Migraine Surgery in Bellevue
Lasting Relief Through Cranial Nerve Decompression
If you have tried every medication, endured countless Botox injections, and been told by neurologists there is nothing more they can do — you are not alone. For the millions of adults living with chronic, treatment-resistant migraines, traditional approaches often fail to deliver lasting relief. Migraine surgery — cranial nerve decompression — offers a clinically proven alternative. Dr. Kristopher Day, double board-certified and Ivy League trained, is one of the only Migraine Surgery Society members in the Pacific Northwest, bringing a rare level of specialized expertise to patients across Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, and the surrounding region.
Double Board-Certified (ABPS + ABS)
Ivy League Trained
Highly Rated Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
Proudly Serving Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Renton
What Is Migraine Surgery?
Migraine surgery — formally known as cranial nerve decompression surgery — is a procedure that identifies and surgically releases the compressed cranial nerves responsible for triggering chronic migraines. Unlike medications, which manage symptoms, migraine surgery targets the root cause: pressure on specific cranial nerves in the face, scalp, and neck that trigger the cascade of pain we recognize as a migraine.
The procedure originated from observations that certain cosmetic patients reported a dramatic reduction in migraine frequency after surgery involving the forehead and surrounding tissues. Decades of peer-reviewed research and clinical experience have since confirmed this connection: approximately 70–80% of properly selected patients experience meaningful improvement — defined as decreased frequency, decreased severity, or complete elimination — of their chronic migraines.
The surgical approach — called neurolysis — involves carefully releasing the compressed nerve at each identified trigger site. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, typically takes 1 to 4 hours depending on the number of trigger sites addressed, and leaves small, well-concealed incisions.
For patients whose lives have been defined by chronic pain, migraine surgery is not an experimental last resort. It is a research-backed, peer-reviewed surgical option now widely recognized within the plastic surgery community.
Benefits of a Migraine Surgery
Unlike medications that require daily dosing and carry cumulative side effects, migraine surgery addresses the structural cause of your migraines — offering the possibility of lasting, life-changing relief.
Benefit | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
70–80% improvement rate | Backed by peer-reviewed research from leading academic centers |
Lasting results | The procedure is designed to create a long-lasting structural change, offering relief that turns back the clock on chronic pain. |
Reduced medication dependence | Many patients significantly reduce or eliminate preventive medications |
Fewer lost days | Less time in bed, more time present with family, work, and life |
Addresses root cause | Surgical release of compressed nerves, not symptom management |
Shorter recovery than expected | Most patients return to desk work within the first week |
Destination-worthy expertise | Patients travel from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond |
Am I a Good Candidate for a Migraine Surgery?
Migraine surgery is specifically designed for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant migraines — those who have tried and failed conventional therapies. It is not a first-line treatment, and proper candidacy evaluation is essential.
The Consultation
Factor | Ideal Candidate | Not a Candidate |
|---|---|---|
Migraine type | Chronic (15+ days/month) or high-frequency episodic | Occasional, tension-type, or medication-overuse headache |
Treatment history | Has tried and failed 2 or more preventive migraine medications
| Have not yet tried conservative options |
Botox response | Full or partial improvement with Botox injections | No response and no identifiable trigger sites |
Trigger site pattern | Consistent pain location (forehead, temples, back of head, or behind the eyes/along the cheeks) | Diffuse or constantly shifting pain with no pattern |
Overall health | Non-smoker or willing to quit; medically cleared for surgery | Active infection, untreated psychiatric conditions, BMI concerns |
Expectations | Seeks significant reduction or elimination of migraines | Seeking complete guaranteed cure |
Specialty Evaluation | Previous Neurologist Evaluation | Has not seen Neurologist |
The Botox Diagnostic Test
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Day may use targeted Botox injections to identify your specific trigger sites. A positive response to Botox — even a partial response — is one of the strongest indicators that a patient is a good surgical candidate. The diagnostic process maps which cranial nerves are driving your migraines, so surgery can address exactly those sites. Dr. Day evaluates each patient’s Botox history individually during the consultation.
Not Sure If You're a Candidate?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Day to discuss your goals and options.
Your Migraine Surgery Journey
Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation — typically lasting over an hour — in which Dr. Day reviews your complete migraine history, identifies likely trigger sites, and discusses diagnostic testing options. There is no rushed evaluation here. Patients consistently note that Dr. Day listens in a way their neurologists never did.
Step 2: Trigger Site Identification
Using your migraine history, Botox diagnostic testing results, and physical examination, Dr. Day maps the specific cranial nerves contributing to your headaches. Surgery is planned to address only the confirmed trigger sites — from one to six possible sites across four anatomical zones.
Step 3 — Day of Surgery
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia at a fully accredited surgical facility. Depending on the number of trigger sites treated, the procedure takes 1 to 4 hours. Incisions are small and strategically placed within the hairline or natural skin creases to remain well-concealed within natural anatomic lines.
Step 4: Recovery
Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is. Low-grade activity — including walking — is encouraged starting the day after surgery. Most patients return to desk work and sedentary activities within the first week. Temporary numbness or tingling near incision sites is normal and typically resolves within weeks to months as nerves heal. Light exercise resumes at weeks 2–4, with full unrestricted activity by weeks 4–6.
"Dr. Day has given me my life back—or maybe allowed it to finally start—and I couldn't be more grateful. I have suffered with headaches and migraines since I was a child, but they've gotten worse in recent years to the point of having near daily migraines… When I woke up, I could already tell I felt better, and now, three weeks post-op, I feel the best I have in years…or maybe ever. Most importantly, I haven't had a migraine since the surgery. It's the longest I've gone without a migraine in a decade."
— Sarah L., Migraine Surgery Patient • Google Review
Recovery Timeline
Day 1-3
What to Expect
Mild swelling and discomfort; walking is encouraged starting Day 1; oral medications manage pain; av
Days 4–7
What to Expect
Discomfort significantly improves; most patients feel near-normal
Week 1
What to Expect
Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities by end of Week 1
Weeks 2–4
What to Expect
Light exercise resumes; start exertional activity at 50% of pre-operative baseline and increase gradually; continue avoiding contact sports
Weeks 4–6
What to Expect
Full unrestricted activity including high-impact exercise; complete return to pre-operative baseline
Month 1–3
What to Expect
Any residual numbness resolves; full results become apparent
6+ months
What to Expect
Long-term improvement confirmed as you enjoy lasting relief from your procedure.
Will Insurance Cover My Migraine Surgery?
Insurance coverage for migraine surgery is one of the most common questions patients ask — and the honest answer is: it depends, but it is worth pursuing.
The Coverage Landscape
Some insurers — particularly those familiar with the growing body of peer-reviewed research — cover cranial nerve decompression surgery fully or partially. Others classify it as experimental and deny coverage. Coverage decisions are highly individual, determined by your specific plan, your documented treatment history, and the medical necessity documentation your surgeon provides.
What Increases Your Chances of Coverage
- Documented history of chronic migraines meeting clinical criteria (15+ days per month)
- Evidence of failed conventional treatments (2+ preventive medications, Botox therapy)
- Prior authorization supported by detailed clinical documentation
- Appeal support if initially denied — many denials are successfully overturned
How Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery Helps
Our office provides comprehensive documentation for insurance submission, including detailed clinical notes, treatment history records, and medical necessity letters. While we cannot guarantee coverage, we will advocate on your behalf throughout the process.
Even when surgery is self-pay, patients consistently report the outcome is worth the investment. Many find surgery cost-effective long-term when compared to years of medication costs, lost productivity, and ongoing Botox treatment expenses.
What Results Can I Expect from a Migraine Surgery?
The research on migraine surgery outcomes is compelling. Across multiple peer-reviewed studies from leading academic institutions:
- Published peer-reviewed research consistently shows meaningful improvement in the majority of properly selected patients.
- Long-term follow-up studies demonstrate that improvement is sustained at five years or more.
- Many patients move from a “chronic” migraine pattern (15+ headache days per month) to an “episodic” pattern with significantly fewer migraine days.
Results vary by individual patient, number of trigger sites treated, and whether all relevant trigger sites are identified and addressed. Some patients achieve a complete and long-lasting elimination of migraines. Others experience dramatic frequency and severity reduction. In rare cases where a single trigger site is treated and improvement is partial, additional trigger sites may be uncovered and addressed in a subsequent procedure.
Migraine Surgery Cost in Bellevue
Migraine surgery is priced based on the number of trigger sites treated and the complexity of your individual case. Because each patient’s anatomy and trigger site pattern is unique, costs are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
What’s Included in Your Migraine Surgery Investment
Your surgical fee covers all of the following at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery:
- Surgeon's fee
- Facility / operating room fee
- Anesthesia (administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist)
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery medication (Exparel)
- Cosmetic surgery insurance coverage (Cosmetasure)
- High-end compression garment (Isavella)
- High-end scar ointment (Biocorneum)
- Swelling and bruising ointment (Arnica)
- Clara Recovery Supplements
- Chlorhexidine Anti-Septic Scrub Cloths
- Post-operative recovery and follow-up care
Financing Options
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit, two of the most widely used healthcare financing programs. Both allow patients to begin their journey without paying the full cost upfront.
Starting from $9,500
Pricing is discussed in full detail during your consultation so there are no surprises. Call (425) 818-8991 to get started.
Why Choose Dr. Kristopher Day for Your Migraine Surgery?
Most plastic surgeons do not perform migraine surgery. Most neurologists do not perform surgery at all. Dr. Day sits at the rare intersection of surgical skill, nerve anatomy expertise, and a deep personal commitment to patients who have been dismissed by the conventional medical system.
Migraine Surgery Society Member — One of the Only in the Pacific Northwest
Membership in the Migraine Surgery Society (MSS) represents specialized training, peer review, and a commitment to advancing surgical migraine treatment. Dr. Day is one of the only MSS members in the entire Pacific Northwest, making Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery a destination practice for patients from Bellevue, Seattle, and across the region.
Craniofacial Fellowship Training — Nerve Anatomy Expertise
Dr. Day completed his craniofacial fellowship at the University of Texas, where he developed an exceptionally detailed understanding of cranial nerve anatomy — the precise knowledge required to identify, map, and safely decompress the specific cranial nerves driving your migraines. This specialized background is not typical of general plastic surgeons.
The Doctor Who Finally Listens
Patients with chronic migraines have often spent years — sometimes decades — feeling dismissed. Dr. Day’s consultation approach is notably different. He conducts hour-plus consultations to understand your complete migraine history, asks you to describe and point to your pain, and works collaboratively to develop a surgical plan tailored to your specific trigger sites.
Additional Credentials
- Double Board-Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) + American Board of Surgery (ABS)
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- 30+ peer-reviewed publications
- Surgical Facilities: Swedish Medical Center, Carillon Point Surgery Center, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Sound Plastic Surgery Center
Conveniently Located for Eastside Families
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is centrally located in downtown Bellevue, making Dr. Day’s fellowship-trained expertise accessible to families throughout Bellevue and the greater Eastside — without the stress of navigating Seattle traffic. Our patients enjoy a private, boutique surgical experience with on-site validated parking, just minutes from the communities they call home.
Seattle
~15 minutes
World-class plastic surgery results without the downtown Seattle parking hassle. A quick drive across SR-520 or I-90 to our private Bellevue office.
Kirkland
~10 minutes
Just minutes from downtown Kirkland and the Juanita waterfront via I-405 or surface streets.
Redmond
~10 minutes
Convenient for the Redmond tech community via SR-520 or surface streets.
Mercer Island
~10 minutes
A quick drive across I-90. Our discreet, private environment is ideal for discerning Mercer Island residents.
Issaquah
~10 minutes
Convenient for Issaquah Highlands and Gilman Village area families via I-90.
Renton
~5 minutes
Easy access from Renton and the Landing via I-405 North. Boutique care and personalized attention just minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is migraine surgery a legitimate medical procedure?
Yes. Migraine surgery — cranial nerve decompression — is supported by peer-reviewed published research and decades of clinical experience. Approximately 70–80% of properly selected patients experience meaningful improvement — defined as decreased frequency, decreased severity, or complete elimination of their migraines. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recognizes it as a valid reconstructive procedure.
What is the success rate of migraine surgery?
Approximately 70–80% of carefully selected patients experience improvement following cranial nerve decompression surgery — meaning decreased frequency, decreased severity, or complete elimination of their migraines. Long-term studies demonstrate these results lasting 5 years or more for the majority of patients.
Does insurance cover migraine surgery?
Insurance coverage varies by plan and individual circumstances. Some insurers cover migraine surgery fully or partially, particularly when supported by documented treatment history and a detailed medical necessity letter. Our office assists patients with pre-authorization documentation and, when needed, appeal support. During your consultation, we will discuss your specific insurance situation.
Who performs migraine surgery — a neurologist or a plastic surgeon?
Migraine surgery is performed by specially trained plastic surgeons with expertise in cranial nerve anatomy — not neurologists, who provide non-surgical care. Dr. Day is a Migraine Surgery Society member with craniofacial fellowship training, making him uniquely qualified to identify and surgically decompress the nerves responsible for your migraines.
How long is recovery from migraine surgery?
Recovery is typically shorter than patients expect. Low-grade activity including walking is encouraged starting the day after surgery. Most patients return to desk work within the first week. Light exercise resumes at weeks 2–4, and full unrestricted activity at weeks 4–6. Temporary numbness near incision sites is normal and resolves over weeks to months as nerves heal.
How long do the results of migraine surgery last?
Long-term follow-up studies demonstrate that the majority of properly selected patients maintain meaningful improvement at five years or more after surgery. While individual results vary, most patients experience lasting relief substantially beyond what any medication regimen provides. Migraine surgery addresses the structural cause of your headaches rather than managing symptoms.
What does my Botox response mean for surgery candidacy?
A positive response to targeted Botox injections — even a partial response — is one of the strongest indicators that a patient is a good surgical candidate. Botox response helps map which specific cranial nerves are driving your migraines and informs the surgical plan. Patients who have not responded to Botox at all are typically not ideal surgical candidates, although Dr. Day will evaluate each patient individually. Schedule a consultation at (425) 818-8991 to discuss your specific situation.
Can I have migraine surgery if other treatments have failed?
Yes — and this is precisely the patient profile migraine surgery is designed for. Surgery is most appropriate for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant migraines who have not achieved adequate relief from medications, lifestyle modification, or Botox therapy. Exhausted other options does not disqualify you; it may make you the ideal candidate.
How do I know if I'm a candidate for migraine surgery?
The best way to determine candidacy is a comprehensive in-person consultation with Dr. Day. He will review your complete migraine history, identify likely trigger sites through examination, discuss any prior diagnostic testing, and outline a personalized surgical plan if appropriate. Call (425) 818-8991 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Schedule Your Migraine Surgery Consultation
You deserve to find lasting relief from chronic pain. Dr. Day and the Pacific Sound team create personalized transformation plans tailored to your unique goals.