This page has some of the comments about the Temporal Artery Ligation Procedure. Most comments were posted on the topix chatroom and you are encouraged to read them to get an understanding of others’ experiences.
Guys, just thought I’d provide you with some details of my personal experience with this awful problem. i began suffering with bulging temporal arteries since I was living in South East Asia for a year when I was 20, and I blame the intense heat on somehow causing them to swell and enlarge. Fast forward 4 years and they became drastically worse, noticeable and easy to excite with the usual triggers such as drink, mild heat, direct sunlight, anxiety etc.
Earlier this year, after reading and following this forum, I decided to do something about them as they were really beginning to bring me down and cause massive embarrassment. I chose to use Bruce Braithwaite, the Nottingham based vascular surgeon for the ligation procedure as several others had expressed success with him on this forum. I was in the operating room for about 30 mins and had one incision on both temples. In total the procedure cost £1000. It hurt like hell for a while, swelled and forced me to make up ridiculous stories to people looking at me in shock for the next few days, but I have never looked back since.
Six months later, I rarely think about my temporal arteries and although I can sometimes see and feel a vague outline where once dominant tubes existed, the procedure has largely been a success. If I’m really hot or drinking wine they do appear but still within the realms of normality and without the dreaded stare factor. However, if I go for a run they do reappear with their former glory but generally subside within a short while, where pre-op they would linger for a long time. Close friends and family who I informed of the operation are all amazed at the results and say they can never see the throbbing arteries anymore, which is a very positive sign.
The only caution I would give anybody contemplating this procedure is that the scaring is much more than I would have liked. Mine are just over a centimeter on each side and are basically indents in my head which have remained very red since, but I guess everybody’s skin heals in different ways.
If anybody has any questions for me, I would be pleased to assist as I can truly sympathize with anyone suffering with this crappy problem. I hope I can inspire confidence in at least somebody and if your considering going through with this. Good Luck…
Guys, just thought I’d provide you with some details of my personal experience with this awful problem. i began suffering with bulging temporal arteries since I was living in South East Asia for a year when I was 20, and I blame the intense heat on somehow causing them to swell and enlarge. Fast forward 4 years and they became drastically worse, noticeable and easy to excite with the usual triggers such as drink, mild heat, direct sunlight, anxiety etc.
Earlier this year, after reading and following this forum, I decided to do something about them as they were really beginning to bring me down and cause massive embarrassment. I chose to use Bruce Braithwaite, the Nottingham based vascular surgeon for the ligation procedure as several others had expressed success with him on this forum. I was in the operating room for about 30 mins and had one incision on both temples. In total the procedure cost £1000. It hurt like hell for a while, swelled and forced me to make up ridiculous stories to people looking at me in shock for the next few days, but I have never looked back since.
Six months later, I rarely think about my temporal arteries and although I can sometimes see and feel a vague outline where once dominant tubes existed, the procedure has largely been a success. If I’m really hot or drinking wine they do appear but still within the realms of normality and without the dreaded stare factor. However, if I go for a run they do reappear with their former glory but generally subside within a short while, where pre-op they would linger for a long time. Close friends and family who I informed of the operation are all amazed at the results and say they can never see the throbbing arteries anymore, which is a very positive sign.
The only caution I would give anybody contemplating this procedure is that the scaring is much more than I would have liked. Mine are just over a centimeter on each side and are basically indents in my head which have remained very red since, but I guess everybody’s skin heals in different ways.
If anybody has any questions for me, I would be pleased to assist as I can truly sympathize with anyone suffering with this crappy problem. I hope I can inspire confidence in at least somebody and if your considering going through with this. Good Luck…
Paddy,a few of us in here went to Bruce braithwaite in Nottingham to get the pipes disposed of.I was done about two years ago now and never once regretted it!! Cost about £1200 I think,worth every penny!
Midlands lad, Read me and sams posts mate. We went to the same surgeon Bruce braithwaite and I’m so glad I did ! Changed my life for the better . Best of luck mate, hope you get the results you want:-)
the ligation is safe as far as i was told and the last 6 months have been fine, i lift weights run and drink beer, an theres no problem,
it works by removing a section of the artery as low down as poss, were it is first visible,
the end is tied off stitched,the reemaining artey that used to bulge then dies off and constricts,shrinks.
the blood that used to go to the bulgeing artery is then dispersed safley,into other arteries that are non visible, thats the good bit,nomore worms,
but seriously its fine mate,
i to was a little nervous but its ok,
feels a little strange with his fingers in your head, but its worth it ,hope this helps,
People need to understand that the operation might not work, you will be left with prominent scars, waste your time and money getting to and from and won’t get a cent back (May 2016 CSP)
hey mate just to let you know i went to see mr braithewaite in februray for treatment to either side of my temple and i am really pleased with the results and scarring is minimal so best of luck but it will all go fine (May 2015 Anon. Glasgow)
Hii mate sorry for delay in getting back as I just noticed your text, one side of my head I
Has a tiny scar that isn’t noticeable on the other side it is a bit bigger but looks like a scratch and no one has said anything and doesn’t bother me in slightest , I never used any creams or oils as never felt I needed to so that should answer your question , the stitches were in for a couple weeks I think they stabbed over then just fell off , during that time it looked a bit worse but knew it was just a bit of scabbing and never felt self conscious about it , Mr braithewaite seems to know what he’s doing so if your only worried about scarring , don’t! Just go for it if the arteries are getting you down (May 2015 P, Glasgow)