Upper lip frenulum plastic surgery
Upper lip frenulum plastic surgery – a minor, fairly atraumatic surgical procedure often performed on children. It can be performed either traditionally or with a laser.
If the frenulum is short, it can cause several problems. An abnormal anatomical shape can cause gingival recession and diastema. It can also interfere with plaque removal, as excessive soft tissue tension can contribute to periodontal pockets and hinder proper oral hygiene.
Types of upper lip frenuloplasty
Two techniques resolve this problem: frenectomy and frenotomy. A frenectomy involves complete resection of the frenulum, including its attachment to the underlying bone, and may be necessary to correct an abnormal gap (diastema) between the maxillary central incisors. A frenotomy is an incision and repositioning of the base of the frenulum.
Peculiarities of performing upper lip frenuloplasty
The traditional surgical approach uses traditional instruments such as scalpels and periodontal knives. Diffenbach, Schuchardt, and Mathis’s methods are most commonly used in frenuloplasty. The most common procedures are the Diffenbach V-plasty and the Schuchardt Z-plasty, followed by suturing.
Often, a laser is used for frenulumplasty. The laser is used to cut soft tissues bloodless, and no stitches are applied at the end of the procedure.
Advantages of using a laser over the traditional method:
- as a rule, patients’ fear of treatment is reduced;
- the surgical field does not bleed, so there is a better view;
- no stitches;
- shorter operation and postoperative wound healing time.
FAQ
Is the upper lip frenotomy procedure painful?
Most often, children and adults find the procedure easy to tolerate. It is performed under anaesthesia and is entirely painless. The first two to three days after plastic surgery may involve slight swelling and discomfort when touching food. After the sutures are removed after seven days, patients usually forget about the procedure.