Postoperative Care Following Frenectomy

While the frenectomy procedure itself takes just minutes to complete at Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, the aftercare process is crucial for optimal healing and long-term success. Our North Mackay team will provide you with comprehensive guidance to ensure the best possible outcome following your procedure.

The body naturally wants to heal wounds by bringing the edges together—a process called primary intention healing. However, with a frenectomy, this natural healing process could cause the tissue to reattach in a tight or restrictive manner, potentially undoing the benefits of the procedure.

Instead, we aim for “secondary intention healing,” which encourages the wound to heal from the outside inward. This approach helps prevent reattachment and promotes the formation of new, less restrictive tissue in the treated area.

Essential Stretching Exercises

To promote proper healing and prevent reattachment, parents and caregivers will need to perform specific stretching exercises several times daily until the area is fully healed:

• Gentle yet thorough stretching of the treated area
• Rubbing motions to stimulate the healing tissue
• Light pressure on and around the wound site

Our team will provide detailed demonstrations of these techniques before you leave our office, and we offer support videos for reference at home.

While these exercises may cause momentary discomfort—and your baby may cry during the stretches—they are essential for preventing reattachment and ensuring long-term improvement. Remember that this temporary discomfort leads to lasting comfort and function.

Breastfeeding Following Treatment

We encourage mothers to breastfeed immediately after the procedure. This natural action:

• Provides comfort to your baby
• Helps establish new movement patterns
• Begins the functional retraining process
• Stimulates the treated area during feeding

While breastfeeding is beneficial for healing, it’s important to note that feeding alone does not provide sufficient stretching to prevent reattachment. The manual exercises must be performed as directed.

Additional Therapies

Your treatment plan may include additional recommendations:

• Exercises from your lactation consultant
• Bodywork techniques from a pediatric chiropractor
• Specific positioning strategies during feeding

These complementary approaches address different aspects of oral function and work alongside the stretching exercises to enhance overall outcomes.

Older patients will follow a different aftercare protocol:

Managing Discomfort

• Some tenderness is normal and expected
• Cool foods and icy treats can provide soothing relief
• Over-the-counter pain relief may be recommended for older children and adults
• Warm salt water rinses (after the first 24 hours) help soothe and promote healing

Oral Myofunctional Therapy

For optimal results, we typically recommend a course of orofacial myology (also known as myofunctional therapy) for older patients. This specialised therapy:

• Retrains the tongue, lips, and jaw muscles
• Establishes new movement patterns
• Corrects functional irregularities
• Maximises the benefits of the frenectomy procedure

Our oral myofunctional therapist will guide you through specific exercises designed for your unique needs. Continuing these exercises as directed is essential for long-term success.

Our commitment to your success extends well beyond the procedure day:

1. Next-Day Call: Our team will contact you the day after your procedure to check on your progress and address any immediate concerns
2. Six-Week Follow-Up: We’ll check in again at six weeks to assess healing and function
3. Six-Month Review: A comprehensive evaluation will be performed to ensure optimal long-term results

While complications are rare following a laser frenectomy, please contact our North Mackay office at (07) 3062 7662 immediately if you experience:

• Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Signs of infection (increased swelling, redness, or warmth)
• Fever
• Severe pain not relieved by recommended pain management
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Any other concerns about the healing process

Our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout your recovery journey. Never hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns—we’re here to ensure your comfort and successful healing.

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.