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Migraine Surgery in Singapore
Dr Ng Zhi Yang is a UK and Singapore accredited ​Plastic Surgeon who evaluates and treats selected patients for migraine and peripheral nerve surgery in Singapore. This involves targeted decompression of sensitive nerve pathways to reduce headache frequency and pain intensity when conservative treatments have been exhausted.
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​​Dr Ng Zhi Yang has training in peripheral nerve surgery in Oxford and Switzerland, and has also visited Prof Edoardo Raposio in Genova, Italy to learn migraine surgery.
​My Approach
Chronic migraines and peripheral nerve-related pain (e.g. neuroma) can significantly affect comfort, concentration and daily function. For selected patients, targeted nerve decompression surgery may help reduce migraine symptoms by relieving pressure on specific sensory nerves of the forehead, temples or scalp.​
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Migraine surgery is considered for patients who:
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Have chronic migraines or neuralgia with reproducible trigger sites
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Experience relief after Botulinum toxin, nerve blocks or local anaesthetic tests
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Continue to have symptoms despite medication
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Prefer an anatomical solution rather than ongoing medical therapy
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​Migraine Surgery in Singapore - Plastic Surgeon Evaluation
Migraine and peripheral nerve pain patterns vary greatly between individuals. My focus is on identifying anatomical trigger points, areas where small sensory nerves are compressed by muscle, fascia, or scarring, and to determine whether surgical release may help reduce nerve irritation.
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​The initial consultation focuses on understanding your symptom pattern, examining potential trigger points, and discussing whether surgery is likely to provide meaningful benefit.​​
Planning & Technique
Migraine surgery is tailored to each patient and focuses on the relevant trigger sites:
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Frontal Trigger Site
Release of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves through discreet eyelid-crease or hairline incisions.
Temporal Trigger Site
Decompression of the zygomaticotemporal nerve via a small incision hidden within the temporal hairline.
Occipital Trigger Site
Release of the greater and lesser occipital nerves at the back of the scalp, useful for occipital migraines or neuralgia.
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Plastic Surgeon for Migraine Surgery
Each procedure is performed with attention to precision, soft-tissue balance and scar quality, often mirroring aesthetic approaches around the brow, temples or scalp. My goal is to relieve nerve irritation while maintaining natural contours and harmony.
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Other Peripheral Nerve Surgery
While migraine surgery is the main focus, selected patients may also benefit from surgery for:
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Meralgia Paraesthetica - compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the thigh, sometimes after abdominoplasty or due to tight fascia
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Neuroma - painful nerve overgrowth following injury or surgery
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Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (select cases) - tibial nerve compression at the ankle
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Other sensory nerve entrapments in areas affected by scarring or trauma
These are offered selectively when symptoms are well-localised and conservative care has been exhausted.
Recovery & Expectations
Migraine and peripheral nerve surgeries are usually performed as day procedures under sedation or general anaesthesia.
You can expect:
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Mild swelling, tightness or bruising
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Temporary changes in sensation
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Return to light activities within several days
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Gradual improvement in symptoms over 3 to 6 months, as nerves settle and inflammation reduces
Outcomes vary between individuals. Migraine surgery is not a cure, but in well-selected patients, reducing nerve compression may help lessen the burden of migraines and nerve irritation. A clear discussion of expectations, benefits and limitations is an important part of planning your treatment.
Post-operative care extends beyond routine reviews - it is an integral part of Dr Ng’s surgical philosophy. Through Doctor Stitch, an aftercare service founded to ensure seamless continuity and comfort, every patient is followed up personally by Dr Ng. Whether at home or in clinic, he provides attentive, discreet, and consistent care throughout the recovery journey.
​Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Who offers migraine surgery in Singapore?
Migraine surgery in Singapore may be offered by plastic surgeons with training in peripheral nerve surgery. Dr Ng Zhi Yang evaluates carefully selected patients for migraine and peripheral nerve decompression surgery after appropriate assessment.
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2. What types of migraines are suitable for surgery?
Migraine surgery is considered in patients with well-defined trigger sites who have persistent migraine symptoms despite exhaustive conservative and medical management, and whose anatomy shows external compressive points that correlate with clinical symptoms.
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3. How is a trigger site identified before surgery?
Trigger sites are identified through detailed clinical history, physical examination, and response to nerve blocks or botulinum toxin at specific points. These help to confirm the symptomatic correlation.
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4. Is migraine surgery painful?
Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. Postoperative discomfort is usually mild to moderate initially and well managed with standard analgesia. Recovery protocols are tailored individually.
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5. How long until improvement is seen after surgery?
Some patients report early changes in headache frequency or intensity, but full effect typically evolves over weeks to months as tissues settle and nerve decompression benefits are realised.
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6. Are there risks specific to nerve decompression surgery?
As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, nerve irritation or temporary numbness. Specific nerve decompression risks are discussed during consultation in the context of individual anatomy. Not uncommonly, the successful release of an entrapped nerve may unmask another trigger point that was not evident previously.
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7. Will peripheral nerve surgery cure migraines?
“Surgical cure” is not guaranteed. Rather, the aim is to significantly reduce frequency and severity by addressing anatomically correlated triggers. Improvement is often durable, but outcomes vary by patient and migraine subtype.
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8. Do you treat other nerve conditions?
Yes, selected cases of meralgia paraesthetica, neuroma and other sensory nerve entrapments may also be managed surgically when appropriate.
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Related Reading
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I have published on the surgical treatment of neuromas using an up-to-date technique called regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI)
