Non-Surgical Tongue Tie Release Procedure: An Overview

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the strip of skin beneath the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual, limiting the tongue’s range of motion. This condition can affect people of all ages and may lead to various issues, including difficulty breastfeeding, speech difficulties, and oral health problems. While surgical tongue tie release, known as a frenotomy or frenectomy, is a common treatment option, there is growing interest in non-surgical approaches. Dr. Gregory Levitin at NYC Tongue Tie is a board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon who pioneered the non-surgical, no-laser tongue tie release procedure.

Non-Surgical Tongue Tie Release Procedure

Dr. Levitin’s non-surgical tongue tie release procedure involves using specialized scissors to release the tight lingual frenulum safely and effectively without the need for traditional surgical incisions or stitches. This method has gained popularity due to its minimally invasive nature and reduced risk of complications. The procedure is completed in less than ten minutes with these steps:

• Evaluation: The procedure typically begins with a thorough evaluation by Dr. Levitin. This evaluation assesses the extent of the tongue tie and its impact on the individual’s health and function.
• Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably, and local anesthesia is applied to the area to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
• Scissor Release: The non-surgical release can be performed using surgical scissors. Scissor release involves carefully snipping the tight band of tissue.
• Immediate Improvement: The non-surgical procedure typically results in immediate improvement in tongue mobility. Infants can immediately breastfeed or bottle feed, and other patients can resume normal mouth/tongue movement.
• Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene and follow any specific instructions provided by Dr. Levitin.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Tongue Tie Release

The non-surgical, no-laser tongue-tie release provided by Dr. Levitin is an innovative option for anyone requiring this procedure. Some of the benefits include:

• Minimally Invasive: The non-surgical procedure is minimally invasive, with no need for surgical incisions, sutures, or general anesthesia, reducing the risk of complications and discomfort.
• Quick Recovery: Recovery from a non-surgical tongue tie release is typically faster than traditional surgical methods, allowing individuals to resume normal activities immediately.
• Less Scarring: Since no incisions are made, there is minimal scarring associated with non-surgical releases.
• Pain Relief: Tongue tie release can provide immediate relief from issues such as breastfeeding difficulties, speech problems, and oral discomfort.
• Enhanced Oral Function: Improved tongue mobility can enhance oral function, including better breastfeeding, speech articulation, and oral hygiene.
• No Follow-Up: Most patients do not require a follow-up appointment after their tongue tie release.

The non-surgical tongue tie release procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods for addressing tongue ties. It can provide immediate relief and improve oral function, particularly in cases where surgical intervention is not warranted or desired. The non-surgical, no-laser release can be a valuable option for those seeking a less invasive solution to tongue tie-related challenges. Contact NYC Tongue Tie to schedule a consultation with Dr. Levitin to learn more about this unique procedure.