FAQs About Lip Tie Laser Surgery

You may have heard about lip-tie laser surgery as a method to repair your child’s lip. If your baby’s lips cannot move freely, they have the condition known as lip-tie. This issue can make it difficult for your young child to eat and grow. As concerning as this condition may be, you can have peace of mind to know that the laser surgery offers a solution.

Explaining the problem

Behind the upper lip is a piece of tissue known as the frenulum. Though the name might not be well-known, everyone knows what it is. Still, problems with this tissue are rare. However, babies can be born with thick or stiff membranes in this area, which can complicate breastfeeding. If the child is unable to eat effectively, they may not get proper nourishment. Plus, the child may have a hard time breathing during feedings and may struggle to fall asleep.

Questions about how it affects the mother

Mothers who have babies with lip-tie may consider the lip-tie laser surgery to help them as well. Breastfeeding can be painful for mothers whose infants cannot eat well. Milk ducts can become blocked, and the breasts can become engorged. With this surgery, mothers, too, can find relief.

Questions about the process

In the past, some lip-tie surgeries used scissors or other tools to cut the frenulum. However, it is much more difficult to get a precise cut when using these instruments. The use of a laser allows the doctor to have more accuracy.

Questions about time

Another aspect of lip-tie laser surgery that parents love is how fast it goes. While some oral procedures can take an hour or more, this procedure should only take five minutes. In fact, the preparation time takes longer than the actual cutting and frenulum removal.

Questions about the aftermath

Parents may worry about how this surgery will affect their young child. This is understandable, but parents can take comfort to know that there should be only minimal bleeding and no allergic reactions. In fact, there is no need to use local anesthetic or antibiotics in the procedures. Healing time is fast and effective for most patients.

Questions about the appropriate age for lip-tie laser surgery

Children can have this procedure at any age. Often, a baby gets accustomed to breastfeeding in spite of this condition. However, later in life, the parent may wish to remove the frenulum for cosmetic reasons or for the child’s comfort. Most parents elect to do the surgery early on. Babies as young as 2 days old can undergo the process.

Feel good about the decision

Though a lip tie is not usually a grave concern for parents, some cases can be challenging for mothers and babies. If your baby has this issue and you want to go through with the lip-tie laser surgery, talk to your dentist today. This minimally invasive surgery is quick and simple. Your child can breastfeed without difficulty, which will have positive effects on the little one and you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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