Patients should expect to experience some mild swelling, pain, and discomfort following the procedure as part of normal wound healing. Pain is often controlled with over-the-counter medication post-operatively. 

Bleeding

It is normal to experience some oozing over the first 1-2 days. If bleeding is persistent, place gauze under the tongue/lip and apply light pressure for one hour at a time until bleeding stops.

Swelling and Inflammation

During the first 3-5 days after surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling and inflammation. This will make your tongue/lip feel larger than normal and may cause discomfort with movement. Cold food/fluids during the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling and aid with discomfort. 

Oral Hygiene

Continue to brush your teeth as normal. Start gently rinsing with warm salt water and/or alcohol-free mouthwash several times a day to keep the wound clean, and reduce the risk of infection.  You may notice the wound turn white. This occurs because a scab is forming and is continuously getting wet due to saliva. This is not a cause for concern.

Sutures

The sutures used will dissolve approximately 1 week following surgery. Granulation tissue may begin to form over surgical site. Once sutures fall out, begin gently brushing the surgical site with a soft bristle or newborn toothbrush. It is not uncommon for sutures to fall out earlier than 1 week. If this occurs, there is no need to be alarmed. For labial frenectomies, refrain from pulling on/stretching the lip to avoid suture displacement.

Physical Activity

Be gentle with exercise for the first 3-5 days.

For Lingual Frenectomy/Frenuloplasty Only 

Myofunction Therapy

Begin functional exercises/physical therapy with your Myofunctional therapist/Speech Pathologist as directed (usually 3-7 days following surgery).

Wound Stretches

In rare situations if you are un-able to follow-up with Myofunctional Therapist/Speech Pathologist in a timely manner practicing these wound stretches can help reduce scar contracture. Wound stretches involve wrapping your tongue with a piece of gauze and pulling the tongue outwards, downwards, upwards, and to each side to feel a stretch and hold for 10 seconds.

General Timeline for Post-Frenuloplasty Tongue Exercises

The duration for doing tongue exercises after a frenuloplasty (a surgical procedure to release a tight lingual frenulum or “tongue-tie”) can vary depending on individual healing and your provider’s specific protocol, but here are general guidelines:

  • Immediately After Surgery (Day 0-3):
    • Gentle exercises begin 24 hours post-op.
    • Focus is on wound healing and preventing reattachment.
    • Movements are light, done 3-5 times per day, for 1-2 minutes per session.
  • Early Healing Phase (Days 4-14):
    • Increase intensity of exercises slightly. 
    • Target mobility, range of motion, and wound remodeling.
    • Exercises 4-5 times daily, each session lasting about 5-10 minutes.
  • Strengthening Phase (Weeks 2-6):
    • Emphasize coordination and strength of the tongue.
    • Typically 3 times a day, 10 minutes per session. 
    • Exercises can include tongue lifts, stretches, and resistance work. 
  • Maintenance/Final Phase (Weeks 6-8+):
    • Continue exercises based on progress and professional advice.
    • Some individuals may stop around 6 weeks, while others continue up to 8-12 weeks. 

Important Notes:

  • Work with a myofunctional therapist or speech-language pathologist (SLP) for best results. 
  • Consistency is key – missing exercises can lead to reattachment or limited mobility. 
  • Mild to moderate pain is to be expected. If you notice severe pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, contact your provider.