Tongue-tie surgery releases the lingual frenulum to allow for proper extension and movement of the tongue.
What Is Tongue-Tie Surgery?
Tongue-tie surgery is usually performed by an otolaryngologist, dentist, oral surgeon, or pediatrician.
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There are three different types of tongue-tie surgeries: frenulotomy, frenectomy, and frenuloplasty.
Frenulotomy
A frenulotomy (a.k.a.
Frenectomy
During a frenectomy, the entire lingual frenulum is removed with a scalpel.Generalorlocal anesthesiamay be used.
A frenuloplasty may be done under local or general anesthesia.
Keep in Mind
Sometimes the termsfrenulotomy,frenectomy, andfrenuloplastyare used interchangeably.
This clearance can usually be accomplished through a visit with your pediatrician or primary care physician.
Do not wear makeup, nail polish, or deodorant.
Bring your insurance card.
A nurse will then record your/your child’svitals.
This IV will be used for administering medications during the procedure.
Your practitioner will then come to greet you and briefly review the surgery.
You may need to sign a consent form at this time.
Younger children may receive the sedating medication through a mask whereas older children may receive it through their IV.
Once asleep, any child who does not have an IV will have one placed by a nurse.
This decision is left up to the anesthesiologist.
For the remainder of the procedure, parents will wait in the waiting room.
During the Surgery
The exact steps of the surgery depend on which tongue-tie procedure is being performed.
The breathing tube is connected to aventilator.
Infant Restraint
Restraint may be needed for an infant undergoing a frenotomy.
Therefore, it’s OK and common for babies to be fussy and crying during a frenotomy.
Feeding helps soothe the baby and encourages tongue mobility.
For pain management, your healthcare provider may recommend Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Motrin (ibuprofen) may be recommended if your child is at least 6 months of age.
Wound Care
After a tongue-tie surgery, a diamond-shaped woundwill be present in the mouth.
If the wound is left open, it will have a yellow-to-white coloring to it.
This is normal, and there is usually nothing to do in terms of cleaning the wound.
After a frenectomy or frenuloplasty, stitches may be placed.
These stitches will dissolve on their own or be removed about one week after the surgery.
It’s best to do this just before or after a diaper change.
Always wash your hands with soap and water first.
Do not hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or feeding specialist for extra guidance, if needed.
Tongue-tie may be more likely to recur after a frenotomy than after a frenectomy or frenuloplasty.
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