Lip & Tongue Tie Surgery
A lip or tongue tie occurs when the small band of tissue (frenulum) connecting the lip or tongue to the gum or floor of the mouth is tighter or thicker than usual, restricting movement. This can affect feeding in babies, and in older children and adults may contribute to speech difficulties, dental spacing issues, or discomfort. At Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer assessment and surgical correction (frenectomy) for both lip and tongue ties, for patients of all ages.
UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITION
What are lip and tongue ties?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) restricts the movement of the tongue, which can affect breastfeeding, swallowing, speech development or oral hygiene. A lip tie involves the frenulum connecting the upper or lower lip to the gum, and in some cases can contribute to a gap between the front teeth or difficulty with lip seal during feeding.
When treatment may be recommended
Difficulty latching or feeding in infants, with associated discomfort for the parent
Restricted tongue movement affecting speech sounds
Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to restricted movement
A persistent gap between the upper front teeth linked to a lip tie
Discomfort or restriction reported by an older child or adult
Not every lip or tongue tie requires surgery — many cause no functional problems at all. Assessment focuses on how the tie is affecting feeding, speech, oral hygiene or comfort, rather than appearance alone.
ABOUT THE PROCEDURE
Assessment
During your consultation, we will assess the movement of the tongue or lip and determine whether the restrictive tissue is affecting feeding, speech, oral hygiene or other aspects of oral function.
For babies and young children, assessment may be coordinated with a lactation consultant, speech-language therapist, paediatrician or other healthcare professional already involved in their care. This multidisciplinary approach helps determine whether surgical treatment is likely to be beneficial.
The Procedure
A frenotomy or frenectomy involves releasing the restrictive band of tissue beneath the tongue or inside the lip.
In infants, the procedure is usually brief and may be performed with minimal anaesthesia, depending on the child’s age and individual needs. In older children and adults, treatment is generally carried out under local anaesthetic. Sedation or general anaesthesia may occasionally be considered where appropriate.
The procedure typically involves:
• A short treatment time, often only a few minutes in infants
• Minimal bleeding, with generally straightforward healing
• Individualised aftercare advice, including exercises where appropriate, to support healing and improve function
Recovery & Aftercare
Most patients experience only mild discomfort following treatment. Babies can usually feed shortly after the procedure. Clear aftercare instructions will be provided to support healing and reduce the risk of the tissue reattaching.
Older children and adults may experience tenderness or mild swelling for several days. Simple pain relief is usually sufficient. Any recommended tongue or lip exercises should be performed as advised to help maintain movement and support the best possible functional outcome.
Why Choose Oral & Facial Surgery, Remuera?
Specialist Surgical Expertise: Care is provided by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons with detailed knowledge of the tongue, lips, mouth and surrounding facial structures.
Careful Functional Assessment: We assess whether the restriction is genuinely affecting feeding, speech, oral hygiene or oral function, helping ensure that treatment is recommended only when appropriate.
Age-Appropriate Treatment Options: Management is tailored to infants, children and adults, with access to local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia where required.
Coordinated Multidisciplinary Care: We work closely with dentists, GPs, orthodontists, paediatricians, lactation consultants and speech-language therapists to support appropriate treatment and follow-up.
Why specialist assessment matters
Because not every tie needs surgery, and because technique and aftercare can affect outcomes, a thorough assessment helps ensure surgery is recommended only where it is likely to make a genuine functional difference.
Next steps
If you have concerns about feeding, speech or oral function related to a possible lip or tongue tie, contact the practice to arrange an assessment.
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