Migraine surgery was accidentally discovered in 2000 by Prof. Dr. Bahman Guyuron in Cleveland, USA. During a forehead lift operation, he noticed that patients with diagnosed migraines showed improvement, prompting further research and the eventual development of migraine surgery. This procedure has been performed by many plastic surgeons in the US for over 16 years and is even covered by insurance. Contrary to some beliefs, migraine surgery is neither new nor experimental in Turkey.
Dr. Ufuk Askeroğlu had the opportunity to work with Prof. Dr. Bahman Guyuron between 2011 and 2012 at Case Western Reserve University, where he studied around 2,000 migraine cases. Dr. Askeroğlu has been performing migraine surgeries in Turkey for about five years, successfully treating hundreds of patients. Since this surgery is not part of the plastic surgery curriculum in Turkey, the experience and training of the surgeon are critical to the success of the procedure. Dr. Askeroğlu’s extensive experience in the US, where he examined various cases and learned about potential complications, has significantly contributed to his expertise.
Globally, the success rate of migraine surgery is reported to be around 90% in scientific studies. Considering that chronic migraine patients often do not fully respond to medication and may spend at least 3-4 days per month hospitalized, migraine surgery—bearing minimal risks aside from those associated with general anesthesia—can be life-changing.
Types of Migraine Surgery in Turkey
1. Temple Region (Zygomatictemporal Nerve): The trigger point is located where the muscles end. Patients can typically return home immediately after surgery, with a satisfaction and full recovery rate of 95%.
2. Nuchal Region (Great Occipital Nerve): Located in the midline of the scalp just above the neck, this area allows for immediate post-surgery return, with a satisfaction and full recovery rate of 95%.
3. Behind-the-Ear Area (Lesser Occipital Nerve): Varying by patient, this trigger point is found just behind the ear in the scalp. Patients can return home immediately, with a satisfaction and full recovery rate of 99%.
4. Intra-Ear Area (Auriculotemporal Nerve): This trigger point, also varying by patient, is located directly above the ear. Patients can return home immediately, with a satisfaction and full recovery rate of 95%.
5. Forehead Area (Supraorbital Nerve): Characterized by severe pain in the middle of the muscle and forehead, this area may require rest for a week post-surgery due to possible eye edema. The satisfaction and full recovery rate is 85%.
6. Nose Area/Behind the Eyes Migraine: Migraines in this area, often accompanied by a runny nose and severe pain behind the eyes, may require paranasal sinus tomography and potential nose surgery. Post-surgery, a week of rest is advised due to possible eye edema. The satisfaction and full recovery rate is 85%.
Patients from all over Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa, as well as referrals from European neurologists, visit our clinic for migraine surgery. Since there are no plastic surgeons in Europe who specialize in this procedure, Turkey has become a key destination for migraine surgery. The convenience of needing only a two-day stay in Istanbul and the ability to travel by plane shortly after surgery makes it an attractive option.
One of the most frequently asked questions is about the cost of migraine surgery. The price varies depending on the patient’s specific migraine trigger points, with surgery lasting from 2 to 4 hours. Therefore, it’s best to consider migraine surgery as a health plan and determine the exact cost after a physical examination.
