Labial Frenectomy Instructions

Labial Frenum (lip-tie):

1. Pull the lip up as high as possible, high enough to press against the nose. You want to see the whole white diamond open up. Press gently but firmly against the wound to massage it and keep the diamond open. It may bleed slightly when this is done, but this is not a concern.

2. Repeat 5 times a day, at various times during the day for 3 weeks.

3. The released area will form a wet scab after the first day. It will appear white or yellow and soft because it is wet. This area is what you will be pressing against. The healing will be happening under the scab, just like a scrape anywhere else on your body. The white area will get smaller each day, but healing is still happening! So even though the white scab will heal you MUST continue the stretching or the new frenum will not be as long as possible and the surgery may need to be repeated.

4. The child can eat whatever foods he or she can tolerate.

5. Pain relief is needed the first few days. Give Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol as directed on the package based on weight.

6. The lip may swell up slightly that evening or the next day. It is normal and will go down after a day or two. The wound will be sore for a few days, at one week look much better, and at two weeks look almost normal.

7. A slight fever is normal the first day.

Download a copy of this page!