Considering a Tongue-Tie Release?
One of my favorite jobs I get to do is support little ones through the tongue-tie release (frenectomy) journey. The surgery might fix the tie — but the magic really happens in the BEFORE & AFTER care.
Here’s how to give your child the best shot at a smooth, comfortable recovery — and how to combine it with Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation.
What’s LLLT & Why It Matters
LLLT uses gentle red/near-infrared light — no cutting, no heat — to help cells heal, ease inflammation, reduce pain, and improve blood flow.
It’s safe and fast. Even infants can tolerate it well.
When used before the release, it relaxes tissues, improves mobility, and makes the procedure less stressful. After surgery, it speeds healing, softens scar tissue, and helps with feeding, speech, and comfort.
OT-Approved Aftercare Plan for Tongue-Tie Release
Before Release
☐ Gentle tongue stretches and oral-motor neuromuscular re-education
☐ Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) sessions
☐ Relaxing the jaw and neck muscles and finding symmetry in the body
➡️ Prepares tissues, makes the release procedure gentler and more precise☐ Strengthening stabilizing muscles for a solid feeding foundation
☐ Activating cranial nerves for coordination
☐ Eliciting primitive reflexes for established neuromotor awareness
Sometimes we’re able to avoid release with these measures! It all depends on anatomy and function baby is able to work within, so don’t jump to release before working with a therapist!
Immediately After Surgery
☐ One LLLT session right after
☐ Additional sessions at ~24–48 hours and again around 1 week later
➡️ Reduces swelling and pain, lowers reattachment risk
Daily Habits
☐ Wound care tongue stretches each day, every 4-6 hrs usually, but follow your individualized plan!
☐ Guided feeding or movement practice — be sure to follow your home program developed for you and your baby based on their unique needs and abilities!
☐ Comfort tools (cooled pacifier, soothing touch, calm environment)
➡️ Keeps mobility, supports feeding, and helps your child stay calm
Support Team
☐ Myofunctional or feeding therapist for older children
☐ Occupational therapist support
☐ Lactation consultant (if breastfeeding)
➡️ Ensures coordinated care so progress sticks long term(These roles may be occupied for multiple providers, or all the same person depending on their skill set!)
Follow-Ups
☐ Provider check-in during the first week — ideally within 24-48 hrs of release. Our ideal schedule usually allows for 3 wound checks in the first week after release and then weekly from there.
☐ Wound care and scar massage should last at a minimum of SIX WEEKS, so please don’t stop cold-turkey at 21 days.
☐ Ongoing follow-ups as needed. Think of them as mini check-in parties to guide you on how to best support them as well as ensuring we catch any challenges early on. Proactive care is always our goal!
➡️ Catches complications early, fine-tunes stretches and LLLT schedule
What to Ask Your Doctor or Therapist
“Do you provide LLLT/PBM as part of tongue-tie release care?”
“How many laser sessions do you recommend before & after the release?”
“When should I do the first follow-up & stretching?”
“What changes should I expect day by day in comfort or feeding?”
What to Remember
There’s a lot of work to be done in preparation for and after release, but recovery isn’t just physical — comfort, rest, and connection matter just as much. Skin-to-skin, cuddles, being calm, and soothing environments help healing too. When parents feel supported and empowered, outcomes are always better.
If your little one has had a tongue-tie release (or it’s coming up), let’s chat. At B.well tots, we integrate the latest OT-informed feeding & myofunctional-based therapy + light-based healing tools to make recovery kinder, more comfortable, and effective.