The first 3 days after surgery
As with any surgery it is important to be prepared to provide support after treatment.
Each patient responds differently to surgery depending on the extent of treatment needed, other contributing issues (e.g. muscle restrictions) and their biological make-up. If there is excessive discomfort, take advised medication or pain relief. However, please avoid Nurofen and Aspirin based medications as they could encourage bleeding of the wound. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs.
Eat Well - The diet will ideally be fresh foods which are nutrient rich and low in refined sugars, to help reduce inflammation. This may help with healing. (please avoid cumin or mustard seeds as they interfere in wound healing site)
Active wound management (stretches and exercises)
Start the stretches while you are still numb immediately after surgery.
The surgery area will begin to form a white/grey/yellow/brown ulcer like appearance (this is the healing tissue). This area must be stretched and exercised regularly. The stretches/exercises must be performed for at least a month.
For the first 21 days, perform stretches 4-5 times per 24 hour period.
After 21 days, taper off to 2 lots of stretches per 24 hour period until a month has passed. Continue the stretches at the same frequency even if the white/grey/yellow/brown healing area has completely healed as there will be ongoing healing activity beneath the skin.
Stretches and spots
- For tongue: Do the finger roll over the wound as shown at your appointment. Perform the exercises exactly as prescribed during your appointments. Tongue suction hold stretches, Tongue clicks, Tip ups, and trying to touch the nose with the tongue are examples of what you may have been prescribed. Use spots behind the upper front teeth, 3 times a day exactly as shown at your appointment.
- For Lips: pull lip out and in, extending it to its maximum for 3-5 seconds. Run your finger across the fold of the upper lip and move it along the area – left to right / right to left. Occasionally you may use a drop of Coconut oil or Vitamin E oil on your finger as a lubricant to provide a healing aid.
Note: Some bleeding is not unusual and can happen as a result of thorough stretching.
Manual therapy - Speech therapy, Physiotherapy (Later If advised)
Continuing with any recommended manual therapy will assist to optimize the freedom gained from surgery. It is important that you visit a provider with knowledge and experience with this treatment, as well as awareness of implications of lip/tongue tie.
Please do not hesitate to contact our practice
Smile Galleria should you have any concerns.
Call at 07096532278, 02692266498.
Address
Shubhlaxami shopping centre, above tirupati courier service, station road, Anand (Gujarat)388001
