Tongue reduction surgery is performed for macroglossia associated with 
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. One of my little clients had the older 
surgery, which removed the margins of his tongue. There is a newer, more 
nuanced surgery that removes tissue from the center of the genioglossus, 
preserving more of the shape of the tongue edges. Even the pretty severe 
surgery helped his sucking, feeding and speech.

Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC  NYC  cwgenna.com


On 2/3/2012 10:02 PM, Jacquie at Milk Matters wrote:
> I have just heard of a pre-pubertal girl in my extended circle who now has a tongue brace for an overlarge and weak tongue that has pushed her teeth forward.  She does not have Down syndrome.  I have seen slides of protruding or ‘too-large’ tongues in babies, but somehow always assumed that the mouths eventually grew to accommodate the tongue.
>
> I assume that breastfeeding did not happen for this girl, otherwise her tongue might have become stronger?  I also wondered what the usual treatments might be, and whether it’s something we breastfeeding helpers have to look out for. I looked through Dr Palmer’s and Dr Kotlow’s sites, but can’t see named information on what is done for large/weak tongues, unless this is the issue referred to in passing as a use for laser surgery, “Removal of hypertrophic tissue in orthodontic patients.”  I have a vague feeling of seeing pictures of tongue-reduction surgery somewhere, but where?  Last resort, one hopes.   I can’t picture how a brace would strengthen a tongue (merely keep it away from the teeth), but I haven’t seen the contraption.
>
> Would be interested to hear if anyone on Lactnet knows more about this issue.
>
> Best wishes
> Jacquie Nutt IBCLC
>
>               ***********************************************
>
> Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
> To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
> Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
> COMMANDS:
> 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
> 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
> 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
> 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome