How much does migraine surgery cost?

The average price range of migraine surgery is $5,000-15,000, according to an informal survey of the most prominent headache surgeons in the United States. Formal statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are not yet available.

A surgeon's cost for headache surgery may vary based on a number of parameters. Among these variables are his or her experience, geographic location, the number of nerves being addressed with any particular procedure and therefore the time required at the surgical facility and by the anesthesiologist. In some instances, health insurance may cover headache surgery, but at this time, insurance coverage is unpredictable. Therefore, an honest and transparent discussion about this possibility is an important part of the preoperative process to minimize any financial issues following surgery, when recovery is the main focus of both the patient and surgeon.

Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans for headache (migraine) surgery in instances where health insurance does not cover it, so be sure to ask about this option preoperatively.

Migraine surgery costs may include:

• Surgeon's fee
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Anesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medications
• Postsurgical garments
• Medical tests and x-rays that may be required both preoperatively and postoperatively

While the final cost of your surgical procedure is obviously an important consideration, it should definitely not be the most important factor in your decision making process. Several key items to consider when choosing a headache surgeon are: experience with the condition being treated, specific training in the procedure being recommended and experience with this procedure being performed. Other important factors to consider are the ability to speak with other patients who have had the same procedure your surgeon is recommending and your comfort with him or her as a physician.