Tongue tie is an abnormal shortness of the mucous membrane (frenulum) under the tongue. This limits the movement of the tongue which may affect speech and/or breastfeeding.
The mucous membrane fold can be cut to allow the tongue more movement for eating and speech. The frenulum is snipped with a small scissors. This is performed under local anaesthetic in very young babies in the clinic. In older children it may be performed under general anaesthetic.
After the operation your child will be required to stay in the Day Surgery Centre for 30-60 minutes to ensure that there are no complications before you go home.
As your child has had a general anaesthetic, you should take your child straight home and keep him/her quiet for the rest of the day.
Bleeding – there may be some slight bleeding from the operation site
School – your child should be able to return to school the next day
Follow-up – an appointment will be made with your surgeon. If it is a small breastfeeding baby you may have a lactation consultant you wish to see afterwards. You can also take your child to your GP if you have any concerns.
Pain relief – Paracetamol (Panadol) as required
Your child may have a normal diet but if he/she starts to vomit and vomiting persists, you must take him/her to a doctor.
A small baby will be able to breast or bottle feed immediately afterwards.
Your specialist on 09 623 5644 or GP
After hours 24 Hour Medical Centre
In case of an emergency: – Starship Hospital Emergency Dept