Unfortunately there is not research on this.  I hope the International
Association of Tongue-tie professionals can get some going soon.  We need
research on whether the timing of clipping influences the success in
helping...which may play a part.

Most babies with anterior (attaching in the front half of the tongue) ties
have immediate improvement that is lasting. But I see a lot of variability
in how helpful clipping is in posterior ties.  One thing I have found, is
that the MORE normal the suck exam BEFORE clipping a posterior tie, the MORE
likely the clipping will be helpful. Which makes some sense...if the tie is
way in the back, but there is NO cupping and LOTS of pushing forward with
the back of the tongue, the kid may not "suck right" even after release.

There is a lot of talk among the people in the IATP about whether it is
necessary to push open the wound with a parental finger or tongue depressor
a few times a day after posterior clippings to keep it from scarring back
down.  I am personally not convinced it is necessary, but I have seen some
scar down.  It seems like the babies who "can't suck right" even after
release, are more likely to have the tongue scar back together in the old
way. But if they suddenly CAN and DO suck right, it heals in it's new
"stretched out" configuration.

Hope that makes sense.

Kathy Leeper, MD, IBCLC, FABM
Medical Director
MilkWorks-nonprofit breastfeeding support center
5930 South 58th, Suite W, Lincoln, NE 68516
(402) 423-6402, FAX 423-6422,* **www.milkworks.org*<http://www.milkworks.org/>

*Creating a healthier community by helping mothers breastfeed their
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