After Your Surgery
Patients should expect some mild swelling, pain, and/or discomfort as a normal part of the wound-healing process. Pain is often controlled with over-the-counter pain medications, and other symptoms typically improve over the course of 1–2 weeks with proper rest and myofunctional therapy.
Possible, but very rare, complications of frenuloplasty may include bleeding, pain, numbness, failure of the procedure, scarring, and injury to adjacent structures that may result in salivary gland dysfunction.
Immediately After Surgery
1. Wound Care and Bleeding
To help alleviate discomfort, you may apply a small amount of topical analgesic gel to a piece of gauze and place it over the surgical site. Replace the gauze as needed every 1–2 hours, up to 4 times daily.
It is normal to experience some bloody oozing during the first 1–2 days. If steady or significant bleeding occurs, place gauze under the tongue and apply gentle pressure. If the bleeding does not stop, contact our office or go to your local emergency department.
2. Swelling and Inflammation
Some swelling and inflammation are normal during the first 3–5 days after surgery. Your tongue may feel larger than usual and may be more painful or difficult to move during this time.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen may be used as needed for pain, according to your provider’s instructions.
3. Oral Hygiene
Continue brushing your teeth as usual while being careful around the surgical site.
We recommend rinsing with salt water and/or an alcohol-free mouthwash several times a day to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
4. Food and Drink
During the first few days, soft and cool foods may be more comfortable.
You may find it challenging to consume hot or spicy foods or foods that require extensive chewing. Choose foods that are comfortable for you while the area heals.
5. Sutures
We use absorbable sutures that will usually fall off or dissolve on their own within 3–5 days, although this can sometimes take anywhere from 1–10 days after surgery.
As the sutures fall out, granulation healing tissue will fill the open wound. This is a normal part of the healing process and is not necessarily a sign of infection.
If debris accumulates around the area, you may gently brush the surgical site with a soft toothbrush. It is not necessary to completely remove the granulation tissue.
6. PeriAcryl Glue
PeriAcryl glue may be applied to the wound site in place of, or in addition to, sutures.
Over time, the glue may develop a hard or rough texture. Try to avoid picking or pulling at it.
If the glue remains in place for more than one week, gentle massage with Vitamin E oil, coconut oil, or mineral oil may help loosen and remove the material.
7. Myofunctional Therapy Exercises
For the first 3 days after your procedure, we recommend gentle tongue movements while focusing on minimizing discomfort.
These may include:
- Lightly lifting your tongue toward the front teeth with your mouth wide open
- Moving your tongue from side to side inside your cheeks
- Tracing your tongue back and forth along the palate
- Elevating your tongue into a suction hold
Avoid sticking your tongue out during the first few days, as this may place tension on the surgical site and cause the sutures to tear.
Contraction may occur around days 5–7. It is extremely important to perform the stretches and exercises prescribed by your myofunctional therapist to support optimal healing and results.
8. Wound Stretches
Check in with your myofunctional therapist within one week after your procedure. Your therapist can assess your healing and determine whether wound stretches are appropriate.
When recommended, wound stretches may involve gently wrapping the tongue with a paper towel or gauze and pulling the tongue outward, downward, upward, and to each side. The goal is to feel a gentle stretch for at least 30 seconds or until you feel a release of tension.
Follow the specific instructions provided by your myofunctional therapist.
9. Lip and Buccal Ties
If you have also had treatment for lip or buccal ties, take it easy during the first few days.
After the initial healing period, you may be instructed to run your tongue around the oral vestibule several times a day. Air puffs may also be recommended.
After approximately one week, your provider or therapist may recommend stretching the lip outward and performing manual intraoral massage.
10. Bodywork and Physical Therapy
Depending on your individual clinical circumstances, some patients may benefit from fascia-focused physical therapy, craniosacral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, or other forms of bodywork following surgery.
Discuss any additional therapies with your provider or myofunctional therapist.
When to Contact Our Office
At any time, contact our practice if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain that does not improve with medication
- Brisk or persistent bleeding
- Severe swelling at the surgical site
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever higher than 102°F (approximately 39°C)
If you experience difficulty breathing or another severe emergency, seek immediate medical attention or go to your local emergency department.