Migraine Surgery in St. Louis
Surgical Expertise for Chronic Migraines
For patients struggling with persistent migraines, we offer a highly specialized surgical option grounded in precision and personalized care.
Board Certifications & Memberships
“My experience with Dr. Mailey and his staff was exactly what I needed before and after my surgery.” – Real Patients Stories
I was very happy with our service and our daughter very much loved how kind the doctors were.
M.R.
Dr. Mailey’s team and colleagues along with the schedulers, nurses, registers, transporters anesthesiologists and etc. Provided me with exceptional services during my surgery (pre and post). I felt the SSM mission.
C.J.
Excellent, professional, personal care from the time I checked in to the time I checked out, and of course everything in between!!!
L.D.
Dr. Chen is beyond amazing & we are so grateful for him.
A.L.
Very informative kind and caring. Him and his staff take time to explain things in knowledge in terms , people can understand. They always answer any questions.
L.P.
Dr Chen is very thorough – he looks at the recent past, the present, and definitely the future when it comes to his assessment of your condition or injury. Thank you Dr Kevin Chen for all you have done for me related to my reconstruction.
T.R.
Very professional and took time to answer all my questions.
N.H.
When Is Migraine Surgery Worth Considering?
If your chronic migraines haven’t improved with medication or other treatments, you’re not out of options. Migraine surgery in St. Louis can give you long-term relief and restore your quality of life.
As migraine surgery specialists, Dr. Brian Mailey and Dr. Kevin Chen identify and release pressure on sensory nerves to target the source of your migraines instead of just treating symptoms.
With years of experience in craniofacial and reconstructive procedures, they understand the complex nerve pathways in your head and neck, treating trigger points with precision that few other surgeons can match.
How Migraine Surgery Can Help You Live With Less Chronic Pain
Migraine surgery treats the root cause of your pain instead of just masking it. By relieving pressure on your nerves, we help you reduce the frequency of your migraines and take back control of your life.
i.
Find Relief at the Source
We release compressed nerves that trigger your migraines, targeting and resolving the underlying source of your pain.
ii.
Reduce Migraine Pain and Frequency
By addressing your trigger points, we decrease the frequency and intensity of your migraines.
iii.
Get Back to Daily Life
With fewer migraines, you can get back to your routine, spend more time doing what you love, and feel more like yourself again.
Are You a Good Candidate for Migraine Surgery?
If migraines are interfering with your daily life and other treatments haven’t given you lasting relief, migraine surgery may be worth exploring.
You may benefit from this procedure if:
- You have chronic migraines that haven’t improved with medication
- You have specific trigger points where your pain starts
- You feel pressure or pain in your forehead, temples, nose, or the back of your head
- Your migraines affect your ability to work, sleep, or enjoy daily activities
- You’re looking for a long-term solution instead of temporary relief
Not sure if this is the right step for you? Dr. Chen and Dr. Mailey will evaluate your symptoms and trigger points to determine if this approach may relieve your pain.
Not sure if migraine surgery is right for you? Let’s talk.
Why Patients Choose St. Louis Plastic Surgery
When chronic migraines are disrupting your life, you need more than a temporary fix. That’s why patients in St. Louis, St. Peters, and O’Fallon come to Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen to address their pain at the source.
i.
Direct Access to Your Surgeon
Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen work directly with you from your first consultation through recovery, always monitoring your symptoms, answering your questions, and keeping you comfortable
ii.
Care Built Around Your Goals
We customize your treatment based on your specific migraine patterns and trigger points, creating a plan focused on lasting relief.
iii.
Precision at Every Step
With extensive experience in craniofacial and nerve-related procedures, Dr. Mailey identifies and releases compression points with accuracy that few surgeons can match.
What To Expect During Your Procedure
Before
Consultation & Planning
Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen will review your migraine history, identify trigger points, and create a surgical plan to relieve nerve compression.
During
Your Procedure
We locate and release pressure on the nerves causing your migraines, targeting key trigger points to reduce pain at its source. Surgery typically takes 1 to 5 hours, depending on your needs.
Recovery
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3 — rest and manage discomfort.
- Week 1—2 — resume normal daily routines.
- Weeks 2–3 — numbness and tingling fade.
- 1—3 months+ — migraine relief becomes noticeable.
Serving St. Louis and Surrounding Communities
From St. Louis County to nearby St. Charles County, patients come to our practice for advanced care, thoughtful planning, and direct access to fellowship-trained plastic surgeons.
We proudly serve patients in St. Louis and throughout many of the area’s most established surrounding communities:
- St. Louis
- Chesterfield
- Creve Coeur
- Town and Country
- Ladue
- Frontenac
- Kirkwood
- Webster Groves
- Clayton
- Des Peres
- Ballwin
- Wildwood
- O’Fallon
- St. Charles
- St. Peters
Common Questions, Answered Clearly
How long is the recovery after migraine surgery?
Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days to a week. You’ll feel the full benefits of surgery as your nerves heal over 1 to 3 months.
Where are the incisions placed for migraine surgery?
We place small incisions in discreet areas depending on your trigger points, such as within the hairline, inside the eyelid, or along natural creases. These placements keep scarring minimal and difficult to notice.
Does insurance cover migraine surgery?
In some cases, insurance may cover migraine surgery if it’s considered medically necessary.
We’ll review your situation during your consultation and help you explore your coverage options.
How do I know if my migraines are caused by nerve compression?
Certain patterns, like pain starting in specific areas or responding to nerve blocks, can indicate nerve compression. Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen will evaluate your symptoms and trigger points to determine if surgery is the right approach for you.
Ready to Explore Your Relief Options?
Lasting relief is closer than you think. Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen use their craniofacial expertise to identify and treat the source of your migraines, helping you reduce pain and take back control of your life.
Ready to feel like yourself again?