Tongue tie release

The band of tissue, which joins the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, is surgically cut.

There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following.

General risks

• Infection can occur which may require treatment including antibiotics.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin or Aspirin.
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Impaired circulation may occur to a limb or to an organ which may require further treatment.
• Death or brain damage as a result of this procedure is possible.

Specific risks

• Bleeding. This may occur either at the time of surgery or in the first 2 weeks after surgery. Delayed bleeding may require re-admission to hospital and may require another operation to stop the bleeding. A blood transfusion may be necessary depending on the amount of blood lost.
• Infection. Persistent bad breath, worsening mouth discomfort or delayed bleeding may indicate an infection. This is usually treated with antibiotics. Delayed bleeding is treated as outlined above.
• Pain. Mild mouth pain is common during the first few days after surgery, requiring regular pain relief.
• Injury to the teeth, lips, gums or tongue. This may require further treatment.
• Abnormal scarring may rarely lead to reformation of the tongue tie requiring further surgery.