1. Consistent Follow-Up & Rechecks

Frenectomy healing is not just a one-time procedure—it’s a process. Local providers can:

• Monitor healing in-person

• Catch reattachment early

• Adjust your care plan in real time

• Provide same-week or urgent recheck visits if needed

When you’re nearby, you don’t have to delay care if something feels off.

2. Easier Access to a Whole-Body Team

Optimal results often depend on collaboration with:

• Lactation consultants (IBCLCs)

• Bodyworkers (OMT, CST, pediatric chiropractors)

• Feeding or speech therapists (SLPs)

Local providers often have trusted referral networks, so you’re not left searching alone.

3. Personalized, Relationship-Based Care

Local practices like ours get to know your child and your family. We offer:

• Ongoing guidance through healing

• Familiar faces at every visit

• The ability to adapt care as your child grows

At Jefferson, you’re not just a procedure—you’re part of our community.

4. Lower Stress for Your Baby (and You)

Traveling long distances with a fussy or healing baby is exhausting. Choosing a provider close to home means:

• Less time in the car

• More rest and recovery

• Easier return visits if feeding concerns arise

5. You’ll Never Be Alone in the Process

We’re here when questions come up at 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 months post-procedure. With a local team, you get real-time answers, real support, and reliable access—not a long drive or an out-of-state portal login.

No. We use a topical numbing gel to ensure your child is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. We also offer a sedative (Versed) for older patients which helps provide a sense of calm and relaxation during the procedure.

Infants: About 15–30 minutes

Toddlers/Children: Up to 1 hour if local anesthesia is used Note: Numbness may make feeding right after the procedure temporarily tricky. That’s okay—it improves as the numbing wears off.

Most children have mild to moderate soreness for a few days. A small number of infants may be extra fussy for up to a week—this is uncommon but possible.

• Under 6 months: Infant Tylenol (acetaminophen)

• Over 6 months: Infant Ibuprofen (50 mg/1.25 mL) works best

• Optional: Arnica Montana 30C (natural remedy) 👉 See our “Before Your Visit” section for detailed dosing instructions.

No restrictions!

• Infants can feed right after the procedure if they want to

• Toddlers/children can eat normal soft foods

• Older kids/adults: Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods for the first day or two to reduce irritation

Feeding often stays the same at first—this is normal. Most improvements are gradual and can take 1–2 weeks or more, especially when paired with lactation or feeding support.

For infants and kids under 6, stretch the wound every 4 hours, even overnight.

✅ Start the next day

✅ Continue for a full 3 weeks

This keeps the site from reattaching and ensures good healing.

Very unlikely. The mouth heals rapidly and naturally. We've treated hundreds of cases and have not seen any post-op infections to date.

It’s rare—but a tiny spot of blood during healing or stretching is okay.

💡 If bleeding occurs, feeding or gentle pressure with a clean cloth is usually all that’s needed.

Reattachment happens when the healing tissue fuses back together instead of staying open and flexible. This can restrict tongue or lip mobility again and limit the benefits of the procedure. Reattachment is more likely if stretches are missed, if the initial cut was not deep enough (which can be difficult to asses with posterior ties), or if there’s underlying muscle tension that wasn’t addressed. This is normal but rare and completely dependent on the patients anatomy.

At JPFM we use a C02 diode laser which reduces the risk of reattachment allowing for deeper more accurate treatment. We also recommend patients stick to the aftercare and follow up with our office for OMT. We directly refer to local SLP , chiropractors, and lactation services for a comprehensive approach. Combined this reduces the risk for reattachment.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a gentle, hands-on therapy that helps release tension patterns in the body. After a frenectomy, it can:

• Improve tongue, jaw, and neck mobility

• Support nervous system regulation

• Enhance feeding function

• Reduce muscle compensation and reattachment risk

• Promote calm and comfort during healing

Many babies with tongue or lip ties develop tightness in the neck, jaw, or shoulders from months of compensating during feeding. Bodywork gently releases this stored tension so the body can fully integrate the benefits of the procedure and form new, healthier movement patterns.

• Osteopathy or OMT (offered in our office)

• Craniosacral therapy

• Chiropractic

• Physical/occupational therapy

If your child has feeding difficulties, tension, torticollis, or oral restriction, bodywork can be highly beneficial before and after frenectomy.

Yes. Working with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can be essential—before and after the procedure. They help support:

• Breastfeeding challenges

• Bottle-feeding difficulties

• Progress monitoring and long-term feeding goals

Some families may also benefit from a feeding-trained SLP (speech therapist).

While there’s no guarantee, early treatment can reduce future dysfunction risks and improve oral function. Every child is different—tongue and lip ties are part of a bigger picture, and outcomes depend on many factors, including therapy, anatomy, and support.

Dr. Vijay Veerula will use light pressure and stretching techniques around your baby’s head, jaw, spine, and abdomen. Treatment is calm, soothing, and adapted to your baby’s comfort level. Parents stay present and involved throughout the session.

Think of OMT as part of a team-based approach. Alongside:

• Daily stretching exercises to prevent reattachment

• Lactation or feeding therapy for skill-building

• Home care strategies for comfort and recovery OMT helps optimize the long-term outcomes of your child's frenectomy.

Call our office at (260) 436-7722 and request an OMT appointment after frenectomy. We’ll help you time it appropriately based on your child’s procedure and support needs.

When aftercare is followed closely—including proper stretches and bodywork—reattachment is rare. At Jefferson, we’ve seen excellent outcomes with consistent aftercare, especially when paired with lactation or feeding therapy and early OMT (osteopathic bodywork).

Signs of reattachment may include:

• Worsening latch or feeding fatigue after initial improvement

• Clicking, gulping, or popping off the breast/bottle returning

• Trouble lifting the tongue or upper lip again

• Tension in the jaw or body

• Reflux, gassiness, or fussiness returning

• Shallow diamond-shaped wound starting to narrow or close prematurely

📞 Call our office right away. Early intervention can make a big difference.

We may recommend:

• An in-office recheck to examine the healing site

• OMT to release compensatory tension

• A referral to lactation, feeding therapy, or a bodyworker

• In some cases, a brief touch-up revision may be needed—this is typically simpler than the original procedure