A frenotomy or frenectomy is a procedure that consists of releasing the frenum under the tongue or upper lip to allow for better range of motion. Children may be born with a combination of conditions called a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and/or a lip-tie, causing restrictions in movement of the tongue or lip. These restrictions can cause difficulty with breastfeeding or other health problems such as dental decay, misaligned spacing, speech and airway difficulties, and digestive issues. These issues can generally be corrected by a simple procedure done with our soft tissue laser.
Understanding the Oral Tissues
Every baby begins life with connective tissues beneath the tongue and upper lip that help guide stability and early movement. These tissues vary greatly in appearance and elasticity — all of which can be completely normal. A tongue tie is considered only when the tissue noticeably limits mobility or impacts feeding, breathing, or oral coordination. A functional assessment is always more important than appearance alone.
How Oral Function Influences Feeding
Feeding requires the tongue to lift, cup, and rhythmically coordinate suction. When mobility is reduced, babies may struggle with maintaining a deep latch, preventing air intake, and managing milk flow. This may result in frequent feedings, leaking milk, or signs of frustration and fatigue during feeds.
The Role of the Upper Lip
The upper lip helps create a soft, rounded seal around breast or bottle. A tight or inflexible labial frenulum may interfere with a baby's ability to achieve this seal, which can contribute to additional air intake or noisy sucking patterns.
Why Tongue Posture Matters
A tongue that rests gently against the palate supports nasal breathing, jaw development, and healthy sleep patterns. When the tongue is restricted downward, babies may default to mouth breathing, shallow sleep, or altered oral development. Supporting function early has lifelong benefits.
A Whole Child Approach
Aligned with the B.E.S.T. Care Collective philosophy, care often includes collaboration with lactation consultants, feeding specialists, craniosacral therapists, or pediatric bodywork providers. Each plays a key role in releasing tension, improving mobility, and nurturing new functional patterns before and after treatment.
A soft tissue laser does not cut. Instead, it vaporizes tissue with light energy almost painlessly. In addition, the laser procedure causes almost no bleeding. Lasers sterilize at the touch and therefore cause less risk of infection. Healing is very quick—a laser stimulates bio-regeneration. The result is beautiful tissue and less chance of relapse.
Healing Timeline After Frenectomy
Wound Care & Gentle Support
Stretches support long term flexibility and prevent healing tissues from tightening again. They are quick, intentional, and demonstrated by your provider. Comfort strategies — such as skin-to-skin time, rocking, baby wearing, or getting fresh air — soothe both baby and parent during healing.
Normal Responses During Healing
Each baby adapts in their own rhythm. Temporary increases in drooling, spit-up, fussiness, or deep sleep are all common. Healing happens in waves — not always in a straight line — and that is completely normal.
What Healing Looks Like
A diamond-shaped healing area beneath the tongue often appears white or yellow as tissues regenerate. Over 2–3 weeks this area gradually becomes smaller, softer, and more flexible as movement improves.
Every child deserves the best possible start. By prioritizing airway health today, you empower your child with the foundation for lifelong wellness, learning, and happiness.
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