Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie is a congenital malformation caused by a short lingual frenulum that prevents the tongue from protruding. Occasionally, it could interfere with breast feeding.The patient in the photo is
a young woman that was unable to extend her tongue. However, the short frenulum did not interfere with eating, swallowing, or speech. A grooved probe is used to retract the tongue and tense the frenulum. The picture shows the site and horizontal direction of the frenulum incision.The horizontally incised frenulum is now pulled vertically, allowing the release of the tongue. The incision is sutured vertically with absorbable stitches.
Post-operative appearance of the tongue that can now protrude down to the chin.
