For pain, you may take over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Coconut oil or vitamin E oil may be applied to the release site for added comfort. Plan to return to the office for a post-operative check in one to two weeks, and continue following up with your IBCLC, speech/language pathologist, and/or orofacial myofunctional therapist as applicable. Complete the applicable stretching exercises below in repetitions of three, four times daily, for two to four weeks.

Post-Operative Stretching Exercises

Newborn/Infant. The best times for exercises are typically while switching breasts during breastfeeding, halfway through a bottle, or during a diaper change. For a lingual release, lift the tongue with two fingers until the diamond is fully visible, then release; lightly massage around the border of the diamond or sweep a finger underneath. For a labial release, lift the lip with two fingers toward the nostrils until the diamond is fully visible, then release, and sweep a finger under the lip.

Older Child. For a lingual release, lift the tongue with two fingers until the diamond is fully visible, then release. Have your child lift their tongue and sweep it across their top teeth. You can also fill a small cup or shot glass with a bit of nut butter, chocolate syrup, or honey and have them extend their tongue into the cup to lick it out, or hold a popsicle, ice cream cone, or sugar-free lollipop near the tip of their nose and have them try to reach it. For a labial release, lift the lip with two fingers toward the nostrils until the diamond is fully visible, then release, and sweep a finger under the lip.

Questions about healing or the stretching routine? Galaxy Smiles For Kids is happy to walk you through it. Book a follow-up or call us any time.