Infant Tongue- and
Lip-Tie Release Post-Op Instructions
Post-Op Instructions
Care On Day One and Pain Relief
Typical Post-Procedure Activity and Things to Watch For
Dr. Turner will check on you on day one, and then you can reach out after that with any questions!
Good Reminders
Follow-Up Appointments to Schedule
To promote best healing, Dr. Turner may prescribe or recommend an additional medication.
How to Do the Diamond (Wound) Care
Goal:
Have the frenum heal and re-form as far back as possible. You will see a new frenum form. That is ok. Our goal is to reposition it and lengthen it.
Frequency:
Frequency: Repeat four times a day, at various times during the day for three weeks, then three times a day for one more week (4 weeks total). Begin the evening of the procedure.
Do not go more than six hours between stretches (4x/day). If your baby sleeps longer than six hours, yes, you do have to wake them for the stretch. The first stretch in the morning after sleeping is often the most difficult, it will be less difficult if you don’t let more than six hours go by! Don’t be discouraged.
Helpful Tips:
Try to make a game of it, if possible, and keep it playful.
The released area will form a wet scab after the first day. It will appear white or yellow and soft because it is wet. 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.
Watch our demo video:
Tongue-Tie Release
Your goal is to have the frenum heal and re-form as far back as possible.
With a clean or gloved middle finger, STABILIZE the lower jaw by putting gentle pressure where the lower jaw and lip meet (baby will open when you do this). Use your pointer fingers to lift the tongue at the diamond in the middle of the tongue. Push your pointer fingers up and back, lifting the tongue. Your goal is to see the whole diamond open up and lengthen. Hold for five seconds.
It may bleed slightly when it is stretched, especially if there are longer times between stretches. If you see this, add slightly more pressure, or add one more stretch per day.
Lip-Tie Release
The goal is for the frenum to heal and re-form as high as possible.
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 against the wound to massage it and keep the diamond open. Hold for five seconds.
It may bleed slightly when it is stretched, especially if there are longer times between stretches. If you see this, add slightly more pressure, or add one more stretch per day.
Buccal (Cheek)-Tie Release
The goal is for the frena to heal and re-form as high as possible.
Use your index finger and lift the cheek up and out away from the jaw bone in the area where the cheek tie was, for three seconds. Your finger will be used to stretch the cheek gently outwards and help reduce tension where the cheeks have been compensating. Most families say the cheek ties are the easiest and do not cause irritation.
Share Your Experience With Us
Finally, thank you for your trust in our team. We know this is a challenging time, but we find joy in helping you help your children thrive. If you have feedback, positive or negative,
share your experience with us!