Migraine Treatment

Experience Kentucky’s Highest Rated Migraine Treatment & Surgery Services Today

About 40 million people in the United States suffer from migraine headaches (that’s about 13% of the US population.) They affect three times more women than men. Some of these headaches are so frequent and so debilitating that the headache sufferers (migraineurs) are severely disabled. Those who are severely disabled from these migraines are unable to work, unable to have meaningful relationships with loved ones, and quite simply, they are unable to enjoy life as they would like to.

People who fall into this category usually undergo multiple different migraine treatments that include years of costly medications, nerve blocks, and BOTOX® injections. Research suggests that around 80% of patients experience significant to complete relief of chronic migraine symptoms when treated with BOTOX® or surgery.

To find out more about chronic migraine treatment and chronic migraine surgery at Lexington Plastic Surgery, PLLC, request a consultation or call our office at (859) 279-2111.

Schedule an appointment in our Lexington, KY office

Beyond Botox for Migraine Treatment: New Options on the Horizon

see before and afters

What can I expect from Dr. Gerstle and Team?

You and Dr. Gerstle will have a thorough conversation about your medical history, the pain, location, and the type of headache symptoms you experience. You will also discuss the therapies you’ve tried so that Dr. Gerstle can learn what has or has not worked for you. You will also both review your previous evaluation from your neurologist and the referral that is recommending surgical treatment.

If you and Dr. Gerstle agree that you are a candidate for the surgical treatment then you will proceed with the minor operation which will take place in our outpatient surgical center. Depending on what you need to have done, the operation may take anywhere from two to four hours under general anesthesia.

If your headaches originate in the forehead/brow region, the corrugators and supercilii muscles are removed by small incisions over the eyelids. These muscles are involved in creating a frowned appearance, therefore, a potential side effect is decreased frown lines and a smoother forehead.

If the headaches you experience are affecting the temporal or side of the head regions, the zygomaticotemporal muscles are released via small incisions at the hairline.

When headaches involve the occipital or back of the head region, the lesser and/or 3rd occipital nerve is released through small incisions made at the back of the hairline. Because every patient and their symptoms are unique, occasionally other nerves of the head will need to be released.

Most patients go home after spending a few hours in the recovery room and follow up with Dr. Gerstle the next day. Relief of migraine symptoms may happen immediately following surgery or within a month.

Dr. Gerstle is always available by cell phone or email for any immediate questions or concerns.

What are the benefits of Migraine Surgery?

Marked improvement in headache symptoms
Overall enhanced quality of life
Eliminates the need to continue paying for costly medical therapies
If the affected nerves are over the eyes, a smoother, more youthful appearing forehead is a potential side effect of the surgery

FAQ about Migraine Headaches

Will I be symptom free after the procedure?

Of those patients who undergo BOTOX® or surgical release, 80% report symptom improvement ranging from a decrease in intensity or frequency of headaches to a complete cure. It is impossible to know who will be completely symptom free, or how much of an improvement in symptoms can be expected for an individual, but certain factors such as anatomy, response to therapeutic BOTOX®, and other medical problems can help you and Dr. Gerstle devise a reasonable expectation for your situation.

What is the recovery time needed after the procedure?

Most patients return home a few hours after surgery. It is a good idea to plan to take it easy for about a week post surgery. Some bruising and swelling are to be expected for the first 2 to 6 weeks. Most patients return to work in about a week, but you should avoid vigorous activity and sports for at least 6 weeks.

Migraine Treatment Financing Options

We offer surgery financing through CareCredit.

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs for you and your entire family. Use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance, and special financing options are available that you may not be able to get with other cards.

Pay for health, and wellness care at over 200,000 enrolled providers across the nation. Once you’ve applied, you can use it again and again at any location that accepts CareCredit. For more information and to apply, please visit CareCredit.com.

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What our patients are saying…

I suffered from migraines for more than 25 years, having on average three migraines a week. Dr. Theo Gerstle and his team performed a Migraine Release procedure on me. So far I am migraine free. Thank you Dr. Gerstle for giving me my quality of life back!