Learn about Ankyloglossia Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Ankyloglossia and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Ankyloglossia

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is a congenital condition where a short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the tongue to the floor of the mouth, restricting its movement. The pediatric surgical procedure to correct this is called a frenotomy or frenuloplasty. This quick, minimally invasive procedure involves snipping the restrictive frenulum to release the tongue, improving mobility. Performed by a pediatric surgeon, it is often done with local anesthesia or, for very young infants, sometimes without any anesthesia due to the minimal discomfort. The primary goal is to resolve feeding difficulties in infants, prevent future speech impediments, and address oral hygiene challenges, leading to significant improvements in a child's quality of life and development.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive procedure with a very short duration.Often performed without general anesthesia, especially in infants.Can lead to immediate improvement in breastfeeding for infants.Helps prevent potential long-term issues with speech and dental health.Quick recovery with minimal post-operative care required.Performed by specialized pediatric surgeons ensuring child-friendly care./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Significant difficulty with breastfeeding (latching, sucking, or maintaining suction).
  • Failure to thrive in an infant due to inadequate nutrition from feeding problems.
  • Maternal pain during breastfeeding attributed to the infant's tongue restriction.
  • Anticipated speech impediments or articulation problems as the child grows.
  • Difficulty with oral hygiene, such as an inability to sweep food debris from teeth.
  • Social or mechanical issues like inability to lick an ice cream cone or play a wind instrument.
  • Persistent gap (diastema) between the lower front teeth.

How to prepare

  • Consultation with a pediatric surgeon and often a lactation consultant for infants.
  • A thorough physical examination of the infant's or child's mouth and frenulum.
  • Discussion of the procedure, benefits, and risks with the parents/guardians.
  • For older children, explanation of the procedure in an age-appropriate manner.
  • Fasting may be required if sedation is planned (guidelines provided by the surgeon).
  • No specific medical tests are usually needed for this minor procedure.

Risks & possible complications

  • Minor bleeding or oozing from the incision site, which typically stops quickly.
  • Risk of infection, though very low due to the mouth's natural healing properties.
  • Potential for injury to surrounding structures like salivary ducts (rare).
  • Reattachment or scarring of the frenulum, which might require a second procedure.
  • Temporary discomfort or fussiness in the infant/child after the procedure.
  • Altered taste sensation or numbness (very rare and usually temporary).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Infants can often breastfeed immediately after the procedure, which aids healing.
  • Mild discomfort is common; age-appropriate pain relief may be recommended.
  • Parents are taught simple tongue mobility exercises to prevent reattachment.
  • Soft, cool foods are advised for older children for a day or two if discomfort exists.
  • Good oral hygiene should be maintained; gentle cleaning around the area is recommended.
  • A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor healing and tongue function.
  • Any signs of excessive bleeding, fever, or refusal to feed should be reported immediately.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (typically outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-7 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering ankyloglossia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ankyloglossia compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 55 – USD 275 0 days (typically outpatient) ~ 3-7 days Know More
Turkey USD 410 – USD 2,049 0 days (typically outpatient) ~ 3-7 days Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Rohan Garcia is a 3-week-old newborn,...

Rohan Garcia is a 3-week-old newborn, the first child of Maria and Carlos. He is a full-term baby who was eager to breastfeed immediately after birth but struggled to latch effectively. Maria experienced significant pain during feeds, describing it as a 'pinching' sensation, and Rohan would often slip off the breast, becoming frustrated and crying. He was not gaining weight as expected. At their pediatrician's appointment, Dr. Lee observed Rohan's tongue and noted a thick, tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) anchoring the tip of his tongue to the floor of his mouth, limiting its upward movement, a classic case of ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie. Dr. Lee recommended a frenotomy, a quick surgical release, to improve tongue mobility. The procedure was performed in the clinic. Rohan was swaddled, and after a numbing gel was applied, the pediatric surgeon used sterile scissors to snip the frenulum. It was over in seconds with just a drop of blood. Rohan cried briefly but settled quickly when returned to Maria. Within hours, his latch was noticeably deeper and less painful for Maria. Over the next week, breastfeeding became comfortable, Rohan fed more efficiently, and he began steadily gaining weight. Emotionally, Maria moved from exhaustion, guilt ('Is it my fault?'), and anxiety about her baby's nutrition to immense relief and joy. She felt empowered to continue her breastfeeding journey, and the bond during feeding became peaceful and rewarding.

Pediatric surgeons for Ankyloglossia

Explore experienced pediatric surgeons who regularly perform ankyloglossia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Rupa Banerjee
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

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Dr. Lucio Fernandes
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. Ravi Kiran C S
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Jayatheertha Joshi
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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Dr. Anindya Chattopadhyay
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Vijay Kumar
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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Dr. Poonam Guha Vaze
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Subhasis Saha
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Koushik Herle
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Arvind Sabharwal
  • 44 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Vedarth Dash
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Apurva Arora
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Pediatric surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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