Migraine Surgery
Chronic migraines can be debilitating, interfering with your work, relationships, and quality of life. At Plastic Surgery Northwest, our surgeons offer advanced migraine surgery techniques that target nerve trigger points to provide lasting relief for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Our Approach
At Plastic Surgery Northwest, we understand that every migraine sufferer’s experience is unique. That’s why we take a personalized, step-by-step approach:
Comprehensive Evaluation – We carefully review your medical history, migraine patterns, and prior treatments to identify whether you’re a good candidate.
Trigger Site Identification – Using diagnostic testing and a detailed assessment, we pinpoint nerve areas most likely to be responsible for your migraines.
Tailored Surgical Plan – Our board-certified surgeons design a treatment plan that focuses on relieving pressure at your specific trigger points.
Ongoing Support – From initial consultation through recovery, our team provides attentive care to maximize your long-term results.
Who is a candidate?
Patients who experience chronic, frequent migraines that impact daily life
Individuals who have not found sufficient relief with medication or other therapies
Those diagnosed with migraine trigger points that can be surgically addressed
Benefits of a Migraine Surgery
Potential for significant reduction in migraine frequency, intensity, and duration
Decreased dependence on daily medications
Improved ability to work, exercise, and enjoy daily activities without interruption
Long-term relief that can greatly enhance overall quality of life
What To Expect During Migrane Surgery
Individuals undergoing migraine surgery at Plastic Surgery Northwest can expect a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan designed around their unique migraine triggers and symptoms. Our board-certified surgeons focus on identifying and releasing specific nerve pathways commonly linked to migraine attacks—such as the occipital, frontal, or supraorbital nerves. Using advanced surgical techniques, often performed through minimally invasive approaches, our goal is to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine headaches.
Following surgery, patients may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, or bruising, which typically resolves within a few weeks. As healing progresses and the nerves adapt, many patients notice a significant reduction in migraine symptoms, leading to improved daily function and overall quality of life. Regular follow-up appointments ensure close monitoring of progress and allow our surgeons to make any necessary adjustments to support the best possible outcome.
Common Questions & FAQs
How effective is migraine surgery?
Many patients experience a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of their migraines, with some reporting near-complete relief.
Will I still need to take migraine medication after surgery?
Some patients are able to reduce or eliminate the need for daily medications, while others may still require them but at a lower dose or less frequently.
How are my migraine trigger points identified?
Our surgeons use a combination of medical history, diagnostic nerve blocks, and physical examination to determine which nerves may be contributing to your migraines.
Is the procedure painful?
Migraine surgery is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Some temporary soreness or swelling may occur afterward, but recovery is usually well tolerated.
How soon will I notice results?
Some patients experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over weeks to months as healing progresses.
Am I guaranteed to be migraine-free after surgery?
While results vary, most candidates see meaningful improvement. Complete elimination of migraines cannot be guaranteed, but for many patients, the procedure is life-changing.
Plastic Surgery Northwest
Choosing the right
surgeon
Dr. Derek Fletcher MD
Dr. Fletcher leads the Migraine Surgery program at Plastic Surgery Northwest, combining surgical precision with compassionate care to help patients find lasting relief from chronic headaches. With extensive experience in peripheral nerve decompression and facial nerve anatomy, Dr. Fletcher tailors each procedure to the patient’s unique migraine triggers and anatomy. His commitment to innovation and outcomes-driven care has made him one of the region’s foremost experts in surgical migraine relief.