Does treatment have an immediate effect?

Treating tongue- and lip tie is relatively speaking, a minor surgical procedure and an attempt to improve the present situation. This applies to babies, children and adults.

It remains, however, always a surgery.

In general, the younger the patient at the time of the treatment, the more likely symptoms will improve.

However, the degree of success in infants can also be affected by other factors such as childbirth and how the baby drank the breast or bottle prior to treatment. Babies need to re-learn how to use their tongue as they have established compensatory behaviours such as jaw clenching to obtain the milk. Sometimes it takes several days or weeks before results are seen. Often babies can be irritable the first 24-48 hours and can refuse the breast or bottle. If the baby refuses the breast, use a bottle, teaspoon or syringe so that the baby receives some milk.

It is strongly advisable to make an appointment with a Lactation Consultant and/or other therapists if feeding remains problematic, ask the Lactation Consultant who was present at the release which therapy is most suitable. For example, physiotherapy, speech therapy or chiropractic/osteopath/craniosacral care. It is also advisable to have a check up on the wound within a week with somebody who has knowledge.

Older babies may want a paracetamol suppository to make them feel more comfortable after the procedure. Depending on their weight, 60-120 mg. Check at your pharmacy.