Tongue, Lip or Buccal Tie (Frenectomy).

What To Expect

Although every baby heals differently, they all follow the same healing steps:

Day 1-3

• Your baby will feel sore or tender and probably more fussy than usual.
• The “white patch” begins to form. It acts like a band-aid.
• If upper lip was revised, swelling will be present.
• Pain management indicated.
• They may have difficulty latching. Have a back up feeding plan.

Week 1

• Soreness improves everyday and is gone by 7-10 days.
• Healing patch reaches maximum size.
• Baby may still be fussy.
• Baby is relearning how to suck and feedings may be inconsistent.
• Follow up with the lactation consultant is recommended in the first 2 days.
• Body work is recommended in the first three days.
• Pain management as necessary.
• Exercises are irritating.

Week 2-4

• Healing patch is shrinking.
• Pain management no longer necessary.
• Exercises are only mildly irritating.
• Continue to follow-up with Lactation Consultant and Bodywork as needed.
• Begin to see signs of feeding improvement.

Continue exercises for 4 weeks. Baby may take up to 4 weeks to improve with feedings. Follow-up with Lactation Consultant and Bodywork as necessary.

Pain Management Recommendations

Natural Remedies
Breast milk ice chips: Frozen breast milk can naturally numb the area. Freeze breast milk flat in a baggie and place tiny pieces under tongue, lips, or cheeks and let melt slowly.

Soothing Oils
Organic coconut oil can be used to lubricate the wound and create ease with the exercises. Feels better if chilled.

• Hyland’s Teething gel is safe for any age.

Apply a small dab to area 4-6 times a day.

Homeopathic Remedies

• Acontinum (Calming, reduces pain and fear)
• Rescue Remedy for Kids (Calming, reduces pain and fear)
• Bellis Perennis (aids in tissue healing)
• Chamomila (aids in wound healing, used for teething)

Under 6 Months
Infant/ Child’s Tylenol (160mg/5mL)
Dose (based on weight) Every 4-8 hours as needed for the first 2 days

Over 6 Months
Children’s Motrin 50mg/5mL
Dose mL (based on weight) every 6-8 hours for the first few days as needed for pain.

Stretching Exercises

Can begin the day after the procedure. 5 times a day for 4 weeks. Stretch and hold for five seconds each time. Massage for 10 seconds, 5 seconds in each direction.

Labial Frenum (Lip)

• With clean hands, grasp the upper lip and lift up and back towards the nose.
• Hold the position for 5 seconds.
• Use your index finger to sweep side to side (5x) and up and down (5x). Be sure to engage high into the fold under the lip.

Lingual Frenum (Tongue)

• With clean hands, place index fingers on the left and right side of the healing diamond. Be sure to apply pressure so that the tissue compresses.
• Use the other fingers to push the chin down.
• In this position, lift the tongue up and down five times.
• Gently massage the diamond up and down, side to side 5 times.

Post Procedure Stretches are the Key to an Optimal Result!!

Healing occurs underneath the healing diamond. Be sure to press against it to disrupt the healing. The white diamond will shrink every day, but the healing process is still occurring underneath. You must continue the stretches as the new frenum forms to make it as long and flexible as possible, and to help prevent the surgery from being repeated.

Normal Response Post-Surgery

• Bleeding during stretches.
• Fussiness and inconsolable crying the first week. Be proactive with pain management.
• Trouble Latching- Due to soreness and your baby re-learning how to suck. In some cases, the latch is worse before it gets better. Follow-up with your lactation consultant.
• Increased choking and spitting up.
  Babies must adjust to the increased milk flow. Follow-up with your lactation consultant.
• Increased drooling and saliva.
• Increased sleeping- This may be due to medication, exhaustion, or that the infant is feeding better and is more satisfied.

When To Call The Doctor

ALTHOUGH RARE, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT DR. KIMI WHEN EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING:

• Fever greater than 101.5 degrees.
• Uncontrolled bleeding.
• Refusal to eat with bottle or breast for over eight hours.