Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
19:53
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
106.0K
Labial Frenotomy for Symptomatic Isolated Upper Lip Tie
Cecilia G Freeman1, Jason F Ohlstein1,2, Nicholas A Rossi3
1Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, USA.
Cureus
|January 23, 2023
Summary
Isolated upper lip tie can cause breastfeeding difficulties. Labial frenotomy effectively improved infant weight gain and maternal breastfeeding ease in a small study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Lactation Medicine
- Surgical Interventions
Background:
- Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits but can be challenging.
- Ankyloglossia (tongue tie) and upper lip tie are studied, but isolated symptomatic upper lip tie is less understood.
- Few studies explore surgical correction for breastfeeding issues caused by isolated upper lip tie.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of isolated upper lip tie on breastfeeding.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of labial frenotomy for breastfeeding difficulties in infants with isolated upper lip tie.
Main Methods:
- Seven infants with isolated upper lip tie and breastfeeding difficulties underwent labial frenotomy.
- Infants' weight gain was assessed post-procedure.
- Mothers were surveyed about their breastfeeding experiences after frenotomy.
Main Results:
- All seven infants showed improved weight gain after labial frenotomy.
- Mothers reported increased ease of breastfeeding post-procedure.
- Labial frenotomy appears to be an effective treatment for breastfeeding difficulties associated with isolated upper lip tie.
Conclusions:
- Isolated upper lip tie is an underrecognized cause of breastfeeding problems.
- Labial frenotomy is a potentially effective treatment for these cases.
- Further large-scale, randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
