Understanding Lip Drooping After Frenectomy

June 12, 2025

Has your baby’s lip started drooping after their frenectomy? This common and temporary change worries many parents, but there’s no need for alarm. A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that releases a tight connective tissue under your baby’s lip, and some adjustment time is perfectly normal. Let us walk you through what causes this temporary drooping, how long it typically lasts, and practical steps you can take to ensure your baby’s smooth recovery. Understanding this process will help you feel more confident in supporting your little one’s oral development.

Why Does Lip Drooping Occur After Surgery?

During a frenectomy, particularly an upper lip (labial) procedure, we release the tight band of tissue (called the frenum) that connects your baby’s lip to their gum. This soft tissue has been acting like a firm anchor, restricting natural lip movement and holding your baby’s lip in a specific position since birth. When we release this tension through the procedure, the lip and its supporting muscles temporarily lose their familiar structure and position.

Imagine your baby’s lip muscles like a dancer who’s always performed with a partner. When that partner steps away, it takes some time to learn how to move independently. The lip muscles need to build new memory patterns and strength now that they’re free to move in different ways. This adjustment period is completely normal and actually shows that the procedure is allowing your baby’s lip to find its natural position.

The temporary drooping might also occur because of:

Normal post-procedure swelling
Minor trauma during surgery
Trauma to the surrounding tissues
Scar tissue formation
Local anesthetic effects (if used during the procedure)

Remember, this adaptation phase is a positive sign that your baby’s oral structures are beginning to work as they should. The lip is simply going through a brief period of discovering its new range of motion. Much like learning any new skill, it takes a little time and practice.

How Long Will the Drooping Last?

The good news is that lip drooping is typically a short-term concern. Most babies see improvement within the first week after their surgical procedure, with complete resolution usually occurring within two weeks. Here’s what you can typically expect:

First Few Days: In the first few days after the procedure, you’ll likely notice the most visible changes. The lip may appear at its most drooped during this initial period, which is normal due to post-procedure swelling. However, you should start seeing gradual improvements as the tenderness begins to decrease. During this time, your baby’s natural healing process is already hard at work, laying the foundation for recovery. Think of these first few days as the most intense but also the most important part of the healing journey, similar to how the first few days of learning any new skill can feel the most challenging.
Week One: During the first week, you’ll notice several encouraging changes as your baby’s healing progresses. The initial swelling begins to decrease significantly, which naturally leads to a more normal-looking lip position. Think of it as your baby’s muscles gradually discovering their new range of motion, like learning to stretch after being in a confined space. The muscles are beginning to adapt to their newfound freedom, developing new patterns of movement that will serve your little one well in the long run. These positive changes during week one signal that your baby is right on track with their healing journey.
Week Two: By week two, most babies have returned to their normal lip appearance, with complete healing well underway. The healing process is typically well established at this point, with the initial swelling and tenderness giving way to more comfortable, natural movement. Your baby’s muscles are now adapting beautifully to their new freedom, functioning in the unrestricted way they were meant to. This phase represents the successful completion of the adjustment period for most families.

Keep in mind that every baby heals differently. Factors like your little one’s age, overall health, and the extent of their procedure can influence recovery time. Some babies bounce back more quickly, while others might need a few extra days, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is to be patient and consistent with the aftercare instructions we provide you.

Supporting Your Baby’s Healing Process

Your active role in your baby’s recovery can make a significant difference in their healing journey. Here’s how you can provide the best support during this important time:

Feeding Tips: Continue feeding your baby as you normally would, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or using a combination of both. During feeds, try positioning your baby slightly more upright than usual to help reduce pressure on the surgical site. If you’re breastfeeding, laid-back nursing positions can be especially helpful as they give your baby more control over their movements. Don’t be surprised if your baby needs shorter, more frequent feeding sessions in the first few days. This is their way of adapting to the changes in their mouth. Your baby will gradually become more comfortable with feeding as the healing progresses.
Pain Management: Follow our recommended pain relief schedule to keep your baby comfortable during healing. Over-the-counter pain medication, when prescribed, can help manage any discomfort. Just be sure to track when you give each dose to maintain consistent relief. For older babies, you can gently apply clean, cold washcloths to provide soothing comfort. Remember that simple measures like cuddling and soft singing can be remarkably effective at helping your little one feel secure and relaxed during this time. Stay attentive to your baby’s cues during feeds, watching for any signs of discomfort and adjusting their positioning as needed. This combination of medical and nurturing care helps ensure your baby stays comfortable throughout their recovery journey.
Essential Aftercare Exercises: We will demonstrate several essential exercises that help prevent reattachment and promote proper healing. These gentle movements work together to support your baby’s recovery process. You’ll learn how to perform careful lip stretches that maintain the newly created space, along with light massage techniques to keep the procedure site flexible as it heals. We will also show you specific lifting movements for the lip that help train the muscles in their new range of motion. We’ll guide you on the proper timing and frequency of these exercises, ensuring you feel confident in performing them at home. Think of these exercises as gentle physical therapy for your baby’s lip. Each movement plays a vital role in supporting proper healing and preventing any complications.
Creating a Comfortable Environment: 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 environment allows your child’s body to focus on healing without added stress. Encourage downtime like quiet play, lots of cuddles, or storytime. These activities can help them relax and feel more secure during the recovery process.

Your gentle, consistent care during this healing period sets the foundation for your baby’s successful recovery. While it might feel overwhelming at first, you’ll soon develop a comfortable routine.

When to Contact Us

While most babies recover smoothly from their frenectomy, we want you to feel confident knowing exactly when to reach out for additional support. Here’s your quick guide to when you should contact our office:

Call us immediately if:

Your baby has active bleeding that won’t stop with gentle pressure
You notice signs of infection (spreading redness, unusual swelling, or fever)
Your baby refuses to feed for multiple sessions
Your baby seems unusually irritable or inconsolable
You observe any yellow or green discharge from the procedure site

Schedule a check-in if:

The lip drooping shows no improvement after two weeks
You’re unsure about performing the aftercare exercises
Your baby’s feeding patterns haven’t returned to normal within a week
You notice any unusual changes in the healing site
You have concerns about your baby’s progress

Remember, we’d always rather you call with a concern that turns out to be nothing than worry alone at home. No question is too small when it comes to your baby’s health and comfort. We’re here to support you throughout the entire healing process, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance or reassurance.

A Message of Support

As parents ourselves, we understand that watching your baby go through any medical procedure can be emotionally challenging. Every worried glance at their lip, every moment spent wondering if they’re healing properly, we’ve been there, and we want you to know that these feelings are completely normal.

Here’s what we want you to remember:

Your baby is stronger than you think
Every day brings positive progress
You’re doing an amazing job with their care
This is a temporary phase in their development
The benefits will last a lifetime

The care you’re providing now, those gentle exercises, the careful feedings, the extra cuddles, all of it matters. You’re not just helping your baby heal; you’re setting them up for better oral health throughout their life. Think of this as a small chapter in their story, one that will have a happy ending with a beautiful, functional smile.

At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, we’re more than just your dental care provider. We’re your partners in your child’s oral health journey. Our experienced team specializes in making every visit comfortable and positive for both you and your little one. Whether you’re considering a frenectomy procedure or need support during recovery, we’re here to help your child achieve their healthiest, happiest smile. Let’s work together to give your child the gift of optimal oral health from the very beginning.