FAQ
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Does every baby who comes in for a tongue tie evaluation get a frenotomy?
No. Dr. Schecter will take a thorough history and examine your baby. She will only recommend a procedure if it is medically necessary and expected to improve the issues that your infant is having. She will discuss the risks and benefits as well as optimal timing.
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Does Dr. Schecter release POSTERIOR tongue ties?
Yes. Dr. Schecter releases the entire restriction. Behind every anterior tie (attached near the tip of the tongue) is a posterior component. The entire restriction (anterior and posterior) will be released to ensure full mobility of the tongue.
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Do you use anesthesia?
We do not use any form of sedation in the office. Dr. Schecter begins by applying some topical numbing gel. Once the surface is numb, some local anesthetic (lidocaine) is used to ensure that the patient doesn't experience any pain.
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Can parents stay in the room during procedures?
Absolutely! Parents are always welcome to remain at their child's side throughout procedures. It is up to the parents to decide whether to stay with their child or step out of the room. About half of parents choose to stay in the room.
Laser or Scissors?
Dr. Schecter prefers to use scissors for frenotomies. Having performed releases by laser and scissors, she did not find any benefit to using one method over the other. Infants healed equally well regardless of surgical method. The technique used could not be distinguished by examination 1 week later. Scissor releases are faster. In our experience, babies cried less after scissor frenotomies.
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What happens if I miss stretches or cannot do them?
The aftercare stretches are crucial to optimal healing after tongue tie treatment. If they aren't done properly and on the recommended schedule, there is a high chance of reattachment.
What happens if there is reattachment?
If there is reattachment, we will have you return to the office for evaluation. If caught very early (such as with the 1 week picture that patients send after the procedure), it may simply stretch back open easily. In that case, you will be shown again how to complete the stretches moving forward. You will be asked to send a new picture in 7 more days. If the diamond cannot be easily stretched, Dr. Schecter will review the treatment options. You will be able to take your time to decide how you would like to proceed.
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What do I do if I have questions after a procedure?
Dr. Schecter is ALWAYS available to answer your questions. The best way to reach Dr. Schecter is to send an email. Please respond to any appointment confirmation email (not billing emails/receipts), and she will get it directly and respond. Non-urgent emails will be returned during normal patient care hours. ​
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VISIT US
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1140 Bloomfield Avenue
Suite 216
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
973-826-9226
Lactation Questions
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How do you treat damaged, sore nipples?
Step one in addressing sore nipples and nipple damage is always correcting the latch. The latch could be poor due to the way baby is being positioned at the breast or how the breast is being shaped and/or supported. The vast majority of latch issues can be easily corrected with some simple adjustments and practice latching more deeply. We will work with you in the office to help you to latch your baby comfortably and teach you how to replicate this at home.
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Is lanolin good for protecting my nipples?
Lanolin is not the best choice for many people. Sensitivity to lanolin is increasingly common, and it's really no better than any other nipple balm, butter, or ointment. It is also sticky and can increase friction in pump flanges. This may worsen nipple damage.
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Should I use Silverettes?
Silverettes can be helpful when nipples develop ulcerations, but they can increase nipple sensitivity and may predispose to further nipple breakdown due to sitting in your collecting milk. A good nipple butter (not lanolin), ointment, plain Vaseline, or plain bacitracin (NOT Neosporin or triple antibiotic) under a clean, disposable nursing pad is often the best choice. Dr. Schecter may prescribe a prescription ointment as needed.
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Should I use APNO (all purpose nipple ointment)?
Please toss the APNO.
Yes, toss it!
APNO can cause more damage than good. It contains several ingredients that treat different conditions. It's incredibly unlikely that you have a bacterial infection AND a yeast infection AND dermatitis, so you don't need to treat all of these potential problems. It may make your nipples feel better temporarily while using it, but it is also very drying, irritating, can increase sensitivity, and thins the skin with prolonged use. If the underlying cause for the nipple pain and/or damage isn't addressed, symptoms are likely to recur. It's best to determine the cause and treat that specifically and completely. ​
VISIT US
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1140 Bloomfield Avenue
Suite 216
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
973-826-9226