Published on September 30, 2022, Updated on September 30, 2022
The duration of healing and recovery time after tongue-tie surgery is dictated by the type of tongue tied your baby has as well as the complexity of the treatment. Regardless of the procedure, you must follow these aftercare instructions several times every day to avoid the frenulum from regrowing in a restricted manner.
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Children with tongue-tie may find it challenging to eat and establish correct speech habits. A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that can remove tongue tie and allow patients to resume their normal lifestyles.
Following a frenectomy, your baby may experience discomfort for 24 to 48 hours. However, they will be able to be fed immediately. During this period, breastfeeding is recommended since skin-to-skin contact can offer your child natural pain relief. You can give your child pain medicines such as acetaminophen if they are in pain.
Do not worry about the yellow or white skin at the surgical site; this is quite normal. Several days to several weeks may be required for this color to return to normal. As the healing process advances, the wound will get narrower. If the wound gets inflamed and red, please contact our office immediately.
Your child will be able to move their tongue more freely after a frenectomy. This is not a normal occurrence, thus tongue exercises can assist your infant in becoming used to the tongue, retraining tongue movement, and strengthening tongue muscles. In addition, the exercises can minimize scar formation and the need for a second frenectomy.
Sucking exercises educate the infant on how to correctly nurse with their new tongue. Additionally, they guarantee that the baby does not feel that putting something in his or her mouth would be harmful. The following exercises should be performed for 30 to 45 seconds commencing on the third post-frenectomy day:
These post-surgery instructions may help your child receive the maximum benefit from the treatment. Please contact our office for additional information on tongue-tie.