There can be pain and swelling in the first few days, this is normal. These symptoms should gradually go away. If the pain and swelling persist or worsen, then please feel free to contact our office.

Medication such as Tylenol or children’s Motrin can be taken for discomfort. (Please reference the medication bottle for appropriate dosages). Pain relief is needed the first few days. If the lip-tie was released, the child’s lip may swell up slightly that evening or the next day. It is normal and will go down after a day or two. The wound will be sore for a few days, at one week look much better, and at two weeks look almost normal. A slight fever is normal the first day. 
 
HEALING
Remember that everyone heals differently. Healing can occur anytime, from a few days to a few weeks.  The wound will be “diamond-shaped” and will look like a hole in the beginning.  This will change in a few days to a white/yellow color, which looks like pus.

Bleeding after surgery may continue for several hours.  Rest quietly with your head elevated for the first 12-24 hours.  Bleeding should always be evaluated by looking directly at the surgical site.  Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the surgery and does not indicate a problem.

Hemorrhage or prolonged bleeding occurs rarely.  If this does occur, then please call our office immediately.

 

TONGUE-TIE RELEASE
Your goal is to have the area heal and re-form as far back as possible to give the most mobility. 
1.  STARTING TOMORROW: With a clean or gloved finger, push down behind the teeth in the floor of the mouth, and swipe/push into and up the tongue (on the diamond), lifting the tongue at the top of the diamond in the middle of the tongue. Your goal is to see the whole diamond open up and lengthen. It may bleed slightly when it is stretched or re-opened. This is not a concern. Try to make a game of it if possible and keep it playful, or bribery can work too.  

2.  Repeat this 2-3 times a day for 3 weeks. Quality stretches are the key.
3.  Encourage the child to move the tongue as much as possible by sticking it out and holding for 10 sec, out to the left, right, open wide and lift up and paint the roof, make clicking noises, and clean off the teeth. Do these exercises as often as possible, but try for 3 times a day or as directed by your therapist.

4.  Lick or suck an ice cream cone/bar where the tongue can be stimulated to move.

LIP-TIE RELEASE
The goal is for the lip to heal and be able to lift as high as possible.
1.   STARTING TOMORROW: Pull the lip up as high as possible, high enough to press against the nose.  You want to see the whole white diamond open up. Press gently but firmly right on the wound to massage it and keep the diamond open. It may bleed slightly when this is done, but this is not a concern. Try to make a game of it, and keep it playful, or bribery can work too.
2.  Repeat 3 times a day for 3 weeks.

The released area will form a wet scab after the first day. It will appear white or yellow and soft because it is wet (not infected). This area is what you will be pressing against. The healing will be happening under the scab, just like a scrape anywhere else on your body. The white area will get smaller each day, but healing is still happening!  So even though the white scab will heal you MUST continue the stretching or the new frenum will not be as long as possible and the surgery may need to be repeated.

 

Do not expect immediate results. Sometimes it can take a few weeks or more before there is noticeable improvement especially when the child is older.
 

EATING AND DRINKING
It is advisable that patients only have liquids until the anesthetic wears off, but patients may consume some soft foods such as applesauce, pudding, and jello. Once the numbness is gone, patients can progress to solid foods.

Don’t eat anything hot or spicy in the first few days, preferably lukewarm or cold food so as not to irritate the wound.
 
ORAL HYGIENE
The best way to prevent infection and ensure healing is to keep your mouth clean. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal.  Use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste after meals and at bedtime. Beginning 24 hours after the procedure, you may also use a salt water rinse.  One teaspoon of salt to 8 oz of lukewarm water.  Gently rinse one mouth full of salt water for 60 seconds.  This can be done after meals and at bedtime.

FOODS TO DRINK AND EAT WHILE NUMB - use caution not to bite lip, cheek, or tongue
Drink
Water
Juice
Ice chips
Popsicles

Food
Applesauce

Jello

Pudding

Yogurt
Milkshake (no straw!)

ADD SOFT FOODS WHEN NUMBNESS IS GONE - Increase diet to solid foods as tolerated
Soft Foods:
MASHED POTATOES
PASTA
EGGS
PANCAKES
CREAMED CEREALS
SOUPS (BE CAREFUL-NOT TOO HOT)
 

 

The patient will need to come back for a follow up appointment in 2 weeks following the procedure to check the healing progression. If in the future you’re concerned it is growing back together, come back for a visit or email a picture. Treatment with a myofunctional therapist and bodyworker (Chiropractor, CST) is recommended for full rehabilitation.