Congratulations on your Tongue Tie Release (Frenectomy) To ensure the success of your treatment, here are a few essential steps you need to follow.
Recovery Timeline:
Day 1 (Surgery Day)
No stretching or exercises.
Rest and take it easy.
Days 2–3
No formal exercises yet.
Gently lift the tongue to see the surgical site (with mouth open wide) every hour or so. (Similar to tongue reach exercise) Minimum: 3 times per day.
Be very gentle, this is just to keep the tongue moving.
Days 4–7
Begin gentle exercises, 3 times per day.
Start floor of mouth massage to help relieve tension.
Floor of Mouth Massage: Hook index finger inside lower jaw, press into the floor of the mouth, and hold on tender spots until pain subsides.
Day 5 commence stretches as practiced.
Days 7–14
Progress exercises to full intensity (as practiced pre-op). Continue stretches
Expect to see your myofunctional therapist at 1 week post-op for further exercises and treatment.
Exercises (Post-op Routine)
Do these 3–4 times per day:
Gentle tongue lifts (every hour if possible).
Suction Hold (“Caves”) – 2 minutes, 3x/day (start Day 4).
Tongue Trace & Tongue Reach – 2 minutes, 3x/day (start Day 4).
We look forward to seeing you at your review appointment in a fortnight!
Stretches & Massage
Start from Day 5, or earlier if comfortable enough – 2x per day for ideally 1 minute each stopping if too uncomfortable, however expect some mild discomfort during the stretches as expected as the wound heals.
Tongue Stretch: Use a square of paper towel to gently pull tongue out with both hands.
Forklift Stretch: Place both thumbs at the base of the tongue (either side of the frenum), poke tongue out over fingers and gently lift upward.
Wound Massage: Lift tongue up to the spot. With firm pressure, massage the wound up and down slowly 5 times towards back of tongue ‘ backward c’.
Wound
Stretch: Lift tongue towards the spot and use pointer fingers on both hands to push the tongue up and back
to stretch out the diamond shaped wound. This intended to prevent the wound sticking together and starting to heal improperly so don’t be alarmed if it splits a little in the centre as you stretch (especially in the mornings)
General Information
Pain: Varies between patients. Use over-the-counter pain relief (e.g., paracetamol) if needed.
Diet: Eat whatever feels comfortable. Soft foods are usually best for the first 3–5 days. Avoid very hot or spicy foods until initial healing has started.
Healing: Around Day 14, scar tissue may feel tight again—this is normal and will gradually improve over the following months.
Stretches are expected to be part of your routine for a few weeks following the surgery and continued in future if/as required.
Follow-Up Appointment:
1 week review: with Jacinta