Tongue Tie Surgery

Trusted tongue-tie assessments and procedures
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EXPERT TONGUE TIE RELEASE FOR ALL AGES

Tongue Tie Surgery in Melbourne Australia​

What is Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia) ?

Tongue tie (Ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth, the thin piece of skin under the baby’s tongue which is called the lingual (tongue) frenulum is abnormally short and may restrict the movement of the tongue.

It results in the reduced range of mobility of the tongue due to a pronounced attachment from the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It can at times develop longer and thicker than it ought to be. It causes enormous discomfort for the individuals, asking for immediate surgical procedure, called tongue tie release. Our doctors able to perfom swift and efficient tongue tie release in Melbourne.

How Does Tongue tie Affect Babies?

The most noticeable issue with tongue tie is trouble breastfeeding. Babies with tongue tie may have difficulty latching and sucking properly, which can cause:

  • Nipple pain and damage for the mother
  • Poor milk intake for the baby
  • A drop in milk supply over time
Tongue tie might also impact oral hygiene, though its effect on speech development is still debated.

Why Should Tongue Tie Be Immediately Treated?

The tongue tie should immediately be treated as it may affect the babies growth and well being. This is Many babies with tongue-ties cannot breastfeed properly.

What Should You Do If You Find Your Baby To Be Tongue-tied?

If you find that your newborn is not able to latch well onto your nipple during breastfeeding, you must get your baby to see a health professional. There are many reasons why your newborn might not be able to latch onto your breast. Our Melbourne tongue tie doctors will be able to check well and come to the conclusion whether its a case of tongue tie and what needs done.

TONGUE TIE TREATMENT INSIGHTS

Should Tongue Tie Be Treated?

If tongue tie is affecting breastfeeding, a simple procedure called a lingual frenotomy (detachment of the lingual frenulum) might be recommended. This involves cutting the frenulum to give the tongue more freedom to move.
Our tongue tie doctors in Melbourne will assess:
  • The baby’s tongue movement
  • How breastfeeding is going
  • The mother’s comfort while breastfeeding
If the assessment shows that the tongue tie is causing problems, the procedure can help improve breastfeeding.
In some cases, tongue tie doesn’t cause any issues and doesn’t need treatment.

COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Signs of Tongue Tie

You may notice a significant tongue tie if:
  • The tongue can’t extend beyond the baby’s lips
  • The tongue can’t move sideways
  • The tongue tip looks notched or heart-shaped
The baby has breastfeeding problems, such as:
  • Nipple pain or damage
  • Misshapen nipples after feeding
  • A stripe mark on the nipple after feeding
  • The baby loses suction or makes a clicking sound during feeding
  • Poor weight gain

EXPERT TREATMENT YOU CAN TRUST

How is Tongue tie Treated?

Assessment
Our experienced clinicians will check your baby’s tongue movement and breastfeeding and if needed, suggest tongue tie release treatment in Melbourne.
If the frenulum is thin and the baby is under four months old, the release can usually be done without anesthesia. If the frenulum is thick or the baby is older, you might need to see a specialist.
The Release Procedure
Before the procedure, make sure your baby has received Vitamin K (or had at least two oral doses).
The release is usually done right before a feeding. Try not to feed your baby for at least an hour before the appointment.
The doctor will use a finger and thumb to access the frenulum, then cut it with sterile scissors. A little bleeding is normal, and while your baby might cry or be upset during the procedure, they usually calm down quickly afterwards.
You will be encouraged to breastfeed immediately after the procedure.

POST-PROCEDURE CARE TIPS

What Happens After the Procedure?

Most babies have no complications after a tongue tie release in Melbourne. Possible but rare issues include:

bleeding
Infection (very rare)

A small white patch may appear under the tongue as it heals, but this should go away within two weeks.

If you have any concerns, contact your lactation consultant, child health nurse, pediatrician, or doctor.

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