Tongue tie

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Oropharynx

Ankyloglossia; Frenulum

Most breast-feeding problems can be easily managed with a variety of strategies.

If you run into any problems, talk to a lactation consultant (a person who specializes in breast feeding).

Surgery is seldom necessary, but if it is needed, it involves cutting the tissue under the tongue. This surgery is called a frenulotomy.

Most often, this procedure is done in the doctor's office. Infection or bleeding afterwards are possible, but rare.

Surgery for more severe cases is done in a hospital operating room. A surgical reconstruction procedure called a z-plasty closure may be needed to prevent scar tissue from forming.

On rare occasions, tongue tie has been associated with tooth, swallowing, or speech problems.

Review Date: 11/12/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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