Frenectomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Frenectomy?
An ear, nose and throat doctor, also called an ENT, can treat tongue-tie with surgery. A pediatrician, a doctor for children, can help find the cause of breastfeeding concerns. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Here, frenectomy means surgery for tongue-tie.
Tongue tie is when the bottom of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth. A band of tissue called the lingual frenulum connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. In people with tongue tie, this band is overly short and thick. Tongue tie surgery is called a frenulotomy. The surgery involves cutting and releasing the tight frenulum under the tongue. The surgery is also called a frenotomy. Tongue-tie is most common in babies.
Why a doctor might recommend it
In babies, tongue-tie can make it difficult to breastfeed or bottle-feed. A baby may have trouble attaching to the breast or bottle. This is called latching. A baby may also feed for a long time or struggle to put on weight. Tongue tie surgery is rarely needed. Most breastfeeding problems can be managed easily. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to save frenotomy for cases with significant functional impairments. It also says to use it only when nonsurgical treatments have failed.
How to prepare
Steps before surgery usually focus on other help first.
- Work with your child's pediatrician first.
- A lactation consultant, a person who specializes in breastfeeding, can help with breastfeeding issues.
- Most providers only consider tongue tie when the mother and baby have had problems starting breastfeeding. They also want the mother to have had at least 2 to 3 days of support from a breastfeeding specialist.
- Most experts do not recommend checking newborns for tongue tie unless there are breastfeeding problems.
What happens during it
In infants, the most common approach is to clip the frenulum with scissors. The surgery is most often done in the surgeon's office. Surgery for more severe cases or for older children is done in a hospital operating room. The NHS says that in young babies, the surgery is usually done without any anesthetic. In older babies, children and adults it is usually done with general anesthetic.
Recovery
After surgery, most babies get better quickly and are able to feed better. The AAP says doctors should avoid recommending stretching exercises after surgery in which parents open the wound several times. Research on how well frenotomy works is limited. It may reduce nipple pain for a short time, and its effect on the baby's breastfeeding is inconsistent.
Risks and side effects
Infection or bleeding afterward is possible, but rare. The AAP says poor outcomes are rare. Speak to a midwife, health visitor or doctor if you think your baby has tongue-tie, or if your baby loses weight or struggles to put on weight. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if there is bleeding that will not stop or trouble breathing.
Who performs it
Tongue-tie surgery is done by a surgeon. Doctors, oral surgeons and dentists perform frenotomy. Some use a laser.
Common questions
Does my baby need surgery for tongue-tie?
Not always, because treatment is not usually needed if tongue-tie is not causing any problems. If it causes problems, treatment may include breastfeeding or bottle-feeding advice from a trained health professional or a small surgery.
Who can help with feeding problems before surgery?
A lactation consultant, a person who specializes in breastfeeding, can help with breastfeeding issues. The AAP encourages doctors to work with lactation consultants and other specialists.
Is laser better than scissors for tongue-tie surgery?
No evidence supports laser over other methods of frenotomy, according to the AAP.
Can tongue-tie cause speech problems?
On rare occasions, tongue tie has been linked to problems with tooth development, swallowing, or speech. Older children may have speech trouble.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can help you find feeding help and refer you to a specialist.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Tongue tie
- NHS - Tongue-tie
- American Academy of Pediatrics - HealthyChildren.org - AAP Addresses Rise in Tongue-Tie Diagnoses for Breastfeeding Concerns
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
