Migraines can be a debilitating condition that affect many aspects of life. A subset of migraine patients’ symptoms can be triggered by irritation, compression, or entrapment of peripheral nerves in the head and neck. At Phase Plastic Surgery in Seattle, Dr. Ameya Chumble specializes in nerve decompression surgery for migraines, a revolutionary procedure that offers relief by removing or repositioning muscle tissue, fascia, bone, or blood vessels that constrict the nerves. This innovative approach creates more space for the nerves, significantly improving or alleviating migraine symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
How Nerves Can Affect Migraines
In a subset of migraine patients, nerves play a significant role in triggering migraines. If you suffer from chronic migraines, you may already be aware of common triggers like caffeine, lack of sleep, or certain fragrances or scents. However, nerve irritation can be a hidden culprit. Unlike other triggers, nerve-related causes aren’t as easily managed via lifestyle changes.
Just beneath the skin, nerves in the head and neck can become compressed by surrounding tissues, muscles, or even blood vessels. When these nerves don’t have enough room, they can trigger migraine attacks.
Nerve decompression surgery works by removing or repositioning the tissues and blood vessels causing compression, giving the nerves more space. During the procedure, the surgeon may carefully add a protective layer of fat around each nerve to help prevent future migraines. Importantly, this surgery doesn’t involve removing any skull bones. Unlike daily medications, this surgery has the potential to provide lasting relief from migraines.
Who Is This Surgery For?
Candidates for nerve decompression surgery must have a clinical diagnosis of migraine disorder. It’s especially suitable for those whose migraines haven’t responded well to traditional treatments. If side effects prevent you from using medications, nerve decompression surgery could be a viable option.
Before considering surgery, your doctor may ask you to keep a migraine diary or provide details about your migraine severity and previous treatments. This helps determine if surgery is the right step for you. If you’ve recently started experiencing migraines or haven’t yet consulted your doctor, you may need to explore other treatments first. A thorough diagnosis and an exploration of other migraine therapies are necessary before considering surgery.
Surgical Migraine Treatment
For many individuals suffering from chronic migraines, traditional treatments may provide little to no relief, leaving them in constant pain and frustration. If you’ve exhausted all conventional options, plastic surgery might be the breakthrough you’ve been seeking. This innovative approach, pioneered by specialists at leading institutions, has shown remarkable success rates. Over 88% of patients experience significant improvement or complete resolution of their headaches after 5 years, offering a new lease on life and renewed hope.
What to Expect on Your Journey
Before Your Treatment
Your journey to migraine relief begins with a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Chumble. During this consultation, we will discuss your medical history, previous treatments, and the impact of migraines on your daily life. Using advanced techniques, such as Botox® or anesthetic injections, Dr. Chumble will map your individual trigger points. This detailed roadmap pinpoints the specific areas contributing to your migraines to determine whether nerve decompression surgery is an appropriate option for you. This careful planning stage is crucial for ensuring the best possible outcome.
During Your Treatment
Nerve decompression surgery is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Chumble addresses the specific nerve compression areas identified in the pre-surgery mapping. Depending on your unique needs, the surgery may involve multiple procedures in one session. The duration can vary, taking less than two hours, or could be longer, particularly if multiple compression points are involved. Most surgeries are outpatient, allowing you to return home the same day. However, an overnight stay may be recommended in some cases to monitor recovery closely and ensure your comfort.
After Your Treatment
Recovery from nerve decompression surgery typically spans four to six weeks although it is usually wise to allow up to three months up to three months to fully assess the outcome and effectiveness of the procedure. During the initial recovery period, swelling and inflammation around the surgical site are common. These are normal responses as your body heals. Ice, head of bed elevation, and pain control are very important immediately after surgery for two or more weeks. We advise against lifting heavy objects, engaging in strenuous activities, or using chemical hair treatments for at least three weeks post-surgery. It’s crucial to avoid any actions that might raise your blood pressure or heart rate, as these could impede the healing process. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Why Choose Phase Plastic Surgery?
At Phase Plastic Surgery, our practice is among the few in the country offering specialized migraine nerve decompression surgery. Dr. Ameya Chumble, a highly skilled and board-eligible plastic surgeon, combines his expertise with compassion and a patient-centered approach, ensuring personalized care for every individual. We leverage techniques developed in concert with neurology, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery to deliver exceptional results. This multidisciplinary approach has positioned us as leaders in migraine treatment, providing hope and relief to countless patients who once thought they had no remaining options.
Natural Beauty For Every Phase in Life
Contact Us Today
If you’re ready to explore migraine relief through nerve decompression surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Phase Plastic Surgery in Seattle. Dr. Ameya Chumble and our dedicated team are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care and personalized attention.
Let us help you reclaim your life from the grip of migraines. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you in scheduling a consultation or answering any questions you have about the procedure, recovery, or what to expect. We believe in treating our patients like family, ensuring you receive the best care possible in a supportive and caring environment.
