Embarking on treatment with us means experiencing a blend of expert care, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate support every step of the way. From your first consultation to the follow-up care, expect a smooth, informative journey focused on your comfort and well-being, with our team ensuring you understand every aspect of the procedure and recovery process.
A professional assessment by specialists to determine the treatment path, ensuring a personalized approach to care. Evaluations and recommendations will vary depending on patient age and function (signs/symptoms). Therefore, there is a collaborative approach to each evaluation, in which the patient sees a certified therapist (OT, SLP, MFT, etc.), and the doctor. We believe pre and post therapy plays a critical role in overall treatment outcomes, so each patient will be given a customized treatment plan and sequence recommendation.
Surgery may not be recommended for all situations. However, if surgery is indicated, parents are educated about the options to numb the area(s) with local anesthetic. For the procedure itself, the frenulum(s) are released with the most advanced and up-to-date treatment protocol using a Lightscalpel CO2 laser.
So why is the CO2 laser the best tool for this procedure?
CO2 laser- this type of laser does not directly touch the tissue. It is a true laser that simply hovers over the tissue and evaporates it in increments, while cauterizing and providing antibacterial properties. The fact that this laser does not touch the tissue directly, and is an incremental release (within seconds), allows the doctor to be able to visualize all of the structures as the tethers unravel. The cautery action (bleeding control) also allows for a clean site. The doctor is in turn able to not only perform a complete and thorough release, but also perform reproducible surgeries with great efficacy.
At each surgery, a qualified therapist (OT, SLP, MFT) will be in the procedure with the doctor to perform reflexology. The therapist will also provide some bodywork to help with tension, and initiate muscle endurance and organization immediately after the release.
For infants and/or toddlers, they will be immediately brought back to parents to be fed after release (surgery).
For older children and adults, sutures are placed along the incisions and myofunctional exercises are given.
Active rehabilitation focusing on oral muscle retraining and strength, organization, nervous system regulation, and tension in order to provide optimal outcomes. Recommendations for therapy will vary depending on function (progress) and age of the patient.
Ongoing assistance from therapists and doctors to ensure lasting results, providing peace of mind and continuous improvement. The doctor and therapy team follow not only the patient and outcomes, but also manage the wound sites to ensure no re-attachment has occurred in post op visits. We encourage milestone check-ins beyond procedure to promote overall airway health and jaw development.
Our innovative 'Wound Care and Scar Management' protocol, meticulously combined with our Therapy Protocol, ensures minimal risk of reattachment, keeping our reattachment rates exceptionally low. This holistic approach sets us apart, significantly reducing the need for revision surgeries, unlike other providers who may not prioritize comprehensive therapy or scar management.
Our team is specialty trained in frenectomies and functional frenuloplasties for infants, children, and adults using the state-of-the-art LightScalpel CO2 Laser. Come to Atlanta’s one and only Tongue-tie Center and get your release done right with our state-of-the-art CO2 laser and our team of certified professionals.
We want to hear from you about all your concerns. We’re happy to answer questions and guide you in the right direction.
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