Frenectomy Aftercare
What You Need to Know
Whether you're a parent navigating your baby's recovery or an adult healing from your own tongue or lip tie release, one of the most important parts of treatment success is what happens after the procedure. That’s where frenectomy aftercare comes in.
At Floss Academy in West Loop, Chicago, we believe in setting every patient up for long-term success—starting with honest guidance, clear instructions, and support at every stage of healing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect after a frenectomy, how to care for the site at home, what’s normal (and what’s not), and how we handle your follow-up care.
What to Expect After a Frenectomy
Whether performed with scissors, scalpel, or soft tissue laser (as we use at Floss Academy), a frenectomy is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure. But just because it’s quick doesn’t mean the aftercare doesn’t matter.Recovery time and symptoms can vary based on age, location of the tie (lip or tongue), and individual healing responses. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
1. Immediate Aftermath
Bleeding is typically minimal, especially with laser frenectomies. You may see a small amount of spotting or oozing, especially with movement or feeding.
Discomfort or fussiness may begin once the numbing wears off. For babies, this may look like extra crying or disrupted feeding. For older patients, it might feel like a sore or scratchy spot in the mouth.
White or yellowish tissue may appear over the healing site within 24–48 hours. This is a normal part of healing called a fibrin layer—not an infection.
2. First Few Days
Soreness may peak in the first 1–3 days, then start to ease. Feeding or speaking might feel awkward as the tongue or lip adjusts to new movement.
Swelling may occur but is usually mild.
The site may appear raw or red, then begin to look whitish or pink as it heals.
3. First Week and Beyond
For infants and children, function often improves gradually as the site heals and movement becomes easier.
In older patients, you may notice increased mobility of the tongue or lip, better posture, or improvements in speech or comfort as healing progresses.
Tissue will gradually return to a healthy pink color, and the wound will typically close by 1–2 weeks post-op.
Aftercare at Home
Proper aftercare is the most important part of preventing complications like reattachment—where the tissue fuses back together, reducing mobility again. It also ensures the best long-term function.
Here’s how to care for the area post-frenectomy at home:
1. Gentle Stretches (If Recommended)
Depending on the age of the patient and the location of the release, we may provide instructions for post-operative stretches or exercises.
These help:
- Keep the surgical site open during healing
- Prevent tissue reattachment
- Encourage full range of motion as new patterns develop
For infants:
Stretches may involve lifting the tongue or upper lip in specific ways several times per day. These are usually done with clean fingers and last just a few seconds. We’ll demonstrate them in-office and give you written or video instructions.
For older children and adults:
You may be instructed to perform oral exercises, such as tongue lifts, lateral movements, and suction holds. In some cases, we’ll refer you to a myofunctional therapist for guided exercises.
Tip: While stretches can feel awkward at first, they become easier with consistency—and they’re crucial to healing.
2. Pain ManagementFor infants:
- Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can offer comfort. You may also use a pediatric pain reliever (such as infant acetaminophen) under your pediatrician’s guidance.
- For older children and adults: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are usually sufficient. Cold foods like smoothies, popsicles, or yogurt can also be soothing.
Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods for the first few days.
3. Oral Hygiene
- Brush teeth as usual but be gentle near the healing site.
- For children: Use a soft toothbrush and skip mouthwash for the first few days.
- For adults: Rinse gently with salt water or a mild antiseptic rinse if recommended.
- Avoid touching the area unnecessarily.
4. Feeding and Speech Tips
- Feeding may temporarily be more challenging for infants. We recommend working with a lactation consultant to support latch and positioning.
- For older patients, speech may feel awkward at first. Don’t rush—give your body time to relearn its new range of motion.
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Signs of Normal vs. Concerning Healing
Knowing the difference between typical healing and signs of a problem can give you peace of mind—and help you know when to reach out for help.
Normal Healing Signs
- A white or yellowish spot at the surgical site (this is healthy healing tissue)
- Mild swelling or redness
- Increased fussiness or soreness for 1–3 days
- Temporary changes in feeding, latch, or speech
- A small amount of bleeding if the site is touched or stretched
Signs to Call Us
- Significant or uncontrolled bleeding
- Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever
- Excessive refusal to feed (infants) or inability to eat comfortably (children/adults) beyond the expected window
- Reattachment concerns: If mobility seems to decline after initial improvement, or if you see tissue growing back over the site
- Persistent or worsening pain beyond 4–5 days
At Floss Academy, we’re always happy to check the site if you’re unsure whether healing is on track. Trust your instincts—we’d rather hear from you than have you worry unnecessarily.
Frenectomy Follow-Up Appointment in West Loop, Chicago
Healing doesn’t end when you walk out of our office. That’s why we schedule a follow-up appointment after every frenectomy.
What We Check During Your Follow-Up:
- How the site is healing: We look for healthy tissue formation and ensure there’s no excessive inflammation or early signs of reattachment.
- Tongue or lip mobility: We assess the range of motion and compare it to your pre-treatment baseline.
- Function and comfort: We ask about feeding, speaking, sleeping, and any new symptoms or concerns.
- Need for therapy: If needed, we’ll recommend follow-up with a lactation consultant, speech-language pathologist, or myofunctional therapist.
When Does the Follow-Up Happen?
- Infants and toddlers: Typically within 5–7 days post-procedure
- Older children and adults: Usually within 7–10 days, depending on complexity
This visit is your opportunity to ask questions, show us your progress, and ensure you’re getting the full benefit of your treatment.
Long-Term Support and What Comes Next
After the initial healing period, many patients begin to notice gradual improvements in:
- Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- Speech articulation and clarity
- Jaw comfort or reduced tension
- Tongue or lip posture
- Sleep quality and nasal breathing
- Oral hygiene and flossing access
But for the best results, ongoing support is often key. That might look like:
- A few additional visits with a lactation consultant
- Short-term speech or feeding therapy
- A referral for airway evaluation
- Myofunctional therapy to strengthen oral muscles and reinforce proper movement
At Floss Academy, we take pride in offering full-circle care—and helping you access the resources you need beyond our office walls.
Why Frenectomy Aftercare Matters
Think of the frenectomy as the door opening—but aftercare is what helps you walk through it. Without proper care, the body may try to return to old habits or allow the tissue to grow back together. With good aftercare, you can retrain the muscles, preserve the release, and unlock long-term benefits.
We’re here to support you in that process, every step of the way.
Ready to Schedule or Have Questions?
If you or your child has had a frenectomy—or you're considering one—Floss Academy is here to help. Our West Loop Chicago office offers:
- Compassionate, evidence-based evaluations
- Advanced laser technology for gentle frenectomy procedures
- Hands-on aftercare guidance and detailed instructions
- Close collaboration with lactation and therapy specialists
- Personalized follow-up care and ongoing support
Call us at (312) 584-0447 or schedule a consultation online to learn more about our approach to frenectomy care and healing support in West Loop, Chicago.
We’re committed to making sure you feel confident, informed, and fully supported—before, during, and after treatment.
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