Pediatric Lingual Frenuloplasty & Frenotomy Surgery
Lingual Frenuloplasty and Frenotomy: A Simple Solution for Tongue-Tie
If you or your child struggles with speech, breastfeeding, or swallowing, a small band of tissue under the tongue could be the underlying cause.
This often-overlooked condition, commonly known as tongue-tie, can affect infants, children, and even adults, sometimes without being noticed until it causes significant challenges.
Fortunately, two safe and effective procedures, lingual frenotomy and frenuloplasty, offer lasting relief by gently releasing the tongue for improved function and comfort. Whether you’re a parent seeking answers or an adult who has coped with restricted movement for years, treatment is simpler and more accessible than you might think.
What Is a Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum, the thin band of tissue connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is unusually tight, short, or thick.
This can restrict how far the tongue can move, which may seem like a minor issue but can impact a wide range of vital daily functions.
From newborns who can’t latch effectively during breastfeeding to older children who develop speech delays or feeding issues, tongue-tie can disrupt development and quality of life.
In adults, undiagnosed cases may contribute to persistent discomfort, poor oral hygiene, and even social anxiety due to speech clarity concerns.
Thankfully, the solution is straightforward and backed by both research and years of successful outcomes.
What Are Frenotomy and Frenuloplasty?
Frenotomy and frenuloplasty are minor surgical procedures designed to improve tongue mobility by releasing the restrictive frenulum.
- Frenotomy is a simple and nearly painless procedure that involves a quick snip of the frenulum using sterile scissors or a laser. It’s most often performed on infants and can be done in-office without anesthesia. In many cases, babies can breastfeed more effectively almost immediately afterward.
- Frenuloplasty, on the other hand, is used for more complex or older cases where the frenulum is thicker or the restriction more severe. This procedure involves carefully releasing the tissue and using sutures to improve healing and prevent reattachment. It is typically performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the age and needs of the patient.
Both procedures are typically completed in under 10 minutes, with minimal recovery time and very low risk of complications. For families and individuals seeking answers, these options offer safe, lasting results without the burden of major surgery.
Why Consider These Procedures?
For Infants
Breastfeeding provides essential nutrition and plays a crucial role in early bonding and development.
A baby who struggles to latch, gets frustrated during feeding, or fails to gain weight may be dealing with a tongue-tie that restricts proper tongue movement.
Up to 10–15% of newborns may have some degree of ankyloglossia, and for many, a simple frenotomy is all that’s needed to correct the problem.
Parents often notice a dramatic difference in feeding right away, and babies can enjoy a smoother, more satisfying feeding experience, giving families peace of mind and relief during an already stressful time.
For Children
In growing children, a restricted tongue can impact much more than speech. It may contribute to articulation delays, difficulty with certain sounds (like “t,” “d,” “l,” or “r”), chewing or swallowing issues, and even subtle behavioral concerns due to frustration with communication.
In some cases, tongue-tie can also lead to dental alignment problems or interfere with orthodontic treatment.
Releasing the frenulum with a frenuloplasty can support healthy oral development, improve communication confidence, and prevent further complications down the road.
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, and many families report noticeable improvements within days.
For Adults
Adults with undiagnosed tongue-tie may live with avoidable challenges, difficulty enunciating, fatigue while speaking, trouble with swallowing certain foods, or even discomfort during oral hygiene.
Some may also experience snoring or mouth breathing due to altered tongue posture.
Lingual frenuloplasty provides a minimally invasive option for those who have adapted for years but want relief.
With a short recovery and lasting benefits, it’s a practical solution for anyone seeking improved function, speech, and comfort. Many adults express surprise at how much easier life becomes after such a small change.
For Patients with Sleep Apnea
While tongue-tie procedures don’t directly treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), they can play a complementary role when performed alongside adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy in patients with combined airway issues. In select cases, restricted tongue movement may contribute to abnormal oral posture or interfere with breathing during sleep. When a patient is already undergoing treatment for tonsillar or adenoidal obstruction, addressing a concurrent tongue-tie can support a more complete resolution of symptoms.
At MPENTA, our team takes a holistic view of the airway and tailors treatment to the individual needs of each patient.
What to Expect
| Procedure | How It’s Done | Time | Recovery |
| Frenotomy | Quick snip with scissors or laser | 2–5 minutes | 1–5 days |
| Frenuloplasty | Surgical release with sutures (under general anesthesia) | 3–10 minutes | 5–7 days |
These are typically outpatient procedures, meaning you go home the same day. Post-operative stretching exercises may be recommended to prevent reattachment and promote full mobility.
Benefits of Treatment
- Improved Function: Easier feeding, clearer speech, better swallowing.
- Quick and Minimally Invasive: Most patients recover quickly and with little discomfort.
- Safe: Complication rates are low, less than 1% risk of bleeding or infection.
Are There Any Downsides?
- Temporary Discomfort: Some swelling or soreness is normal during healing.
- Recurrence Risk: In rare cases (1–2%), the frenulum may reattach.
- Anesthesia Considerations: Frenuloplasty may require general anesthesia, which carries small but real risks.
- Limited Scope: These procedures won’t address unrelated conditions like enlarged tonsils or sleep apnea.
Is It Right for Your Child?
If feeding, speaking, or oral comfort are ongoing concerns, a consultation can help determine if tongue-tie is the cause. At MPENTA, our team is experienced in identifying and treating this common issue with compassion and precision.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help you understand all your options. If your child needs a quick in-office frenotomy or requires frenuloplasty, we’ll walk you through every step—from diagnosis to recovery.
Explore more about the common problems we treat and surgeries we perform, or contact us to request an appointment.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or ENT specialist regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition, symptoms, or treatment options. Decisions about surgery should be made in consultation with your healthcare team based on your specific health needs.
