Before diving into the details, let us once again emphasize that only restrictive tongue-ties that actually limit tongue mobility should be treated with surgery.
If your child shows no functional symptoms, there’s simply no need for a procedure.
Once a restrictive tongue-tie is confirmed by a trained professional, the next step is to find an experienced practitioner to perform the frenectomy.
Which Practitioner Can Perform a Frenectomy?
It’s important to understand that not all pediatricians, ENT specialists, or dentists are trained in tongue-tie assessment or treatment.
Currently, most medical training programs don’t cover this subject in detail.
Health professionals performing frenectomies usually have completed additional training and stay up to date with the latest research on tongue-ties.
Although no official directory exists, your IBCLC lactation consultant or diagnosing dentist should be able to refer you to a qualified practitioner.
You can also ask other parents for recommendations in dedicated Facebook groups, where people share experiences and names of professionals in their area.
Choosing the right provider is crucial. An incomplete release won’t solve the issue and may lead to unnecessary discomfort without improvement.
Be sure to check parent reviews and ask about their satisfaction with the procedure and follow-up care.
Note: One bad review doesn’t necessarily mean the practitioner is unqualified — always look at the overall picture.
During the appointment, the provider will confirm the diagnosis, explain the chosen technique, and review post-op care instructions.
A qualified practitioner will also emphasize the importance of post-frenectomy exercises for optimal healing.
How Is a Frenectomy Performed?
The procedure is quick and low-risk. The main potential complication is mild to moderate bleeding, which is usually well-managed.
General anesthesia is rarely used. Instead, a local numbing gel (like Emla patches used for infant vaccines) may be applied.
Practitioners may use different tools, including scissors, a scalpel, electrocautery, or a CO2 laser.
Laser is often preferred as it minimizes bleeding and offers precision and faster recovery.
That said, all techniques are effective when used by a skilled provider.
In most cases, parents are asked to step out of the room during the procedure.
The entire process takes only 15 seconds to 2 minutes per frenulum (tongue and/or lip tie).
You’ll be reunited with your baby very quickly.
Your baby will likely cry, but should calm down shortly after.
If you are breastfeeding, offer the breast right away.
The contact will soothe your baby, and you may even notice immediate improvement in latch and comfort.
However, this doesn’t mean the issue is instantly resolved!
Improvement may be gradual — one good feeding the first day, two the next… With consistent post-op care, progress usually continues in the following days.
The next 4 to 6 weeks after the frenectomy are crucial to ensure long-term success and avoid reattachment.