Could breast implant removal help w/ neck pain and headaches? I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, diagnosed by venogram.

Removing a large and heavy implant could improve your symptoms but there are no guarantees.  You can also consider replacing some of the implant volume with a fat transfer to optimize the appearance of your breasts ofter explant.

Dear poodlex3,
It is hard to tell for sure, but there is a chance that implants removal will help with your symptoms. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your bra size.  However, the technique I recommend is explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method.  The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if not injured during your previous surgery.  At the same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.  Fat transfers are permanent and incorporated into the body.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  In most cases of TOS it is other anatomical structures causing the issue and not a woman's implants.  That said an in-person examination and review of your radiological studies would be required to confirm.  

Most women who undergo a reduction or exchange to smaller implants or remove implants do feel less weight on their necks and shoulders. Removing the excess weight may help give some relief. However, you still might need the rib removed for complete relief.

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) The treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome depends on the cause. A specialist will be able to guide you and recommend the most appropriate therapy for your condition.
On a separate note, if you no longer like the appearance of your breast implants, you have every right to have them removed. This may or may not help with your thoracic outlet syndrome. This will likely depend on what is causing your thoracic outlet syndrome. Best of luck!Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

The removal of heavy breast implants and subsequent improvement of posture may help alleviate your symptoms of neck pain and headaches but there is no guarantee of this with implant explantation.  However, most patients with large breasts who undergo breast reduction usually have resolution/reduction of those very symptoms. If you wish to undergo explantation, consult with a plastic surgeon who can advise you in person of surgical options.  Hope this helps.

There is no question that, for some patients, removal of breast implants can help with musculoskeletal discomfort ( involving the chest, neck, and upper back areas). This is especially true if the implants are "sitting" somewhat low on the patient's chest wall and/or associated with breast hypertrophy.   In your case, with a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome, it would be interesting to know what  anatomic structure is causing compression of the veins on the venogram study.   Knowing this information should help your clinicians determine whether or not breast surgery will be helpful. Having said the above, given your description,  breast removal certainly seems indicated (even. if breast removal and breast reduction surgery do not alleviate the thoracic outlet syndrome).My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as  well.   I find that the use of goal photographs and computer imaging are very helpful during this communication phase. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.  Best wishes.  

It is possible that the weight of your breasts can contribute to neck pain and possibly headaches.  The only way to know for sure if it will be improved is to have them removed.  See a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation to learn more.