Tongue tie is where the connection between the underside of the tongue and the floor of the mouth is very short. This can interfere with feeding in newborn babies.
My approach is to work closely with lactation consultants, and where needed to divide the tongue tie surgically. This is a very simple procedure which consists of dividing the short membrane connecting the tongue and the floor of the mouth.
If the membrane is thin then dividing it can be done just in clinic using local anaesthetic, with the help of a nurse, and myself taking just a few minutes.
If the membrane is thicker it may be necessary to carry out the procedure under general anaesthetic, although again the anaesthetic and the procedure itself would take just a few minutes.
Recovery from the procedure is quick, with children they encouraged to feed within straight away. Even if the procedure is done under general anaesthetic children go home the same day.