TOTs: Frenotomy + Active Wound Management

Frenotomy: If you choose to see a “release provider” - usually a dentist, oral surgeon, or ENT - and they do indeed diagnose an oral tie, they may recommend a frenotomy (aka, “release”, frenectomy, “clip” - all the same procedure). For more detail, see info in the Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) section.

• Frenotomy procedure with laser: Not everyone is really going to want to watch this, but one thing I want you to know is that this video shows the entire procedure and is only 50 seconds long.

• Time lapse of tongue tie wound healing: https://youtu.be/rjhyBTN86wU

Active Wound Management: While many parents feel anxious about the very idea of the frenotomy procedure, let alone the day of, most families I work with actually report the after care wound stretches to be the most challenging part. These links below are examples of aftercare instructions, but particularly the kind of wound care stretches that are often recommended by providers to help prevent re-attachment or inflexible scar tissue. These are examples to help you prepare for what to expect post-procedure, but every provider has their own specific recommendations and I encourage you to follow those as they will be more specific to your baby. 

• The discharge packet from a local provider in NYC

• Videos (not a local provider) demonstrating the wound stretches

*Please Note* While this aftercare education is standard of care with providers who perform laser frenotomy, unfortunately I find it is rarely taught by providers who use scissors. If you are not taught this, please do ask what kind of aftercare is recommended by them and why so you can make an informed decision.