What Is Tongue Reduction?
Tongue reduction is a surgical procedure performed on patients whose tongues are excessively large. This surgery has a special plan, and when carried out properly, it does not affect the tongue’s taste function, keeps its natural shape, and does not impact speech.
Why Should Tongue Reduction Be Considered?
Such patients usually consult a dentist first. Their teeth are turned outward, and orthodontic treatment (braces) may be planned. Typically, the orthodontist refers these patients to us before starting treatment. The reason for the dental and jaw deformity is often a congenitally large tongue. Therefore, the tongue must be reduced before beginning braces treatment for the teeth. We perform this surgery.
What Is Macroglossia? Medical Reasons for Tongue Reduction Surgery
There is no specific scientific standard for how large the tongue should be. Generally, if the tip of the tongue touches the tip of the jaw, if it causes deformities in the teeth and jawbone, or if it affects speech, tongue reduction can be performed. Another group of patients includes infants born with large tongues.
Sometimes the tongue is extremely large, making it difficult for the baby to feed and even to breathe. In such cases, the baby should be evaluated by an anesthesia team and operated on urgently if necessary. If the large tongue does not interfere with feeding or breathing, the baby is usually allowed to reach 1-2 years of age. The surgery is performed once the baby reaches a safe weight for anesthesia.
How Does Tongue Reduction Surgery Differ in Children and Adults?
Adults generally do not need special preparations for this surgery. However, for infants and children, an anesthesia consultation is essential. In some cases, an airway may need to be opened through the throat (tracheostomy) for babies. These measures are necessary for the safety of the procedure.
How Long Does Tongue Reduction Surgery Take?
The surgery is completed in about 1 hour.
How Is Nutrition Managed After Tongue Reduction Surgery?
Adult patients are usually discharged the same day. For around three days, they consume liquid, non-solid foods. On the fourth day, they can start eating normal meals. They take antibiotics and use an oral disinfectant (mouthwash) for about five days.
Infants, on the other hand, are kept in the hospital for at least one day. They are fed with a spoon, and povidone-iodine (Betadine) is applied to the tongue. They are given antibiotics and pain-relieving syrup.
When Can One Return to Daily Life After Tongue Reduction?
In adults, recovery to normal daily activities is usually quite quick. Patients may have difficulty speaking for 2-3 days, but speech typically returns to normal within a week. In infants, the recovery period depends on whether a tracheostomy was performed and the extent of tongue enlargement.
Tongue Reduction Surgery Prices 2025
Surgery fees vary from hospital to hospital. Additionally, due to the economic situation in our country, prices can change throughout the year. Therefore, for information on surgery fees, you should consult Op. Dr. Oytun idil at +90 533 5690649 (GSM / Whatsapp). You can contact us for information about tongue reduction surgery prices 2025.
For More Information, Click on the Following Links..
https://www.xn--dilkltme-v0a3sb.com/
https://www.tonguereduction.net/