These instructions explain what to expect and how to care for your infant or child following a frenectomy procedure. Please follow the specific instructions provided by Dr. Jamil regarding feeding, stretching exercises, diet, oral hygiene, activity, and discomfort management.
Infant Frenectomy Aftercare
Feeding Immediately After the Procedure
Immediately following the procedure, we ask that you try to breastfeed your baby if you intend to continue breastfeeding. If you are supplementing with a bottle or using a nipple shield, try feeding without it.
Some infants show immediate improvement after the procedure. If this does not happen right away, do not be discouraged. Please follow up with your International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to begin exercises that help retrain the upper lip and tongue to function more effectively during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Managing Your Baby’s Discomfort
Some infants may show signs of discomfort immediately after surgery or during the first few days following their frenectomy.
You may use frozen breast milk chips at the frenectomy site to help relieve discomfort. Freeze a thin layer of breast milk in a freezer bag and break it into small chips once completely frozen. These breast milk chips may also be used at each procedure site if your baby experiences discomfort during the postoperative stretches.
If needed, Infant’s Tylenol may be used according to your baby’s weight.
Why Post-Operative Stretches Are Important
After a frenectomy, it is important to manipulate the procedure site at least every four hours or during each feeding. These stretches help limit the possibility of the released tissues healing back together.
Perform the stretches demonstrated by Dr. Jamil using freshly washed hands. Gloves are not necessary. You will also receive an email containing a video that demonstrates how to perform the stretches at home with your baby.Parents whose child received lip-tie surgery should carefully follow the upper lip stretching instructions provided below.
Upper Lip Stretch Instructions
Use your thumbs and index fingers to firmly hold your baby’s upper lip. Elevate the lip toward the nose until you can see the diamond-shaped procedure site.
While holding the lip up, place your middle fingers on either side of the surgical release and firmly press to reopen the scab. Slight bleeding may occur. This is normal because new blood vessels develop in the area during healing.
Perform this stretch at least six times a day for two weeks, or until the wet scab is gone. The goal is to prevent the tissues from healing back together.
Tongue Stretch Instructions
Lift the tongue away from the floor of the mouth until the diamond-shaped procedure site is visible. Push the tongue upward and back toward your baby’s throat.
Slight bleeding may occur during the stretch. This is normal because new blood vessels develop in the area as it heals.
Perform the tongue stretch at least six times a day for a minimum of four weeks. The goal is to prevent the tissues from healing back together and minimize reattachment.
Dr. Jamil does not feel it is necessary to wake your baby throughout the night to perform the stretches. However, the first stretch in the morning should be slightly more aggressive.
Normal Healing After an Infant Frenectomy
You can expect to see a white or yellow patchy area at the frenectomy site. This is known as a “wet scab” and is a normal part of the healing process. It is not an infection. Infection at these surgical sites is very uncommon.
You may apply a protective barrier or a thin layer of coconut oil or vitamin E oil to the area three times a day. Apply it using a cotton swab or a clean fingertip. Be aware that vitamin E oil may have an unpleasant taste.
Child Frenectomy Aftercare
Eating After the Procedure
Wait until the numbness from the local anesthetic has completely disappeared before your child eats.
Avoid using straws for the first 48 hours. If your child must eat while still numb or partially numb, begin with cool, soft foods that can be eaten with a spoon. This can help prevent excessive swelling, bleeding, accidental burns, or biting of the cheek, lip, or tongue.
Foods to Avoid During Healing
Until the wound has healed, avoid foods that may irritate the procedure site, including:
- Hard or crunchy foods such as chips and popcorn
- Acidic foods such as citrus, vinegar, and tomatoes
- Spicy foods
Brushing and Physical Activity
Your child may begin brushing their teeth normally on the evening of the procedure.
Most normal physical activities may be resumed the following day. Wait at least 48 hours before swimming or participating in strenuous physical activity.
Discomfort, Bruising, and Medication
Some discomfort and discoloration are expected following a frenectomy. Bruising of the tongue is also common.
Tylenol or ibuprofen, as directed for the patient’s age and weight, may be taken every four to six hours if needed for discomfort. If greater discomfort is anticipated, a prescription may be provided.
Managing Swelling
Minimal swelling and discomfort may occur following surgery.
For a maxillary or mandibular labial frenectomy involving the upper or lower lip, apply ice to the outside of the lip.
For a lingual frenectomy under the tongue, your child may have a popsicle or place ice chips underneath the tongue.
Ice may be used during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Discontinue ice after the first 24 hours. Your child may also rinse with warm salt water twice a day.
Managing Bleeding
Some bleeding after oral surgery is normal. Because a soft-tissue laser was used, bleeding is generally minimized.
If excessive bleeding occurs, fold a piece of sterile gauze or a black tea bag and place it directly over the procedure site. Apply moderate pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
Questions or Concerns After the Procedure
If you have any concerns following the procedure, please call the office at (214) 935-3764.
If you experience a concern that cannot wait until regular office hours, Dr. Jamil and the team will also receive text messages sent to the office number. Please include your child’s name, a photo of the procedure area, and an explanation of your concern.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomy Aftercare
How soon can I feed my baby after a frenectomy?
You may try breastfeeding your baby immediately after the procedure. If you normally use a bottle or nipple shield, you may be asked to attempt feeding without it. Some babies show an immediate improvement, while others need time and support from an IBCLC to retrain the tongue and upper lip.
How often should frenectomy stretches be performed?
Infant frenectomy stretches should generally be performed at least every four hours or during each feeding. Upper-lip stretches are typically performed at least six times daily for two weeks, while tongue stretches may need to continue at least six times daily for four weeks. Always follow the specific instructions demonstrated by Dr. Jamil.
Is a white or yellow patch normal after a frenectomy?
Yes. A white or yellow patch at the procedure site is usually a “wet scab,” which is a normal part of healing and is not typically a sign of infection. Contact the office if you notice unusual swelling, worsening discomfort, or anything else that concerns you.
Is bleeding normal during frenectomy stretches?
A small amount of bleeding may occur during the postoperative stretches because new blood vessels develop as the area heals. If excessive bleeding occurs, apply moderate pressure with sterile gauze or a black tea bag for 10 to 15 minutes. Contact the office if the bleeding does not stop.
What foods should my child avoid after a frenectomy?
Until the procedure site heals, avoid hard or crunchy foods such as chips and popcorn, acidic foods such as citrus and tomatoes, and spicy foods. Your child should wait until all numbness has worn off before eating and should begin with cool, soft foods if necessary.
