Tongue Tie Surgery

Some children are born with a rare condition called ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, which means the tissue (frenulum) under the tongue is too tight. This occurs when the lingual frenulum—the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too short or tight, restricting their tongue movement. This can affect their speech and, in some cases, their eating abilities. Fortunately, tongue-tie can be easily corrected, especially at a younger age, with laser tongue tie surgery in Dubai.

What Is Laser Tongue Tie Surgery? 

Laser tongue tie surgery, medically known as frenectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to correct problems associated with an abnormally short or tight frenulum, the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This surgery can help patients extend their tongues fully, improve their speech, and make eating easier.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Tongue Tie Surgery?

The primary benefit of laser tongue tie treatment is improving speech and resolving eating problems. Other benefits include:

Reduced pain: Laser surgery often causes less pain during the procedure.

Faster healing: Patients may experience faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods.

Lower infection risk: There is a lower risk of infection due to the use of a laser.

Minimal bleeding: The risk of post-surgical bleeding is minimal with laser technology.

Shorter procedure time: Laser surgery is often quicker than other surgical methods.

How To Prepare for Laser Tongue Tie Surgery?

Consultation

The first step is to find a reputable clinic with a strong track record of satisfied patients. The clinic should be well-equipped with modern technology, staffed by experienced surgeons, and offer ongoing post-surgery care. Schedule a thorough consultation to discuss the surgery and address any questions you may have, whether it’s for yourself or your child.

Note: 

If your newborn is in good overall health, it’s generally recommended to undergo tongue-tie surgery within the first 2-6 weeks of age. Untreated tongue-tie can make breastfeeding difficult for both the baby and the mother. Addressing the issue early is often advisable.

How Is Laser Tongue Tie Surgery Performed?

Laser tongue tie surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can often be performed as a same-day outpatient procedure. The surgery takes only a few minutes. The surgery includes the following steps:

Preparation: The child is positioned comfortably, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. For children over six months old, general anesthesia may be necessary.

Procedure: The tongue tie specialist uses a soft tissue laser to carefully cut and reshape the tight frenulum. The laser helps minimize bleeding and discomfort by simultaneously cutting the tissue and sealing the blood vessels.

Reshaping the tongue: After cutting the frenulum, the surgeon may gently reshape the tongue to ensure optimal movement and function.

What To Expect After the Surgery?

There may be minimal swelling or discomfort. Healing is often quick, and the patient can resume normal activities within a day or two. Your doctor will provide specific aftercare instructions, which may include exercises to improve tongue mobility and promote healing. It’s possible for your baby to have a low-grade fever after the surgery, but this can usually be managed with prescribed medication.

Types of Ankyloglossia Treatments (Tongue Tie Surgeries)

While laser tongue tie treatment is a preferred method due to its precision, minimal bleeding, and faster recovery, there are certain cases where traditional surgical options like frenotomy and frenuloplasty might be more appropriate. Each method has its own set of benefits depending on the patient’s condition, age, and severity of the tongue tie.

Frenotomy

Frenotomy is often performed on infants and children because it is very quick (a few seconds) and requires little to no anesthesia. Unlike laser treatments that require specialized devices, frenotomy can be done with basic surgical tools. It provides immediate improvement in tongue mobility, especially for breastfeeding infants.

Frenuloplasty

Frenuloplasty is suitable for thicker or more complex tongue ties that a laser may not fully address. The surgeon can adjust the technique during the procedure to achieve the best results, which might not be possible with a laser. This method involves stitching the wound, which may lead to a more secure and complete release.

Revision Frenuloplasty

If a previous tongue tie release (laser or surgical) was unsuccessful, a revision frenuloplasty can improve the outcome. Surgeons can perform precise corrections to improve tongue mobility.

Staged Frenuloplasty

In some cases, releasing the tongue tie in stages may yield better long-term outcomes. A gap between procedures allows better healing and tissue adaptation, which might not happen with a one-time release. 

How To Care for Your Child’s Mouth After Tongue Tie Surgery?

Tongue and Lip Stretching Exercises

After the surgery, feed your baby frequently for the next few days to accelerate the healing process and soothe the treated area. The following exercises can help your child’s tongue improve and stretch after the surgery.

Before starting the stretching exercises, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly. Then, gently place both fingers under your child’s tongue and slowly lift the tongue towards the roof of their mouth.

Exercise for Lip Tie

Some children may have lip tie, and the best treatment for this condition is laser lip tie surgery. The surgical procedure for lip tie is similar to that of tongue tie surgery. However, the exercises are slightly different. For the upper lip, place your finger under your child’s upper lip and move it from side to side for a few seconds. Repeat this process, but be sure to follow your surgeon’s guidance.

Risks Associated with Laser Tongue Tie Treatment

Although generally safe, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Damage to surrounding tissues
• Recurrence of tongue tie (in rare cases)

How Much Does Laser Tongue Tie Cost in Dubai?

The starting cost of laser tongue tie treatment in Dubai is AED 3,000. The final price may vary among individuals as it depends on the following cost-determining factors:

• Severity of the case
• Expertise of the practitioner
• Geographical location of the clinic
• Post-treatment session

Consultation 

Whether your child has a lip tie or tongue tie, there is always a solution. Our experts at Euromed Clinic have years of experience performing laser lip tie and tongue tie surgeries, and our satisfied patients’ smiles are a testament to our work.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact Euromed Clinic at +971 4 394 5422. You can also book an appointment via WhatsApp using the same number.

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