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Who Does Frenectomy

How should I prepare for this procedure?

Before your baby has a frenotomy, a pediatrician will give them a thorough physical exam. They’ll look for all possible causes of breastfeeding difficulties. These include:

  • Disorders affecting their nervous system.
  • Conditions affecting the anatomy of their head or mouth.

This exam is important because treating tongue-tie won’t be enough to help if other factors affect your baby’s ability to breastfeed. If your pediatrician determines tongue-tie is the main concern, they’ll work with a lactation consultant to help you find solutions. For example, changing your breastfeeding position or adjusting your baby’s latch may help.

But if your baby still can’t breastfeed successfully, then your providers will talk to you about a frenotomy and what it involves. They’ll make sure you’re comfortable with the decision and explain the benefits and risks.

What happens during a frenotomy (frenectomy)?

A healthcare provider (typically, a clinician trained in performing frenotomies like a pediatrician, ENT physician or Breastfeeding Medicine physician) makes a small cut in your baby’s lingual frenulum. This is the fold of tissue that connects the bottom of your baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth. Cutting this tissue allows your baby to move their tongue more freely.

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The traditional method for a frenotomy uses scissors to cut (release) this tissue. This is the gold standard. However, some providers use other methods, like lasers. Researchers continue to compare the benefits and drawbacks of these various methods.

Infants don’t need anesthesia in any form for this procedure. Some healthcare providers recommend using oral sucrose (a sugar solution) before the procedure to help your baby feel more comfortable. Most babies are comforted afterward with feeding.

Frenotomies typically take place in a provider’s office or a hospital setting.

How long does this procedure take?

A frenotomy that uses scissors is a short procedure. It only takes about one minute, on average. This is the conventional and more common method. A frenotomy that uses lasers may take a little longer.

What happens after a frenotomy (frenectomy)?

Healthcare providers recommend feeding your baby right after the procedure ends. Doing so helps comfort your baby and stop any bleeding.

There’s currently no evidence to support stretching or massaging the wound after the procedure to help recovery. Some parents notice an immediate improvement in pain and transfer of milk, and others notice an improvement over one to two weeks after the procedure. Some infants require additional speech therapy assistance to gain full movement of the tongue.

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