Once you know your baby has a tongue-tie, the next question is usually: how is it actually treated? Most frenectomies today are performed one of two ways — with a traditional surgical scalpel or with a soft-tissue laser. Both can release the restriction. Here’s what sets them apart, and why our office chooses laser for newborns.
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases the tight band of tissue (the frenum) restricting your baby’s tongue movement. If you haven’t yet, you can read more about the condition itself on our What Is Tongue-Tie page. Whether treated with scalpel or laser, the goal is the same: free up the tongue so your baby can latch, feed, and swallow more comfortably.
Scalpel frenectomy: the traditional approach
A scalpel release uses a small surgical blade to snip the frenum. It’s a well-established technique that’s been used for decades, and it works. A few things to know:
- Often requires a numbing agent or, in some cases, sedation depending on the provider
- May involve more visible bleeding during the procedure
- Sometimes closed with a dissolvable stitch
- Typically requires steady manual precision from the provider
Laser frenectomy: the gentler option
A laser frenectomy uses a focused beam of light to release the same tissue. Because the laser seals tiny blood vessels as it works, it tends to mean less bleeding in the moment. In our office, laser frenectomies for newborns typically involve:
- No sedation, shots, or stitches required
- A procedure that takes just a few minutes
- Minimal bleeding thanks to the laser’s cauterizing effect
- Safety for babies as young as one day old
- Many parents noticing an improved latch right away
Parents are often nervous walking in, and I understand why — it’s their baby. What I love about the laser is that we can usually finish before baby even has time to get upset, and most are back to nursing within minutes. — Dr. Gabriela Moffett
What does the research actually say?
It’s worth being honest here: laser isn’t “magic,” and good research backs that up. A 2025 randomized controlled trial published in BMC Pediatrics compared diode laser and scalpel frenotomy in 98 infants and found both methods were safe and effective, with significant improvement in tongue mobility, feeding, and comfort in both groups, and no meaningful difference in healing or pain by two weeks (Carneiro et al., BMC Pediatrics, 2025). Interestingly, the scalpel group showed a slight, temporary edge in breastfeeding scores at day 7 — a reminder that the “right” tool matters less than an experienced provider and good post-procedure support.
So why do we still choose laser for our newborn patients? Because when outcomes are comparable, we’d rather offer the option with less bleeding, no stitches, and no need for sedation — all of which make the experience easier on baby and parent alike.
What to expect either way
Regardless of technique, every visit starts with a full evaluation to confirm a true tongue-tie is present before any procedure is recommended. You can learn more about what that visit looks like on our newborn frenectomy page.
Ready to find out what’s right for your baby?
If you’re weighing your options, a complimentary evaluation is the best place to start. We’ll assess your baby’s tongue-tie, walk you through the laser process, and answer every question you have — no pressure, no obligation.
Book Your Complimentary Evaluation
Or call us at 954-722-1100 — serving Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and all of South Florida.
