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What is it? Tongue-tie is a condition
in which the free movement of the tongue is
restricted due to abnormal attachment of
lingual frenulum towards the tip of the
tongue. The frenulum may be too short and
taut, or it may be attached too far along
the base of the tongue. Tongue tie can cause
feeding problems in infants, and may cause
speech impairments as a child learns to
speak.
Procedure: The following guidelines
should help during the first week after
surgery. Although individual responses vary
widely following any operation, you (or your
child) can expect to return to normal in
about ten (10) days.
Overall, the procedure of cutting the
lingual frenulum is relatively simple, and
babies may breastfeed immediately
afterwards. Risks of frenoplasty/frenulectomy
are very low but may include pain, bleeding,
or infection.
For children who do require frenoplasty/frenulectomy,
we use a brief general anesthesia, and
cautery to divide the frenulum. A few
dissolvable stitches may be placed to
re-approximate the mucous membrane of the
tongue. The whole procedure takes
approximately 15 minutes.
ACTIVITY: The child may resume
regular activities the next day after
surgery.
DIET: Soft diet for the first (1)
day, depending on how the child is
recuperating from surgery (avoid citrus and
spicy food). Drink plenty of liquids.
MEDICATIONS: You may use Tylenol or
Acetaminophen for pain management. You may
resume any other medications that you use
regularly.
Call the office if you are experiencing:
Excessive pain with inability to swallow.
Fever greater than 101.5.
Continuous bleeding or vomiting.
Be sure return for your follow-up
appointment for post operative check. |
