Understanding Lip Drooping After Frenectomy

Some parents may notice that their baby’s lip appears to droop slightly after a frenectomy. While this can be concerning, lip drooping is usually a temporary side effect as the muscles and tissues adjust post-procedure. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes, duration, and ways to support your baby’s recovery, giving you peace of mind and confidence in their journey to better oral health.

What Is Lip Drooping?

Lip drooping, also known as lip ptosis, is a temporary sagging or relaxation of the upper lip. This can sometimes occur after a labial frenectomy, a procedure that releases the soft tissue (frenum) connecting the upper lip to the gums. When comparing labial and lingual frenectomies (the latter involving the tongue), the risk of lip drooping is generally higher with labial frenectomy. This is because labial frenectomy directly affects the tissue and muscles around the upper lip, while a lingual frenectomy does not typically impact lip function.

Lip drooping is a natural part of the healing process as the lip adjusts to its newfound mobility and freedom of movement. Infants and young children, who often have less developed muscle tone and coordination around the lips, may be more prone to noticeable changes in lip position after a labial frenectomy. Since the procedure removes the tension that once restricted the lip, the surrounding muscles may need time to adapt. Fortunately, this adjustment period is usually brief, and normal lip movement typically returns as healing progresses.

Causes of Lip Drooping

Lip drooping after a frenectomy can result from several factors, each related to the procedure and the body’s natural healing process:

• Trauma to Surrounding Tissues: During the surgical procedure, the frenulum is carefully released to improve mobility, which can affect the muscles and tissue supporting the lip. This can lead to trauma in the surrounding tissues, potentially affecting muscle function and support, which may result in drooping or altered lip appearance post-surgery. Parents should remember that this adjustment period is completely normal. It’s also helpful to know that the droopy look is usually most noticeable right after the procedure when the tissue is still sensitive. As healing progresses, any signs of drooping should improve, leading to a natural-looking lip.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Swelling and inflammation are normal parts of the healing process after a frenectomy. When the frenulum is released, it’s common for the surrounding tissue to swell as the body responds to the procedure. This temporary swelling may give the lip a slightly droopy or puffed-up appearance, which can be concerning. However, this reaction is entirely natural. This is often due to the increased blood flow to the area, which supports healing but can make the lip appear elongated or droopy. Applying a cool compress gently to the outside of the mouth (if recommended) can help reduce swelling and provide comfort.
• Muscle Weakness: In some cases, a frenectomy may involve extensive manipulation of the surrounding muscles and tissues, which can temporarily affect their strength and function. If there is any minor trauma to the muscles or nerves during the procedure, it may lead to a temporary weakening of the lip muscles, resulting in a slight drooping effect. This is usually not a permanent change, as the muscles generally recover as the area heals.
• Anesthesia Effects: For older children, we use both topical and local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure your child is comfortable throughout the procedure. This anesthesia can sometimes cause temporary numbness or slight weakness in the surrounding tissues, including the lip. As a result, the lip may appear slightly droopy immediately after the procedure. This effect is temporary and should resolve as the anesthesia wears off, usually within a few hours. During this time, it’s normal for the lip to look a bit relaxed or for your child to show less movement in the area. Once the anesthesia fully dissipates, your child’s lip will regain its normal strength and appearance. (For infants, we take a gentler approach by not using topical or local anesthetics. Instead, we use sugar water, which is known to have a calming and soothing effect on babies. This helps distract and comfort them both before and after the procedure.)
• Healing Dynamics: During the healing process, the body naturally forms scar tissue at the site of the frenectomy. This scar tissue (healing patch) can temporarily change the way the lip sits or moves as it adjusts to the new structure. The healing tissues may create slight tension or tightness, which can lead to a droopy or altered appearance in the lip while the area is recovering. As healing progresses, the scar tissue softens and blends more naturally with the surrounding tissue, allowing the lip to regain its normal appearance and function.
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Children with certain medical conditions that impact muscle tone, nerve function, or overall muscle strength may be more susceptible to noticeable changes after a frenectomy. For example, children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, or Moebius syndrome may experience more pronounced or prolonged lip drooping post-procedure. It’s important for parents to discuss any concerns with their pediatric dentist or specialist before the procedure. This can help ensure a care plan that takes into account your child’s specific needs, as well as appropriate aftercare to support healing. With the right supportive care, most children, even those with underlying medical conditions, can achieve successful recovery and improved oral function over time.
• Complications Post-Procedure: Although uncommon, certain complications can develop after a frenectomy that may affect the healing process and lead to a drooping lip. Excessive scarring at the surgical site can restrict lip movement, making it look less flexible or slightly droopy. The reattachment of the released tissue can also compromise the success of the procedure and alter the natural position and movement of the lip.

If you have any concerns or notice unusual changes in your child’s lip appearance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for reassurance and guidance. We can assess the healing progress and address any questions you may have to ensure your child is healing well and comfortably.

How Long Does It Last?

Lip drooping after a pediatric frenectomy is typically temporary, lasting anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Most children show noticeable improvement within the first week as initial swelling decreases and the surrounding muscles begin to adjust. However, the exact duration of lip drooping can vary, depending on factors such as your child’s age, overall health, and the specific details of the procedure.

Younger children and infants often heal more quickly due to their body’s natural resilience, while older children may take slightly longer to adapt. The extent of the frenulum release and whether the procedure involved deeper tissues can also influence how long it takes for the lip to regain its normal appearance and function. Remember, this is all part of the healing journey, and most children recover fully with no lasting effects on their appearance or function.

Managing and Supporting Recovery

Supporting your child’s recovery after a frenectomy procedure can make the healing process smoother and more comfortable. Here are some gentle and effective ways to help them through this period:

• Pain Management: During the first few days after a frenectomy, it’s normal for your child to feel mild discomfort as they begin to heal. To help manage this, you can give over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the guidance of your healthcare provider. These medications can ease discomfort, helping your child feel more at ease and relaxed. Giving pain relief about 30 minutes before feeding or stretching exercises (if recommended) can make these activities more comfortable for your child. By keeping pain levels low, your child may be more willing to feed and move their mouth normally, which can support a smoother recovery.
• Cold Compresses: Applying a soft, cold compress to the outside of your child’s lip area can be a simple and effective way to reduce swelling and ease soreness after a frenectomy. Wrap the cold compress in a soft cloth to make it gentle on their skin, and avoid pressing too hard on the sensitive area. Use the cold compress on the outside of the mouth during the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. Limit each application to about 10-15 minutes, with breaks in between, to allow the skin to rest. The coolness can help numb the area and reduce discomfort, making your child feel more comfortable.
• Gentle Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises play a crucial role in the healing process after a frenectomy procedure, helping to prevent the frenulum from reattaching and promoting better lip mobility. While these stretches may cause slight discomfort initially, they are essential for a smooth recovery and improved lip function over time. We will guide you on the specific exercises, which usually involve gently lifting and moving the lip to keep the surgical site flexible. Performing these exercises consistently as recommended can make a big difference in your child’s long-term comfort and mobility, supporting them as they adjust to their new range of movement.
• Encouraging Rest and Calm: Recovering from a frenectomy can be tiring for little ones, so it’s essential to provide a calm, quiet environment to help them rest and heal. Keep activities light, avoiding overstimulation from loud noises, busy environments, or too much physical activity. A peaceful, comforting space allows your child’s body to focus on healing without added stress. Encouraging downtime—like quiet play, cuddles, or storytime—can help them relax and feel more secure during the recovery process.
• Soft Feeding Techniques: After a frenectomy, feeding can be a bit challenging, so it’s important to keep the experience gentle and soothing. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, make sure your baby is in a comfortable position that minimizes strain. If you’re finding it difficult, consider consulting with our lactation specialist, who can guide you through the best techniques to support your baby’s comfort and effective feeding. Gentle feeding not only encourages natural lip movement, which supports healing, but it also helps reduce any discomfort your baby may feel.
• Positive Reinforcement and Comforting Touch: Holding your baby close, offering skin-to-skin contact, and using calming words can be very reassuring during their recovery. Babies respond well to warmth and the comfort of a parent’s gentle touch, which can help reduce fussiness and create a sense of safety. Skin-to-skin contact also promotes bonding and can ease any discomfort, helping your little ones feel relaxed and supported as they heal. These comforting actions reinforce their sense of security, which can make the recovery process smoother and more comforting.

With these supportive measures, you can help your child recover comfortably and encourage healthy healing. Remember, recovery is a process, and each small step is helping your child move toward greater comfort and improved oral function.

Can Laser Frenectomy Reduce the Risk of Lip Drooping?

A laser frenectomy may help reduce the risk of lip drooping compared to traditional surgical methods. Laser technology allows for a more precise release of the frenulum, targeting only the necessary connective tissue and minimizing disruption to surrounding muscles and structures. This precision can reduce trauma in the area, leading to less post-operative swelling and a faster recovery, both of which contribute to a more stable lip position.

The laser also cauterizes as it cuts, reducing bleeding and lowering the risk of excessive scar tissue, which can sometimes lead to complications like drooping. Since the laser method often requires less physical manipulation of the tissue, it may help preserve natural muscle tone and movement in the lip, promoting a more comfortable and natural healing process.

While any surgical procedure has some risk of temporary changes in appearance, a laser frenectomy offers a gentle approach that helps reduce this possibility, giving parents peace of mind about their baby’s recovery and long-term oral health.

Reassurance for Parents

It’s completely natural to feel concerned about your baby’s recovery after a frenectomy. The idea of lip drooping or any other post-procedure changes can be worrisome, but in most cases, any drooping is temporary and resolves as the swelling decreases and the muscles adjust. Your baby’s body is resilient and heals quickly, and most babies return to their normal, happy selves within a few days to weeks.

Remember that you are not alone in this process. Your pediatric dentist is there to guide you, answer questions, and provide support along the way. By following the recommended aftercare instructions, you’re doing everything you can to help your child recover smoothly. Focus on providing comfort, gentle care, and plenty of cuddles, knowing that this is just a brief phase in their journey toward better oral health. With time and patience, you’ll likely see your baby’s beautiful smile looking and functioning just as it should.

At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care for your child’s dental health in a warm, welcoming environment. Our team understands that every child is unique, and we’re here to support you with expert guidance and compassionate care, whether it’s for a frenectomy or routine dental services. We also offer complimentary preventative care visits for new patients aged 24 months and under—a great opportunity to start your child’s dental journey with confidence and receive personalized recommendations from our experienced team. Schedule a visit with us today, and let’s work together to keep your child’s smile bright and healthy for years to come.