| Labial frenectomy | |
|---|---|
 A labial frenectomy. The uppermost photo displays a maxillary labial frenum that was deemed disruptive to orthodontic treatment by the patient's orthodontist. The middle photo displays the labial fold after the frenum was incised (note the diamond-shaped wound). The third photo displays the wound after suturing of the incision which was completed. | |
| ICD-9-CM | 528.5 |
A labial frenectomy is a frenectomy performed on the lip.
The labial frenulum, also known as lip-tie, often attaches to the center of the upper lip and between the upper two front teeth. This can cause a large gap and gum recession by pulling the gums off the bone. A labial frenectomy removes the labial frenulum. Orthodontic patients often have this procedure done to assist with closing a front tooth gap. When a denture patient's lips move, the frenulum pulls and loosens the denture, which can be uncomfortable. This surgery is often done to help dentures fit better. [1] A labial frenectomy can result in significant improvement in breastfeeding outcomes. [2]
