The goal is to heal correctly. Infection after tongue/lip or buccal (cheek) tie surgery is rare. Bleeding is usually light after surgery and usually resolves within a couple of minutes. Providers may request that babies attend their appointment hungry as feeding the baby at the breast or on a bottle immediately after the procedure is by far the most comfortable and effective way of stopping the bleeding.
The action of sucking naturally puts pressure on the wound. As the wound heals it turns white (sometimes with a yellow/slightly greenish tinge) to form a patch resembling a mouth ulcer and this is normal. In a jaundiced baby, the patch may turn orange due to the raised bilirubin level. The white patch usually develops within 48 hours and disappears within a week to 14 days.
As it heals it can appear to be lifting at the edges and in some babies, the edge can look dark red/orange. This is all part of normal healing. Some providers place sutures to prevent reattachment of the tissue, and others leave the wound open. It will depend upon the method used by the doctor. Recovery and healing can take 2-4 weeks. There is a healing period between 3-4 weeks known as contracture, in which the area will tighten up and you may think it is reattachment. The time frame for reattachment would be a minimum of 6-8 weeks post revision.
If someone has an open wound, it will look something like a diamond at the beginning. The goal is to facilitate healing by causing the wound to heal slowly, from the outside edges inward, instead of top and bottom healing together. The top and bottom triangles should not attach to each other. When there is correct healing, the sides of the diamond heal together, creating a new frenum. The goal is that the new frenum is long, lean, and limber allowing for adequate mobility.
The release does not mean immediate progress. It can take 6 weeks to 6 months for a baby to get used to using their new tongue correctly and how to use other muscles now that it is no longer restricted. Just like after any surgery, the area needs healing and therapy to get things working and functioning properly. For example, it may be myofunctional therapy, assistance by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Suck Training for infants, chiropractic or osteopathic care, and more.
Coconut oil is not recommended as it may promote healing which can cause a more likely chance of reattachment. Consult with your doctor.
Please be aware that it is quite common to feel pain in the teeth, jaw, gums, and other surrounding areas of the mouth after the procedure. Excessive drooling is completely normal after surgery too. The increased mobility of the tongue and lips may temporarily stimulate salivary flow.