Tongue Tie Surgery
- Feeding difficulties
- Speech impediments
- Dental issues
- Orthodontic concerns
- Quality of life impacts
Comprehensive Care for
Restricted Tongue Function
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the strip of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. This restriction can limit the movement of the tongue and may cause difficulties with breastfeeding, eating, speech development, or oral hygiene.
Tongue tie surgery is a straightforward treatment that releases the restriction and restores normal tongue function in infants, children and adults. At Head2Neck, care is consultant-led and tailored to each patient’s needs, whether the concern involves an infant struggling to feed, a child with speech difficulties, or an adult experiencing oral discomfort.
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie is a congenital condition where the frenulum does not allow the tongue to move freely. This restriction may range from mild to severe, and its impact depends on age and individual circumstances.
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie
Recognising tongue tie early can help prevent long-term problems. Common signs include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding in infants, including poor latch or prolonged feeding times
- Speech difficulties in older children, such as challenges in pronouncing certain sounds
- Limited ability to lift, move, or extend the tongue
- Problems with oral hygiene due to restricted cleaning of the teeth and gums
- Discomfort or functional restriction in adults when eating, speaking, or maintaining dental care
Problems Caused by Tongue Tie
If left untreated, tongue tie can contribute to:
Feeding Difficulties
Including poor weight gain in infants.
Speech Impediments
Affecting clarity and pronunciation in children or adults.
Dental Issues
Orthodontic Concerns
Altered tongue movement may affect dental development.
Quality of Life Impacts
Reduced comfort with speech, eating, or oral function.
When is Tongue Tie Surgery Recommended?
Not all tongue ties require intervention. In mild cases, conservative management such as speech therapy or lactation support may be sufficient. Surgery is usually recommended when:
- Feeding problems persist in infants despite professional support
- Speech therapy alone does not address articulation difficulties
- Oral health is affected due to restricted tongue mobility
- There is discomfort or a functional limitation in daily activities
- Orthodontic treatment is compromised by tongue position or movement
Tongue tie surgery (whether a simple frenectomy or a more complex frenuloplasty) is considered when clinical evaluation confirms that functional issues outweigh the risks of intervention.
What to Expect from Tongue Tie Surgery
Consultation
Assessment begins with a detailed clinical history and examination. The consultation allows the surgeon to identify the severity and type of tongue tie, discuss the most appropriate treatment option and explain anaesthetic choices (local or general, depending on age and complexity).
Procedure
Infants: a simple frenectomy is often performed, where the frenulum is carefully divided to release the restriction. This may be carried out using sterile scissors or laser techniques.
Older children and adults: more complex cases may require a frenuloplasty, involving surgical release and repair under local or general anaesthetic. Dissolvable sutures are commonly used.
Both procedures are generally quick, with patients discharged the same day.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery is typically straightforward. Infants may feed immediately after surgery, while older children and adults are advised to eat a soft diet initially. Discomfort is usually minimal and managed with over-the-counter pain relief. In some cases, post-operative tongue exercises or speech therapy may be recommended to maximise function.
How Much Does Tongue Tie Surgery Cost?
The cost of tongue tie surgery at Head2Neck is between £500-£1500. This fee includes the initial consultation, the procedure itself and the first follow-up appointment, giving patients clear and transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
In some complex cases, additional charges may apply if extended treatment or further procedures are required. Any extra costs are always explained in advance so patients know exactly what to expect before proceeding.
Why Choose Head2Neck for Tongue Tie Surgery?
Choosing the right team for tongue tie surgery ensures care is safe, effective and tailored to the individual. At Head2Neck, we provide:
- Consultant-led treatment: surgery performed by Mr Konstantinos Karavidas, a consultant head and neck surgeon with extensive experience in paediatric and adult procedures.
- Comprehensive care: from assessment to aftercare, every step is managed with precision and clarity.
- Age-appropriate treatment: whether for infants, children, or adults, management is tailored to functional needs and developmental stage.
- Accredited facilities: procedures are carried out in trusted clinical settings across London and the surrounding areas.
- Ongoing support: structured follow-up ensures healing is monitored, with access to additional guidance such as speech therapy referrals if needed.
What Our Patients Say
I’ve been seeing Mr Karavidas since Feb 25 and have had several consultations and 2 surgical procedures at Cobham Clinic. He is extremely thorough and makes sure you understand every step of what’s happening with any diagnosis and procedure. Fantastic service.
Clear explanations, very reassuring throughout consultations and proceedure. Mr Karavidas made me feel at ease, his professionalism immediately evident. Highly recommended.
I was beyond impressed by Mr Karavidas. He took the time to listen to all my concerns, reassured me & gave the very best advice. He was friendly and put me at complete ease. I was very well taken care of and cannot thank him enough. I highly recommend!
Two lower wisdom teeth removal. Couldn’t fault the service. Excellent and extremely responsible after care from Mr Karavidas.
My experience with Dr Karavidas and his team was exceptional. I felt extremely cared for and informed throughout and could not have asked for more. To top it off we had a fully successful outcome after an oral procedure which means I can eat again! Thank you so much.
I’ve been seeing Mr Karavidas since Feb 25 and have had several consultations and 2 surgical procedures at Cobham Clinic. He is extremely thorough and makes sure you understand every step of what’s happening with any diagnosis and procedure. Fantastic service.
Clear explanations, very reassuring throughout consultations and proceedure. Mr Karavidas made me feel at ease, his professionalism immediately evident. Highly recommended.
I was beyond impressed by Mr Karavidas. He took the time to listen to all my concerns, reassured me & gave the very best advice. He was friendly and put me at complete ease. I was very well taken care of and cannot thank him enough. I highly recommend!
Two lower wisdom teeth removal. Couldn’t fault the service. Excellent and extremely responsible after care from Mr Karavidas.
My experience with Dr Karavidas and his team was exceptional. I felt extremely cared for and informed throughout and could not have asked for more. To top it off we had a fully successful outcome after an oral procedure which means I can eat again! Thank you so much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tongue tie surgery safe?
Tongue tie surgery is generally considered a safe and straightforward procedure. Complications such as bleeding or infection are rare and usually easily managed.
What are the risks of tongue tie surgery?
Risks include minor bleeding, infection, or recurrence of the restriction. In older children or adults, there may be a small risk of scar tissue formation.
When is tongue tie surgery recommended?
Surgery is usually advised when feeding difficulties, speech problems, or oral health issues cannot be managed conservatively. The decision is made after a thorough clinical assessment.
How long does it take to recover from tongue tie surgery?
Most infants feed immediately after surgery, while children and adults typically recover within a few days. Any discomfort is usually mild and managed with pain relief.
Does tongue tie surgery help with speech?
For some children and adults, releasing the tongue restriction can improve clarity of speech. In many cases, speech therapy is also recommended after surgery to maximise results.
Can tongue tie return after surgery?
Recurrence is uncommon but can happen if scar tissue develops. Regular follow-up and post-surgical exercises help reduce this risk.
Do all babies with tongue tie need surgery?
No, not every baby with tongue tie requires surgery. Some cases are mild and can be managed with feeding support alone.
What is the difference between frenectomy and frenuloplasty?
A frenectomy involves simply dividing the frenulum to release the tongue. Frenuloplasty is a more complex procedure that reshapes and repairs the tissue, often used for older children or adults.
Is laser tongue tie surgery better than traditional methods?
Both laser and surgical techniques are effective for tongue tie release. The choice depends on the patient’s age, the severity of the restriction and the surgeon’s recommendation.
Book a Consultation with Mr. Karavidas
