About the Procedure

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The procedure is tolerated very well by babies and we try to ensure that discomfort is minimized. A topical numbing gel is placed on the frenulum for frenotomies (an incision of the frenulum attachment) and a very small amount of local anesthetic may be injected for frenectomies (frenulum tissue removal) for infants over 12 months of age.

It is common for babies to cry and/ or act fussy during and after the procedure. Babies typically loose only a small amount of blood, if any at all when a laser is used. You may notice a very dark stool if your baby swallowed any blood and this is normal. Your baby may even experience oozing of blood or brown spit ups or stools after the procedure if he or she swallows blood after the procedure. Once baby is numb, they are treated in our laser treatment room and immediately returned to you. Please feel free to nurse, bottle-feed and/ or cuddle your baby, depending on your preference. Note that it is common for babies to drool after the procedure until the numbing dissipates.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

The complication after the procedure is that due to the rapid healing capability of the mouth, and the healing site may want to reattach. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you follow the guidelines listed on stretching exercises for your baby. Failure to stretch with the pressure and frequency that Dr. Krizman demonstrates may lead to reattachment at either the tongue site or the lip site, causing a new limitation in mobility and the persistence or return of symptoms.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

The alternative to laser treatment includes scalpel surgery using local anesthesia and/or sedation. The other alternative is to do no treatment. No treatment could result in some or all of the conditions listed under “Symptoms” above. Advantages (benefits) of laser vs. scalpel or scissors include lower probability of re-healing, less bleeding, no sutures (stitches) or having to remove sutures.

• Lip and Tongue Frenectomy Post Op Instructions
• Consent Form for Frenectomy & Upper Lip Tie Release
• Frenectomy Health History Form

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