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Laser Frenectomy Aftercare – Chicago, IL
A Smooth Road to Recovery
The range of care we offer at Chicago Tongue-Tie Center goes beyond simply fixing someone’s lip or tongue-tie. We also put together an easy-to-follow aftercare program so that the patient can recover quickly and comfortably following their procedure. This offers peace of mind for patients and parents alike, plus it guarantees that the results will last for a lifetime. Read on to learn more about our laser frenectomy aftercare program in Chicago, IL from the Chicago Tongue-Tie Center.
Why Choose Chicago Tongue-Tie Center for Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment?
- Team Led by Certified Pediatric Dentists
- Partnered with Pediatricians & Lactation Consultants
- Experience Treating Patients of All Ages
What to Expect After a Laser Frenectomy
While a laser frenectomy is usually painless, a little oral soreness and tenderness are common afterward. This can usually be easily managed with OTC pain medication. We also recommend that a patient initially stick to a soft food diet during the initial stages of recovery, as eating anything too hard may cause pain. Fortunately, babies are usually able to feed right after the procedure.
Aftercare at Home
In addition to taking any medication as directed, a patient will be given a list of small stretches to perform while they are recovering. These only take a few minutes and need to be performed multiple times a day to prevent the lip or tongue-tie from reforming, plus this will help the patient relearn how to use their mouth now that the tissues are unrestricted. Children, teens, and adults can do these stretches on their own, but for babies, a parent will need to do them for their child using their finger.
A Quick Follow-Up
Throughout the recovery process, patients and parents will always have easy access to our team if they have questions or concerns. About a week after the procedure, we’ll schedule a follow-up to make sure that everything is progressing as planned. This way, if any adjustments need to be made, they can be implemented fairly quickly so the patient stays on the right path.
Proud Partners with Fellow Professionals
Our practice works with a wide network of local pediatricians and lactation consultants who help people dealing with lip and tongue-ties. At Chicago Tongue-Tie Center, our team is happy to partner with these professionals to make our patients’ treatment and recovery experience as smooth as possible.
Frenectomy Aftercare FAQs
How long will it take for a laser frenectomy to heal?
Laser frenectomies allow patients to heal much faster than with scalpels and sutures. The average healing time is 1-2 weeks. With minimal damage to surrounding tissue, you should not expect a painful recovery. Although there may be mild discomfort initially, this will dissipate quickly. As long as you follow the detailed frenectomy aftercare instructions in Chicago provided by our office, you can resume normal activities while reducing your risk of infection.
Will a frenectomy leave a scar?
You may notice a small scar, but it’s unlikely that it will be noticeable. These are often so tiny that they remain undetectable, which is one of the great benefits of laser frenectomies. Reduced scarring allows for faster healing. If you, your child, or your teen develops a scar, do not be alarmed. Instead, know that it will fade over time.
What are the normal side effects after my baby’s procedure?
If your infant receives a frenectomy, you may notice some post-procedural side effects. Do not be alarmed, as these are normal:
- Your baby’s wound may bleed slightly after performing stretches. You can still feed them as normal.
- Your baby may experience increased fussiness and crying during the first week after their procedure. Giving them pain medication around the clock can minimize this discomfort.
- Your baby may struggle to latch initially; however, after some time, this will improve.
- Your little one may have increased drooling, but it will only be temporary.
- They may sleep more than usual because of the medication or exhaustion.
Why is a follow-up appointment necessary?
Our team at Chicago Tongue-Tie Center believes the one-week follow-up appointment is important because we need to ensure everything is healing correctly. Although rare, if an adjustment is required, we can take the appropriate steps to address the problem quickly and ensure your greater lip and/or tongue movement remains unhindered. We may also provide additional tips you can use at home to help ensure the lip or tongue does not reattach and to improve your range of motion.