Tongue tie Division
This can be performed in your own home or clinic if pre arranged.
After a full assessment in which the practitioner will take a detailed birth and feeding history, assess oral/tongue function fully discuss findings and recommendations, if division is suitable the procedure can go ahead (after some paperwork and consent forms have been signed). It is important to note that in some cases several weeks of oral exercises/body work may be needed before division is performed for the best outcome / resolution of symptoms.
The tongue tie practitioner will perform a small surgical procedure where they cut the lingual frenulum with a pair of scissors specifically designed for this purpose. This is called a Frenotomy (also known as Frenulotomy or tongue-tie division)
Tongue tie surgery causes minimal discomfort for infants and is done without the need for anaesthesia. Some parents may choose to give paracetamol prior to the procedure if the baby is old enough for over-the counter medication > 8 weeks of age. We encourage a bread feed / bottle feed straight after division for comfort, and applying more natural pressure to the wound.
As with any surgical procedure, a tongue-tie procedure carries risks of complications including:
1 in 3-5000
will bleed longer than we expect requiring further measures.
Risk of bleeding following Frenulotomy is low. We cannot predict which babies might bleed more than others but we do ask questions to highlight those at higher risk.
1 in 10’000
Divisions result in infection.
Infection risk is small. The mouth is one of the quickest healing locations
very rare
Injury to the saliva ducts is very rare.
Tongue tie practitioners have received training and know the anatomy of the mouth to avoid this occurring. However there is still a risk involved with the procedure.
2-4%
Of babies will develop a new tongue- tie during healing.
Usually noticed around 4-6 weeks when symptoms may start to return. If you feel your baby may have a re-attachment review is recommended. Re-division may be offered if this has occurred.
this is why exercises are important in the healing stage
Aftercare
After the procedure is performed the practitioner will talk through the exercises that will help optimise recovery. You can contact the practitioner via whattsap/text for 2 weeks following division for advice if required. Follow up appointments can be booked post division but recommended to be left until at least 4-6 weeks post division to allow for healing. Babies progress will be up and down during the first few weeks and initially symptom’s can worsen before getting better.
