POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS
FRENECTOMY
(LIP/TONGUE TIES)
When your child received a laser frenectomy (frenuloplasty) to release restrictive tissue under the tongue or upper lip. This procedure is commonly performed to improve feeding, speech development, oral function, and airway health.
The procedure was completed using a dental laser, which allows precise treatment with minimal bleeding and faster healing compared to traditional surgical techniques.
Proper healing and stretching of the tissue are extremely important to prevent the tissue from re-attaching. Please carefully follow the instructions below to support your child’s recovery and ensure the best possible outcome.
If you have questions or concerns at any time, please contact us.
What to Expect After the Procedure
It is normal for children to experience mild symptoms during the first few days after a frenectomy.
Your child may experience:
Swelling for 1–3 days
Mild discomfort, which may increase slightly on days 2–3
Temporary changes in feeding or nursing patterns
Increased fussiness or behavioral changes
Difficulty sleeping for the first 48–72 hours
These symptoms are part of the normal healing process and should gradually improve after the first few days. As the anesthesia wears off within about one hour, please monitor your child to ensure they do not place their fingers or objects in their mouth, which may irritate the healing site.
Pain Management
Most children tolerate the procedure well and require minimal medication. If needed:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be given every 6 hours as needed for discomfort if your child weighs more than 6 pounds.
For children 6 months or older, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may also be used according to pediatric dosing instructions.
Cold compresses applied to the outside of the cheek or lip may also help reduce swelling and discomfort for toddlers and older children.
Appearance of the Healing Area
After the first day, you may notice a white, yellow, or slightly green-colored patch at the treatment site. This appearance is normal and not a sign of infection. The area represents a natural healing layer similar to a scab inside the mouth. Over time:
The white/yellow patch will slowly shrink
The tissue will gradually return to a healthy pink color
Healing continues over several weeks.
Importance of Stretching Exercises
After a frenectomy, the body naturally attempts to heal the wound by closing the released tissue. Without stretching exercises, the tissue may re-attach and limit the effectiveness of the procedure. Stretching helps maintain the newly released length of the frenum and promotes proper healing. Parents play a very important role in this healing process. Before performing stretches:
Wash your hands thoroughly
Keep fingernails short to prevent irritation
Consider cooling your fingers with cold water or ice before stretching to make the process more comfortable
Upper Lip Stretches
Using clean or gloved fingers:
Insert your fingers into the upper lip fold (vestibule).
Lift the lip upward and outward toward the nose to expose the diamond-shaped healing site.
The goal is to clearly visualize the “diamond” shaped release area.
Stretching Technique
Lift the upper lip toward the nose four times
Start at the bottom of the release area and gently move upward
Apply gentle inward pressure while sliding your finger upward under the lip
Perform up-and-down motions four times
Then move your finger side-to-side four times
Some minor bleeding during the first 1–2 days is normal.
Tongue Stretches
Tongue stretching is essential to prevent reattachment under the tongue.
To perform the stretch:
Insert your pointer finger under the tongue from the side or front.
Press gently in the middle under the tongue.
Lift the tongue upward in a C-shaped motion.
Apply tension just above the white diamond-shaped wound and hold the stretch for approximately 10 seconds. Repeat this motion four times.
Stretching Schedule
For optimal healing:
Perform stretches 6 times per day if possible
At minimum, perform stretches 4 times daily
Continue this schedule for 3 weeks
After three weeks:
Gradually reduce stretching frequency
Stop by the end of week 4, once the tissue appears pink and flexible
If the tissue appears to be tightening or closing, additional stretching may be necessary.
Positioning for Stretching
A helpful technique is to position your child:
On your lap
With their feet facing away from you
This allows better control and visualization during stretches.
Preventing Oral Aversion
Some babies may temporarily resist mouth exercises after the procedure. To help prevent oral aversion:
Gently play with your baby’s mouth using clean fingers
Let your baby suck on your finger
Gently tickle their lips or gums during the day
These activities help your child become comfortable with oral stimulation again.
Tummy Time and Oral Development
For infants who have undergone a frenectomy, tummy time can be beneficial for strengthening neck and oral muscles involved in feeding and airway development.
Parents may find helpful guidance at: TummyTimeMethod.comIncreasing tummy time helps support healthy oral motor function and airway development.
Myofunctional Therapy and Oral Exercises
In some cases, we may recommend oral motor therapy or myofunctional exercises after a frenectomy. These exercises help children learn to properly use their tongue and oral muscles for:
Feeding
Speech development
Proper tongue posture
Nasal breathing
Healthy airway function
Follow-up therapy may be especially helpful for older children.
Airway and Functional Benefits
Tongue-tie and lip-tie restrictions can sometimes affect oral function and airway development. Releasing restrictive tissue may help improve:
Feeding or breastfeeding
Speech articulation
Tongue mobility
Nasal breathing
Oral posture
Airway development
Every child heals and responds differently, so ongoing monitoring is important.
When to Contact Tiny Tooth Co.
Please contact our office if you notice:
Persistent bleeding that does not stop
Fever or signs of infection
Increasing swelling after several days
Difficulty feeding or drinking
Any concerns about healing