Lingual Frenotomy/Frenuloplasty

Frenotomy is a simple cutting procedure for a thin, non-fibrotic infant frenulum, with quick operation and little bleeding. Frenuloplasty reshapes and lengthens the frenulum, such as with Z-plasty, and is suitable for fibrotic or thick frenula in children and adults or recurrence after frenotomy; it is more stable and has a lower recurrence rate. The specific technique is chosen by the doctor based on frenulum type, age, and severity.

It depends on symptom severity. If breastfeeding is seriously affected in infancy, surgery can be done within weeks to months after birth with less trauma and quick recovery. In childhood, surgery is often done around age 2, with best results when combined with speech training afterward. Adults can have surgery at any age, but speech problems require speech rehabilitation training.

The surgery is performed under local or topical anesthesia and is painless during the procedure. Mild pain after anesthesia wears off is usually tolerable. Frenotomy usually does not require sutures or only a few sutures. Frenuloplasty uses absorbable sutures, which absorb within 1-2 weeks and do not require removal.

No. Surgery releases restricted tongue movement, but established incorrect articulation habits must be relearned. Tongue function exercises and speech training, such as tongue exercises and pronunciation practice, are needed after surgery and usually take weeks to months for the best speech outcome. Earlier surgery and timely speech training lead to better results.