Plastic surgery of the frenulum of the tongue and lips

The frenulums of the tongue and upper lip are folds of mucous membrane that connect soft tissues to the jaw. In normal conditions, they ensure correct speech, proper movement of the lips and tongue, and the proper formation of a bite. If a frenulum is short, it causes feeding problems in infants, and speech issues or gum recession in adults. In such cases, surgical correction is required.

At Crystal Dent dental clinic in Kyiv, frenuloplasty of the lips and tongue is performed using modern technologies. The procedure is available for both children and adults, ensuring rapid recovery and a stable clinical result. If you need tongue frenuloplasty in Kyiv, please contact the surgeons at our clinic. Timely intervention prevents the development of malocclusion, speech defects, and periodontal diseases.

What is tongue frenuloplasty? It is a surgical procedure aimed at incising or relocating the frenulum to restore a normal range of motion. In dental practice, three types of frenulums are subject to correction:

• lingual frenulum (tongue);
• frenulum of the upper lip;
• frenulum of the lower lip (much less common).

What is tongue frenuloplasty in simple terms: the excision or plastic relocation of a short fold that limits the mobility of the tongue. The procedure is indicated if a person cannot touch the palate with their tongue, experiences difficulties pronouncing sibilant sounds, or before starting orthodontic treatment. Frenuloplasty of the tongue and lips allows for the elimination of functional impairments without prolonged rehabilitation. At Crystal Dent, the operation takes 5 to 15 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia.

A short tongue frenulum (tongue-tie) is not just an anatomical feature. It leads to specific pathologies:

• Impairment of breastfeeding — the baby cannot latch correctly, tires quickly, remains hungry, and fails to gain weight properly.
• Speech impediments — the pronunciation of “r,” “l,” sibilants, and interdental sounds is affected.
• Malocclusion formation — the tongue is forced into a low position, which leads to an open bite, prognathism, and other anomalies.
• Gum recession — the tension from a short lower lip or tongue frenulum pulls the gum line down, exposing the tooth root.
• Difficulties in orthodontic treatment — short tongue frenuloplasty becomes a mandatory step before installing braces; otherwise, the tongue constantly presses against the teeth and negates the result.

Short tongue frenuloplasty resolves all of the aforementioned problems. The procedure is indicated immediately upon detection of the pathology, especially in young children.

Short tongue frenulum (tongue-tie)

• inability to extend the tongue past the lower teeth;
• the tip of the tongue notches into a heart shape when extended;
• the tongue cannot reach the palate;
• difficulties with chewing, swallowing, and speech.

Short upper lip frenulum

• a wide gap between the central incisors (diastema);
• tension on the gum when the lip is pulled away;
• gum recession in the area of the upper incisors.

Low frenulum attachment

The frenulum blends into the middle of the gum rather than the transitional fold, which traumatizes the gum during lip or tongue movements.

Preparation for orthodontic treatment

Before braces are installed, the condition of the frenulums is thoroughly evaluated. If a pathology is found, frenuloplasty is performed first, followed by orthodontics.

Speech impairments

If a speech therapist states that the cause of the articulation defects is anatomical, a tongue frenuloplasty operation is required.

Breastfeeding issues

A classic indicator in newborns. After a frenulectomy/frenulotomy (clipping of the frenulum), breastfeeding normalizes on the very same day.

Children constitute the most frequent category of patients for this procedure. At Crystal Dent, our approach varies depending on the age of the patient.

In newborns

Tongue frenuloplasty in newborns is typically performed in the maternity hospital or within the first weeks of life. At this age, the frenulum is thin and contains virtually no blood vessels. The procedure is carried out without anesthesia (or using topical numbing gel) — the frenulotomy takes seconds, and the baby can be breastfed immediately after.

Tongue frenuloplasty in infants is also viable up to one year of age. Indications include nursing difficulties, poor weight gain, and a “clicking” sound during feeding.

In preschool children

Tongue frenuloplasty in children aged 3–6 is most often linked to speech impairments. At this age, local anesthesia is already required, and the method is chosen depending on the type of frenulum:

• frenulotomy — a simple incision;
• frenuloplasty — relocating the attachment point.

At Crystal Dent, we give preference to laser tongue frenuloplasty for children — it is bloodless, requires no stitches, and is much easier on the child’s psyche. 

Laser tongue frenuloplasty for a child means comfort without fear or tears.

Before orthodontic treatment

Prior to the installation of braces, tongue frenuloplasty for children in Kyiv is performed from the age of 8–10. This is a mandatory requirement for long-term stability of the treatment results.

Many mistakenly believe that tongue frenuloplasty in adults is a rarity. In reality, every third patient at our clinic undergoing this procedure is over 18 years old.

Short tongue frenuloplasty in adults is indicated for:

• gum recession — when the gum recedes, exposing the root;
• orthodontic treatment — a short tongue-tie interferes with the alignment of the teeth;
• implantation and prosthetics — restricted mobility of the tongue leads to chronic trauma of the mucosa beneath a denture;
• obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (as part of a complex therapy);
• severe speech impediments that could not be corrected by a speech therapist.

Tongue clipping in adults is carried out under local anesthesia, most frequently using a laser. Rehabilitation takes 3–7 days, with full healing taking up to 3 weeks.

If you need an adult tongue-tie clipping, do not delay. The longer the pathology persists, the more pronounced the secondary dental changes become.

Laser frenuloplasty of the tongue and lips is the modern “gold standard” of surgical dentistry. At Crystal Dent, we utilize a diode laser with a wavelength optimal for soft tissues.

Advantages of laser technology

• Minimal trauma — the laser vaporizes tissues cleanly without tearing forces.
• Absence of bleeding — the laser instantly coagulates blood vessels.
• Fast healing — the wound surface remains sterile, and swelling is minimal.
• Comfort for children — there is no sound of a working dental drill and no sight of a scalpel.
• No stitches required — in the vast majority of cases.

Laser tongue frenuloplasty in Kyiv at Crystal Dent is painless, fast, and reliable.

We can perform laser frenuloplasty of both the tongue and lips simultaneously if there are indications for both frenulums. This is convenient, saves time, and reduces the overall stress on the patient.

You can schedule a laser tongue frenuloplasty in Kyiv by booking an appointment with our surgeon. The entire procedure takes up to 15 minutes, and you can return to your normal routine the very next day.

Consultation and diagnosis

During the initial appointment, the oral surgeon evaluates: 

• the length of the frenulum;
• the point of attachment;
• the range of motion of the tongue or lip;
• the state of the gum margin (checking for recession).

If necessary, an orthodontic or speech therapy consultation is arranged.

Local anesthesia

Modern local anesthesia is utilized. Numbing takes effect within 1–2 minutes; the patient remains fully conscious but feels absolutely no pain.

Carrying out the procedure

The tongue frenuloplasty operation can be performed using three methods:

1. Frenulotomy — a simple linear incision. It is used when the frenulum is thin and lacks a pronounced tough band.
2. Frenuloplasty — excision of a section of the frenulum with a relocation of its attachment point. It is indicated for thick, dense frenulums.
3. Laser Frenuloplasty — the preferred method in 90% of cases.

The exact technique is selected individually. The entire procedure is performed strictly under aseptic conditions in a dedicated surgical room.

Post-procedure recommendations

Immediately after the procedure, the doctor will answer all your questions, explain what sensations to expect in the coming hours and days, and hand you a personalized care sheet containing a medication schedule, a list of restrictions, and oral hygiene instructions for the treated area.

Healing timeline:

• newborns and infants: 1–2 days;
• children under 7 years old: 3–5 days;
• adults: 7–10 days until full epithelialization.

Post-operative restrictions (first 3–5 days):

• exclude spicy, hot, and hard foods from your diet;
• avoid visiting saunas or swimming pools;
• limit intense physical exertion;
• do not rinse the mouth with aggressive mouthwashes (use only what is prescribed by the doctor).

Oral hygiene:

• brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush, carefully bypassing the surgical area;
• use antiseptic solutions (Chlorhexidine 0.05%, Miramistin) according to the prescribed scheme;
• avoid touching the wound with your tongue or fingers.

Tongue exercises should begin within 3–7 days (as recommended by the doctor). Articulation gymnastics prevent premature re-attachment and secure the surgical result. Follow-up checkups are scheduled for 7 days and 1 month after the procedure.

At Crystal Dent dentistry, we perform frenuloplasty of the tongue and lips in line with the standards of top European clinics.

Advanced equipment

Our surgical rooms are equipped with dental microscopes and the latest generation of surgical lasers. This ensures visibility and precision down to 0.1 mm.

Laser technologies

We operate using a high-tech diode laser. Laser tongue frenuloplasty is the primary method chosen at our clinic.

Experienced surgeons

Our oral surgeons are specialists with many years of practice. Their expertise is backed by thousands of successful surgeries and flawlessly executed clinical cases.

Treating both children and adults

We do not turn patients away based on age or complexity. Tongue frenuloplasty for both children and adults is performed here routinely.

Comfort and painlessness

We use infiltration anesthesia with ultra-thin needles. Patients do not feel the injection, let alone the operation itself.

Individualized approach

Before scheduling surgery, we always evaluate the necessity of the intervention in coordination with an orthodontist, speech therapist, or pediatrician. No “unnecessary” operations.

Following laser tongue frenuloplasty, the results are noticeable immediately:

• The mobility of the tongue increases — the patient can freely reach the palate.
• Speech improves — provided speech therapy classes are maintained 2–4 weeks post-op.
• The position of the gum normalizes — tension disappears, halting further recession.
• The diastema closes (in the case of upper lip frenuloplasty) — when combined with orthodontics or cosmetic restoration.

Please note: after a short tongue frenuloplasty, the characteristic “heart” shape on the tip of the tongue disappears when it is extended.

The price of tongue frenuloplasty depends on several variables:

• patient’s age — it is simpler and more cost-effective in newborns;
• scope of intervention — whether it is a frenulotomy, frenuloplasty, or laser surgery;
• use of a laser — a laser is more expensive than a traditional scalpel, but it offers vastly superior comfort and healing;
• need for sedation (children under 5 years old sometimes require sedation);
• simultaneous plastic correction of multiple frenulums.

The price of laser tongue frenuloplasty in Kyiv at Crystal Dent starts from 1,800 UAH (for one frenulum). Please check the complete price list in the corresponding section of our website or inquire by phone.

How much does a tongue frenuloplasty cost using the classical method (scalpel)? The cost is roughly 15–20% lower, but we strongly recommend the laser as a safer and far more comfortable alternative.

Timely frenuloplasty of the tongue and lips helps prevent bite issues, speech problems, and gum diseases, while making orthodontic treatment much easier. At Crystal Dent dental clinic in Kyiv, the procedure is carried out using advanced techniques, including laser tongue frenuloplasty, which guarantees minimal trauma and rapid recovery.

Book a consultation with an oral surgeon at Crystal Dent. The doctor will evaluate the condition of your frenulums, perform diagnostics, and suggest the optimal correction method. Do not put off your health — a short frenulum can be treated in just 10 minutes.

Phone for appointments: +38(097) 811 08 08

Address: Kyiv, 13 Demiivska St, Section 6