When is surgical treatment considered as an option for
me? Surgical treatment is considered after a patient has
had success with injection
treatment methods. See more about our comprehensive
headache treatments.
What should I expect at my first visit to discuss
surgical treatment? You will be asked to fill in a
comprehensive pre-treatment
questionnaire. The information obtained will guide your
treatment and determine your outcome. A physical exam will
also be performed. Surgical options for treatment of your
migraines will be discussed.
Where is surgery performed? The operation will be
done as an outpatient procedure under sedation or general
anesthesia, at the Zeeba
Surgery Center.
Which muscles are likely to be trigger points? The
muscles that usually cause migraine headaches include the
frowning muscles in the forehead, the chewing muscles in the
temple and/ or muscles in the back of the head.
What is done during surgery? The frown muscles are
removed through small incisions that are hidden within hair
bearing skin. This smoothes the forehead and usually leaves
a youthful look.
What else is done during the surgery? The chewing
muscles are not removed but the nerves associated with them
are detached. This may produce temporary numbness in the
temples. In the back of the head, a small portion of the
muscles that wrap around the nerves may also be removed.
What if my headaches improve but do not disappear?
A deviated nasal septum may contribute to turbulent airflow
and the development of severe headaches. Straightening the
septum (septoplasty) and removing portions of the turbinates
in the nose may provide additional relief of your headaches.
What are the most common side effects of surgery?
Inability to frown and a youthful look are tradeoffs that
are considered an advantage by most people. Temporary
hollowing of the temple, numbness in the forehead and scalp,
infection or bleeding, phlebitis causing a deep vein
thrombosis or pulmonary embolus (a blood clot to the lungs)
are all rare complications that may infrequently occur.
What are other side effects? Localized hair loss
in the temporal areas, a whistling sound in the nose after
septoplasty and dryness in the nose after turbinectomy are
rare. In addition, unforeseeable events occasionally occur
and will be treated appropriately. Your migraines may
continue. There is no guarantee that your migraine will
respond to surgery.
Will surgery be covered by my insurance? Some
insurance companies may cover the cost of the Botox®
injections. Except for septoplasty and turbinectomy, most
insurance companies will not pay for migraine surgery.
What if I experience any problems during or after
surgical treatment? If you notice any type of adverse
reaction, please contact:
Dr. Guyuron
Office: (440) 461-7999
Answering Service: (216) 691-6274
our physicians 
