> Lip-Tie
Lip-Tie Surgery in New York and Philadelphia
What It Is
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What is a lip-tie?
The piece of tissue behind your upper lip is called the frenulum. A "Lip-tie" occurs when there are abnormalities with the small piece of tissue (known as the frenulum) that connects a child’s lip to their gums. If the frenulum is too large or too tight, it can restrict the movement of the upper lip.
> Did you know? =)
TOTsDOC is a leading provider of Tongue and Lip-Tie Surgery and provides complimentary virtual consultations!
The Symptoms
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The presence of a lip-tie can pose a major obstacle for healthy feeding and oral function. An upper lip-tie can limit the ability of the baby’s upper lip to form an adequate seal while breastfeeding.
An upper lip-tie can also limit the ability of the baby’s upper lip to form an adequate seal while feeding, causing gas pain and fussiness. This can cause discomfort, difficult feedings, poor weight gain, and stress for parents, baby and the whole family.
What are the symptoms with having a lip-tie?
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Difficulty breathing during feeding
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Making a clicking sound while nursing
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Falling asleep often during nursing
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Acting extremely fatigued during nursing
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Slow weight gain or lack of weight gain
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Struggling to latch onto the breast
If you are breastfeeding, you may experience:
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Pain during or after breastfeeding
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Breasts that feel engorged even right after nursing
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Blocked milk ducts or mastitis
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Fatigue from breastfeeding constantly even though your child never seems to be full
> Did you know? =)
The natural jaw movements and suck motions that take place during breastfeeding assist in creating optimal shape and function of the head, neck, mouth, and sinus cavities.
The Treatment
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How to treat a lip-tie?
Treatments for lip-ties and tongue-ties are very similar. At TOTsDOC, we use a CO2 laser (also known as a “cold laser”) to perform tongue and lip-tie releases. With this high technology, lip-tie procedures can be completed in about 30 seconds.
In comparison to the traditional use of a scalpel or “hot” laser, cold laser technology accelerates the healing process. In most cases, babies are able to nurse immediately after the procedure, while older children will notice a difference in tongue mobility immediately.
What is a Lightscalpel Co2 Laser?
The LightScalpel CO2 laser is a device that produces a concentrated beam of light. This laser beam vaporizes tissue, while sealing blood vessels at the same time.
What is Laser Surgery and how does it work?
Traditional surgery with a scalpel or scissors can bruise or crush tissue. By using the LightScalpel CO2 laser (a light that interacts with the oral tissue), we can prevent trauma to the tissue while keeping a very narrow coagulation zone – almost the width of a human hair. The LightScalpel CO2 laser has the unique ability to vaporize or ‘erase’ tissue. The LightScalpel CO2 laser can be used to make incisions, as well as to remove unhealthy tissue. Our laser is so precise that it can selectively remove only a few cells at a time if needed. At the same time, it is powerful enough to remove the largest of tumors.
Are Lightscalpel Laser procedures safe?
The laser is as safe as other instruments. Your child will wear special protective glasses, just as you would to protect your eyes from sun exposure. Years of experience in medicine and oral surgery went into the design of the LightScalpel laser, which was made to provide superior care for our patients.
Is Laser Surgery appropriate for my child?
The LightScalpel CO2 laser can perform a wide variety of surgical procedures. Schedule a consultation with us to find out if your child is a candidate for laser surgery.
> Did you know? =)
TOTsDOC is a leading provider of Tongue and Lip-Tie Surgery and provides complimentary virtual consultations!
After Care
// TOTsDOC: Lip-Tie Surgery
Why are post-surgery exercises key?
Post-surgery exercises are the key to the healing process.
Frenectomy wounds heal very quickly. Without proper post-surgery exercises, the new tissue can prematurely reattach at either the tongue or lip site, causing a new limitation in mobility and the return of tongue- or lip-tie symptoms.
Remember this:
1) An open oral wound will contract towards the center of the wound as it is healing
2) If two raw surfaces in the mouth are in close proximity, they will reattach
Be consistent and don't be discouraged. Post treatment exercises are critical to ensure proper healing.
Exercises
Place your finger under the lip and move it up high until you feel slight resistance. Then, gently sweep from side to side for 1-2 seconds. Remember, the main goal of this procedure is to insert your finger between the raw, opposing surfaces of the lip and the gum so they can't stick together. During this exercise your baby may cry. Remain consistent for a speedy and proper healing process.
Pain Management
Proactive pain management is very important. Initially, your child’s mouth will be numb at the site of the procedure. This will last for approximately 2 hours. For most children, the first 72 hours are the hardest. The use of Tylenol or Ibuprofen based on your child’s age and weight will be helpful. Please call if your child is using Tylenol or Ibuprofen frequently past 3 days.
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Tylenol: Please refer to the Tylenol Dosing Chart given to you for the appropriate dose for your child.
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Ibuprofen (over 6 months of age): Please refer to the Ibuprofen dosing chart given to you for the appropriate dose for your child.
Other Tips
The most important factor to recovery is consistency with these exercises. However, here are some tips that will help you succeed throughout the healing process:
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Always wash your hands with soap before performing these exercises
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Stretches are not meant to be forceful or prolonged
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Be gentle, quick, and precise with your movements
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Use a LED headlight to have plenty of vision into your baby's mouth
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Place your baby on a bed or in your lap, with their feet facing away from you
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.