Frenotomy Aftercare Instructions

Why Aftercare Matters

After your baby’s tongue, lip, or cheek tie release (frenotomy), aftercare stretches are essential to prevent reattachment.

The goal isn’t to stretch the tongue or muscle itself, it’s to keep the wound from healing closed.

• Expect to see a diamond-shaped area under the tongue.

• A whitish-yellow scab will form as part of normal healing.

• Check your email to view the picture of your baby's diamond from immediately after the procedure.

DAY 1: Procedure Day

✅ No stretches today.

Focus on comfort:

• Extra hugs and cuddles

• Skin-to-skin time

• Feed your baby on demand

  
  

Your baby has had a big day, so focus on rest and bonding.

DAY 2: Starting Stretches

✅ Begin stretches every 4 hours, including overnight.

• Place baby on a firm surface.

• Always approach from behind baby’s head.

• Use 2 index fingers to gently lift the tongue from the CENTER of the diamond.

• Stretch the diamond as tall as possible for 2 seconds, and repeat twice.

  
  

If an upper lip tie was released:

• Roll under the upper lip with your index finger.

• Make gentle circles over the area where the lip meets the gums.

• Then gently massage vertically and horizontally to keep the area open.

• This process should only take 2 seconds in total.

  
  

DAY 3: Adding Massage

✅ Continue lifting the tongue as before.

From BEHIND baby's head, massage the diamond area itself:

• Sweep your index finger under the tongue and into the diamond area.

• Press gently but firmly into the center of the diamond.

• Massage up and down, then side to side for 2 seconds total.

  
  

This keeps the diamond wide open to prevent closure/reattachment.

Recommended Stretch Schedule

• Weeks 1 & 2: Every 4 hours (including overnight)

• Weeks 3 & 4: Every 6 hours

• Weeks 5 & 6: Twice daily

  
  

Helpful Tips for Stretches

• Olive oil or coconut oil can help as a gentle lubricant.

• Avoid numbing gels with benzocaine (like regular Orajel).

Timing Suggestions:

• For newborns (under about 3 weeks of age): Try stretching before feedings. Most newborns will settle quickly once they are sucking. (If your baby gets too upset to feed well after stretches, we recommend switching the stretches to after feedings instead.)

• For older babies (more than about 3 weeks): Try stretching after or between feedings to avoid associating stretching with feedings.

  
  

Comfort Measures

Infant Tylenol can be used as needed (for 48 hours after procedure):

• The dose is based on your baby's weight.

• Please give the dose written on the bottom of your aftercare instruction sheet. It may be different than the instructions on your bottle.

• Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours.

• Correct dose will be reviewed at your visit.

  
  

For babies over 6 months, ibuprofen is preferred.

Don’t wait for baby to become uncomfortable between doses.

What’s Normal?

• A white, yellow, or orange diamond-shaped scab is expected.

• Minor bleeding with stretches is normal and may happen at ANY time as the area heals.

• Baby may have darker stools from tiny amounts of blood swallowed during the procedure.

Follow-Up Care

We recommend a wound check at 1 week to ensure proper healing.

👉 Click here for instructions on how to take and send your follow-up picture.

Questions or Concerns?

Your baby’s comfort and feeding success are our priority.

If you have any questions or worries during the healing process:

📞 Cal us at (973) 826‑9226

We’re here to support you every step of the way.