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What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients experience only minimal discomfort and recover quickly, but consistent aftercare is essential to lower the risk of reattachment. Infants may nurse immediately after or as soon as the topical numbing cream wears off (15-30 minutes).
We recommend trying to nurse immediately after the procedure, as this can be soothing for newborns and helps us determine what further steps are needed. They may or may not latch right away, or there may still be a painful latch. It can take time to retrain the infant's sucking patterns. Don't be discouraged, but let the provider know before leaving. OMT, bodywork, SLP, or lactation follow-up may be needed. Some mothers and infants do experience immediate relief, especially if done as soon as possible after birth and diagnosis. Please plan for a minimum of 2 weeks of
oral stretches and repeat visits to our office for follow-up or referrals.
The mouth tends to heal quickly, and reattachment relies heavily on the patient's cooperation and adherence to the aftercare protocols. With its multi-factorial nature, reattachment can occur, and some symptoms may remain even if best practices are observed.
At JPFM, we use a CO2 diode laser, which can significantly reduce reattachment risk, and work with each patient to minimize the risk of adhesions through comprehensive aftercare, including in-office Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments (OMT)
We believe that best outcome is one where all systems of the body are addressed,
not just the frenulum.
Normal things you may notice after the procedure:
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A diamond-shaped wound under the tongue or lip
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Mild fussiness or disrupted sleep for 24–48 hours
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Slight swelling or white/yellow healing tissue (this is not an infection)
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Temporary feeding challenges as your baby learns new movement patterns
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If feeding challenges or pain persist longer than a few days, schedule a visit with us.
Your baby may need further follow-up support. Healing from a frenectomy is usually smooth, but
if something doesn’t feel right, we want to hear from you.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
for Tongue Ties
We usually recommend that Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) be scheduled for a couple of days post-frenectomy.
OMT is a gentle, hands-on therapy that helps the body self-regulate and heal by addressing structural imbalances, tension patterns, and restrictions.
It’s particularly useful for infants as tongue-tie, feeding issues, and body dysregulation usually go hand-in-hand, especially after traumatic births. It is common to feel subtle shifts in tension and improvements immediately after a session. It is also normal to feel some muscle soreness. These responses are part of the body’s natural recalibration process. OMT has been shown it can improve the overall outcome of tongue and lip tie releases. We are excited to have our own Dr. Vijay Veerula offer this service in the office during your follow-up to improve outcomes for our patients.
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What to Expect After OMT
Everyone responds differently, but you may notice:​
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Increased relaxation or fatigue
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Mild soreness or body awareness
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Digestive shifts (e.g., gurgling belly, increased bowel movements)
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Emotional release or changes in mood
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Improved sleep or restlessness for 24–48 hours
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These effects typically resolve within 1–3 days.
They are signs of your body adjusting and should not be a cause for concern.
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For Infants & Children:
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With OMT incorporated into your aftercare, you may see:​
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Improved latch, feeding, or digestion
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More relaxed sleep
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Easier tummy time or head-turning
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Reduced congestion or reflux symptoms