Lip Frenulum Plastic Surgery

The inner part of the upper and lower lips is connected to the jaw by a tissue known as the lip frenulum, while the lower part of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth by the lingual frenulum. If these tissues are too short, they can lead to a variety of complications. That is why our dental clinic, Sa-Nata, offers upper lip frenulum correction — a minor and straightforward procedure to address this issue.

A shortened lip or tongue frenulum can be noticeable even in newborns. The earlier the frenulum is corrected, the easier it is to prevent further complications, such as difficulties with swallowing, gum recession, gaps between the teeth, a protruding or cracked tongue, poor oral hygiene, and speech difficulties. Early correction with a minor surgical procedure can help prevent such issues.

Frenuloplasty is a surgical procedure involving the frenulum of the lips or tongue. Frenula are mucosal folds that connect two anatomical structures. Their shape, thickness, and attachment points can vary significantly. There are often violations regarding the size of the frenulum or the place of attachment. A typical sign of congenital hypertrophy of the lip frenulum is its significant thickening and triangular, fan-shaped appearance.

Oral frenula are mucosal folds that connect the inner surface of the upper and lower lips to the gums, and the floor of the mouth to the tongue (lingual frenulum). Upper lip frenulum surgery in Kyiv is performed to address the following:

• Swallowing disorders; Speech difficulties; Lisping;
• Diastemas (gaps between the teeth);
• Gum recession (exposure of tooth roots);
• Aesthetic issues related to the smile.

There are three types of frenulum surgeries, aimed at correcting abnormal structure or placement: Frenulectomy, Frenulotomy, and Frenuloplasty. It is performed to incise and reposition the frenula of the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Incorrect attachment of the frenulum occurs when it is too close to the tooth necks or even extends beyond the gingival margin, attaching to the palate or the lingual side.

These anomalies can lead to significant orthodontic, speech, periodontal, and aesthetic problems. An overly thick or low-attached upper lip frenulum may prevent the central incisors from aligning properly, causing them to separate and form a gap (diastema).

Excess mucosal folds increase the risk of food debris accumulation, which can lead to gum inflammation, gingival hypertrophy, and caries on the contact surfaces of the central incisors. Continual tension on the upper lip pulling it upward and forward may result in bone atrophy in the area of the front teeth, typically manifested by gum recession (exposed tooth roots).

Lip frenulum plastic surgery is a minimally invasive dental procedure performed to adjust the thin strip of tissue connecting the lips to the gums. Frenula that are too short or positioned too low can restrict lip movement and negatively affect the appearance of the smile.

The procedure is performed at the dental clinic using either a laser or a scalpel. During the operation, the frenulum is either shortened or repositioned to achieve the desired outcome. The treatment is safe and is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Contact the qualified dental specialists at the ‘Sa-Nata’ clinic network for a detailed consultation and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. During your visit, you will be able to discuss all potential risks and benefits of upper lip frenulum surgery in your particular case at one of the best dental clinics in Kyiv.