William G. Austen: Headache Surgery - Current Successes, Emerging Innovations, and Future Directions

Chronic headache and migraine disorders remain among the most debilitating conditions affecting patients worldwide. In recent years, headache surgery has emerged as a transformative option for select patients who do not respond to medical management. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of current evidence-based surgical treatments for migraines and other chronic headache disorders, with a focus on peripheral nerve decompression techniques.

Dr. William G. Austen, a leading authority in the field, will review patient selection criteria, surgical approaches, and outcome data that highlight the efficacy of these procedures. The session will also cover recent advances, including new anatomical targets, refined surgical techniques, and the integration of imaging and intraoperative technologies to improve precision and results.

In addition, Dr. Austen will explore the future of headache surgery—what innovations are on the horizon, how ongoing research is shaping clinical practice, and the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in improving patient care.

Surgeons attending this session will gain practical insights into how headache surgery fits into the broader treatment landscape and how to incorporate these evolving techniques into their own practice or referral networks.

SPEAKER:

Dr. William G. Austen, Jr., MD, FACS, is Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Chief of the Division of Burn Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he also serves as Interim Chief of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry. He holds the Burke/Marriott Chair in Burn Surgery and the Trustee Chair of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. A Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Austen is internationally recognized for his expertise in complex reconstructive surgery, migraine surgery, burn care, and aesthetic procedures. He has been instrumental in advancing peripheral nerve decompression techniques for chronic headaches, as well as developing novel approaches in craniofacial and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Austen earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency in plastic surgery at the Harvard/Brigham and Women’s Hospital program. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has published extensively, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles. He is also a named inventor on more than 100 patents, reflecting his commitment to surgical innovation and device development. A respected educator and mentor, Dr. Austen directs the Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Fellowship at MGH and remains dedicated to advancing surgical care through clinical excellence, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify appropriate candidates for headache surgery by understanding evidence-based patient selection criteria for chronic migraine and headache disorders.

2. Describe key surgical techniques, including peripheral nerve decompression, and recognize anatomical targets relevant to surgical intervention.

3. Evaluate clinical outcomes and efficacy data supporting headache surgery as a viable treatment option for patients with medication-refractory headaches.

4. Incorporate recent advances such as novel anatomical targets, imaging modalities, and intraoperative technologies into surgical planning and execution.

5. Discuss the evolving role of headache surgery within multidisciplinary care models and explore future directions in research and innovation.

6. Apply practical knowledge to determine how and when to integrate surgical options into their own clinical practice or referral pathways.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• Plastic Surgeons, particularly those specializing in peripheral nerve, reconstructive, or aesthetic surgery.

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons involved in managing craniofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, or facial nerve-related pathology.

• Neurosurgeons with an interest in functional or pain-related procedures.

• Otolaryngologists (ENT surgeons) managing facial pain or sinus-related headaches.

• Neurologists involved in the diagnosis and long-term management of chronic migraine and headache disorders.

• Pain Management Specialists seeking surgical referral options for treatment-refractory patients.

• Residents and Fellows in surgical, neurologic, or oral-maxillofacial training programs.

• Multidisciplinary Headache Teams, including allied health professionals involved in chronic headache management.

ONLINE LIVE EVENT ( Free of Charge )

San Francisco: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Mexico City: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 3:00 pm

New York: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 5:00 pm

Rio de Janeiro: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm

London: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 9:00 pm

Berlin: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10:00 pm

Johannesburg: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 11:00 pm

Cairo: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 11:00 pm

Dubai: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 1:00 am

Delhi: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 2:30 am

Manila: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 5:00 am

Sydney: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 8:00 am

CME ACCREDITATION: This event may be accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) for a maximum of 1 European CME credits (ECMEC®s). Each medical specialist should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. If you are a learner based in the U.S. or Canada EACCME credits are recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

LANGUAGE: The event language is english. 

DECLARATION: In accordance with criterion 13 of document UEMS 2023.07.rev “EACCME® Criteria for the Accreditation of Live Educational Events (LEEs)” and the Standard v. Commercial or Promotional Conflict of Interest, published by the American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP), all surgeON presenters sign a Conflict of Interest form to document all perceived or actual conflicts of interest for the last 3 years, whether due to a financial or other relationship. This document can be viewed at the beginning of the event or on request by emailing info@surgeon-events.org No fee, honorarium or arrangement for re-imbursement of expenses in relation to the this event has been provided to the speaker.