For patients burdened by chronic migraines—missing work, canceling plans, or retreating from the light—migraine surgery offers a revolutionary option. But what happens after the operation? What does real recovery look and feel like?
Based on clinical research, patient stories, and Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh’s world-renowned expertise, let’s examine what to expect in the days, weeks, and months after migraine surgery.
A Quick Primer: What Is Migraine Surgery?
- By surgically decompressing these nerves—freeing them from surrounding muscles, blood vessels, or scar tissue—surgeons can drastically reduce migraine frequency, duration, and intensity
- This approach was pioneered by Dr. Bahman Guyuron, who first published on the technique’s success in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery over a decade ago (Surgical treatment of migraine headaches - PubMed)
- Since then, studies have shown that over 80% of patients experience at least a 50% reduction in migraines after surgery (The Efficacy of Trigger Site Surgery in the Elimination of Chronic Migraine Headache: An Update in the Rate of Success and Failure)
Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline
Day of Surgery
- The procedure, performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation, takes between 1 and 5 hours, depending on how many trigger points are treated
- Most patients go home the same day
- You'll receive instructions, pain medications, and sometimes drains or bandages to protect the incision areas
- The most common post-op sensation is mild discomfort, not the debilitating pain many feared
“People hear ‘surgery’ and ‘anesthesia’ and get scared,” says Dr. Alizadeh. “The reality is, migraine surgeries can be as simple as outpatient procedures.” (Migraine Surgery Patient Success Stories | Dr. Alizadeh)
Week 1: Swelling and Rest
- Some swelling, bruising, and numbness near the incision sites is expected, especially in the forehead, temples, or base of the skull, depending on your trigger points
- According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, discomfort typically peaks in the first 3–5 days and is manageable with pain medication
- Most patients are encouraged to walk and resume light activities within a day or two, but avoid lifting, bending, or anything that increases blood pressure
Weeks 2–4: Return to Normalcy
- By the end of week two, most people return to work or school
- Many experience a significant drop in migraine frequency, and some feel nearly instant relief
Months 1–3: Long-Term Healing
- At this stage, you may still experience occasional headaches, but most are less intense and shorter in duration
- Nerve regeneration continues during this phase, and any lingering numbness or tightness begins to resolve
- By 3 months, patients usually have a strong sense of whether the surgery was successful
- Dr. Alizadeh’s team schedules follow-ups at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year to track long-term results
What Recovery Doesn’t Involve
Recovery from migraine surgery does not usually involve:
- Prolonged hospital stays
- High levels of post-op pain
- Major lifestyle disruption
“This surgery helps patients get off lifelong medications,” Dr. Alizadeh says. “They’re able to go back to living without fear.” (Migraine Surgery Patient Success Stories | Dr. Alizadeh)
Real Patient Story: From 50 Years of Pain to Zero
Lynne Schicker had migraines for five decades. Nothing helped, not BOTOX, medications, or acupuncture. After meeting Dr. Alizadeh, she learned that scar tissue from past head trauma was compressing key nerves. After surgery, she’s been migraine-free ever since.
“I can now care for my son and mother, go to events, and live without fear. I wish I’d known about this years earlier.” (Migraine Surgery Patient Success Stories | Dr. Alizadeh)
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgery, there are risks. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Numbness or tingling at incision sites
Ready to Reclaim Your Life?
The road to recovery after migraine surgery may be shorter and gentler than most expect, but its true power lies in what it restores: autonomy, presence, and relief. With decades of clinical experience and one of the largest surgical migraine programs in the New York Metropolitan area, Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh has helped patients worldwide return to careers, family life, and daily routines once disrupted by chronic pain.
But migraine surgery isn’t just about pain relief—it’s about evidence-based transformation. In a recent peer-reviewed study by Dr. Alizadeh, 87% of patients experienced significantly reduced migraine intensity, frequency, or duration following nerve decompression surgery (Clinical Outcome of Nerve Decompression Surgery for Migraine Improves with Nerve Wrap). Many were able to discontinue daily medications altogether, reducing dependence on pharmaceuticals that can cause side effects or lead to long-term complications.
For patients who have spent years trying everything, this surgery represents something few treatments can promise: a potential cure. It is not right for everyone, which is why Dr. Alizadeh and his interdisciplinary team use strict, medically driven criteria to identify optimal candidates.
If you’ve exhausted every option and still find yourself rearranging your life around your next migraine, ask yourself: Is your current treatment truly enough?
Let us help you explore what life could feel like without pain. Contact us today to book your consultation and learn more.