After Release of Tongue Tie (Lower Frenectomy)
- You will have some swelling of the floor of the mouth/under the tongue Keep dampened bandages in for 2 hours with good pressure. Then remove bandages and check surgical area for bleeding. If bleeding persists, place fresh dampened gauze over the area with good pressure for 1hour. Repeat for 1 more hour if needed.
- Drink plenty of liquids, but try to avoid liquids with caffeine in them. They will only continue to dehydrate you.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, get something to eat. You can eat whatever you would like, however, do not bite into anything for a few weeks until the area has healed. Make sure your food isn't too hot, cold, spicy, or sharp as these might increase your discomfort or healing time. You should also stay away from citrus foods. No spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking for 48 hrs.
- Begin brushing and salt water rinsing (½ tsp salt with 8oz of warm water) the day AFTER surgery. Rinse 3-4 times a day, after you eat and before you go to bed at night for the next several weeks, or until the surgical area has healed completely.
- If you have dissolvable sutures, they can take 3-4 weeks to dissolve, give or take some time. Try not to pick or prod at them as your might irritate the surgical site.
- Try using popsicles in this area as they will not only help to prevent some swelling, but will also give some relief of discomfort in this region.
- The patient needs to practice sticking out their tongue for exercise. Do it every 15 minutes starting the day after surgery until the patient can stick out their tongue without any problem. Now that you have more use of your tongue, there is more of a chance of biting your tongue. Please be careful when chewing.
- As instructed by Dr Ford, you will have a “hole” in the floor of the mouth under the tongue. This will heal and fill in with time. Do not pick or touch that area as it is healing.
- Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared. Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours. You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle (including ATV's, dirt bikes, etc.) for at least 12 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia. Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers. Watch out for dizziness. Walk slowly and take your time. Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea, dizziness or even fainting. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages. The drugs in your body may increase your reaction to alcohol and could be dangerous.