can be. Migraine headaches cause severe, throbbing, or pulsing pain, which can be accompanied by unwanted effects such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to both light and sound. While some migraine attacks can last for hours, others can last for days. Pain is often severe and interferes with an individual’s daily activities.
If you have tried medication and other non-surgical treatments without relief, migraine surgery at Defyne may be an effective solution. Our board-certified surgeons can surgically release trigger sites to decrease migraine pain.
The Defyne Approach
At Defyne, we understand that migraines are not the same for everyone. Pain levels and sensitivity may vary from person to person. Because of this, our surgeons take the time to create a personalized migraine surgery plan for you to ensure the best possible outcomes for your individual case.
What to Expect
A consultation appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons is needed to learn if migraine surgery is right for you. During this meeting, you can discuss your migraine history, concerns, and desired outcomes. If this procedure is deemed appropriate for your concerns, you may be asked to stop or adjust certain medications, undergo certain lab testing or evaluations, and stop smoking. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to best prepare for migraine surgery.
When migraine trigger points, areas where nerves in the face and head are irritated or compressed, can be identified, our surgeons can reduce pain. This is achieved through the surgical correction of tissue surrounding the nerves or by blocking pain signals. Because every individual is different, results and surgical techniques used may also vary from patient to patient.
Migraine surgery typically takes about one hour to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are created and hidden in the scalp or upper eyelid, so scarring is nearly imperceptible.
Overall, recovery time following migraine surgery may vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Typically, slight bruising and swelling may occur following migraine surgery, which should resolve within weeks. Patients can return to their usual activities after 3-5 days. Your surgeon will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure a quick and comfortable recovery process.
What to Expect
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Prepare
A consultation appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons is needed to learn if migraine surgery is right for you. During this meeting, you can discuss your migraine history, concerns, and desired outcomes. If this procedure is deemed appropriate for your concerns, you may be asked to stop or adjust certain medications, undergo certain lab testing or evaluations, and stop smoking. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to best prepare for migraine surgery.
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During Your Procedure
When migraine trigger points, areas where nerves in the face and head are irritated or compressed, can be identified, our surgeons can reduce pain. This is achieved through the surgical correction of tissue surrounding the nerves or by blocking pain signals. Because every individual is different, results and surgical techniques used may also vary from patient to patient.
Migraine surgery typically takes about one hour to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are created and hidden in the scalp or upper eyelid, so scarring is nearly imperceptible.
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Downtime & Recovery
Overall, recovery time following migraine surgery may vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Typically, slight bruising and swelling may occur following migraine surgery, which should resolve within weeks. Patients can return to their usual activities after 3-5 days. Your surgeon will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure a quick and comfortable recovery process.
Are You a Good Fit?
Migraine Surgery Candidates
Individuals who are tired of suffering from the debilitating effects of migraines can often benefit from migraine surgery. At Defyne, our surgeons see patients with or without a referral from their primary care physicians or neurologists. Ideal candidates are those who have been diagnosed with migraines by a neurologist, have sites of nerve compression in the head, have not experienced effective results from treatments for pain and migraine symptoms, or have had side effects from migraine medications. Ultimately, the best way to determine if migraine surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in Scottsdale, AZ.
Migraine Surgery Techniques
Every Body is Different
Compressed nerves located near tissues or muscles can result in migraine pain. Our experienced surgeons can provide a minimally invasive corrective surgery depending on the location of your personal migraine triggers. Migraine surgery techniques may include the following:
M.I.S.O.N
Minimally-invasive supra-orbital nerve (M.I.S.O.N) is a minimally-invasive treatment for the reduction of migraine pain. While it is not a complete cure for migraines, it may offer a significant reduction in discomfort caused by migraines. During this procedure, the supra-orbital nerve is decompressed, relieving pressure and improving migraine symptoms.
M.I.G.O.N.E
Minimally-invasive greater occipital nerve entrapment (M.I.G.O.N.E) is a treatment for migraines triggered by occipital neuralgia. The main cause of occipital neuralgia is the entrapment of the occipital nerve within the surrounding muscle tissues. During this procedure, the tissue surrounding the occipital nerve is removed, creating more space so that it can function without pain.
Deviated Septum Surgery
Septoplasty, or the surgical correction of a deviated septum, can be an effective treatment for some migraines. When the nasal septum is deviated or bent, it may cause severe pressure on the nerves. Our plastic surgeons may suggest septoplasty to help straighten the cartilage and relieve the pressure.
What Our Patients Say
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Every single staff member is super friendly and genuinely makes you feel like a friend and not a patient. I have been to multiple plastic surgeons in the past and always felt like just another number. But Dr. Turin was the complete opposite! He always made me feel like a priority; I always felt comfortable and he always addressed any concerns that I had and really listened and made sure I was happy with everything. He really is a master of his craft!!
- B.W.
Dr. Tessler is fantastic, he listened to everything I was nervous about and made me feel very comfortable. He gave me exactly what I was imagining and hoping for! All of the staff was very welcoming, sweet, and kind as well. I couldn’t recommend them enough!
- K.M.
As soon as I walked [into] the office I could feel the upbeat happy energy. The entire staff is absolutely amazing, kind, caring, knowledgeable, and attentive. Dr. Tessler is the best, he spent so much time with me and answered all my questions I knew I was in good hands. I look and feel amazing. Truly life-changing.
- K.M.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How soon after migraine surgery will I notice relief?
While some people may notice relief from migraine symptoms directly after migraine surgery, others may not notice results for several months.
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What are the risks associated with migraine surgery?
As with any surgery, migraine surgery can have some complications, such as delayed wound healing, nerve injuries, excessive bleeding, and the chance the surgery will not help alleviate the pain. Most complications are rare and will vary according to the type of surgery performed.
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Will I have scars after migraine surgery?
During migraine surgery, our surgeons create incisions within natural folds to ensure that they are well hidden and camouflaged. Once fully healed, these scars will be virtually imperceptible.
Contact Us
Request a Consultation
If you are ready to take the first step toward defining your destiny and achieving your best look yet? At Defyne, our board-certified plastic surgeons are skilled in performing both surgical and non-surgical procedures, achieving individualized, natural-looking results. Contact Defyne in Scottsdale, AZ, today to schedule your consultation appointment.
