Tongue-Tie Release in London for Children & Adults
Release of a restrictive lingual frenulum (tongue-tie) using an electrosurgery unit under local anaesthetic. Suitability is confirmed at a £30 consultation. For children aged 6 and over, and adults. Performed by Dr Carlos Stankiewicz (GDC 84089) at our CQC-registered South Kensington clinic.
Consultation £30 • release procedure from £250
⚡ Electrosurgery under local anaesthetic · consultation required first
Consultations for this treatment are booked by phone
Lingual Frenectomy by Electrosurgery
Consultation £30 • release procedure from £250
- Initial consultation & assessment — £30
- Suitable for children 6+ and adults
- Local anaesthetic — no sedation offered
- Electrosurgery technique; sutures only if needed
- Procedure takes ~30 minutes
- Aftercare guidance & tongue exercises included
Booked by phone only · Consultation required before treatment · Dr Carlos Stankiewicz, GDC 84089
Signs You or Your Child May Have a Tongue-Tie
A restrictive lingual frenulum can show up in many ways beyond infancy. If several of these apply, an assessment is worthwhile.
Restricted tongue movement
Cannot lift or poke the tongue out fully
Speech difficulties
Trouble with "t", "d", "l", "r", "s" or "th" sounds
Heart-shaped tongue tip
Notch or dip when tongue is extended
Difficulty eating
Trouble licking lips, ice cream or clearing food
Gaps between lower front teeth
Frenulum pulling on the gum
Gum recession behind lower teeth
Tight frenulum stressing gum tissue
Jaw or neck tension
Compensatory muscle strain
Snoring or mouth breathing
Low tongue posture during sleep
Problems with oral hygiene
Cannot sweep tongue around the mouth
How Electrosurgery Tongue-Tie Release Works
Electrosurgery is one of several accepted techniques for frenectomy. Here is what to expect from the approach we use.
What the procedure involves
- Topical numbing gel followed by local anaesthetic
- Release of the frenulum with a fine electrosurgery electrode
- Small vessels sealed as the tissue is released
- Sutures placed only if clinically indicated
- Aftercare and tongue exercises explained before you leave
What to expect afterwards
- Mild soreness for a few days is common
- A white/yellow patch under the tongue is normal healing tissue
- Soft foods for the first 24–48 hours are advised
- Healing typically takes 1–2 weeks
- Gentle stretches help maintain the new range of movement
Consultation first, always. Every patient is assessed by Dr Carlos at a £30 consultation before any release is booked. This confirms the tongue-tie is genuinely restrictive, rules out any contraindications, and gives you the exact fee in writing. Many patients also benefit from a general check-up at the same visit.
Benefits of Tongue-Tie Release
A small procedure that can make a meaningful difference to speech, eating, comfort and oral health.
Precise Electrosurgery Technique
A fine electrosurgery tip releases the frenulum while sealing small blood vessels as it goes, which typically reduces bleeding and helps maintain a clear view for the clinician.
Reduced Bleeding, Sutures Often Not Required
Because the tissue is cauterised as it is released, many patients do not require sutures. Whether stitches are needed is a clinical decision made by Dr Carlos during the procedure.
Quick In-Chair Procedure
The release itself typically takes around 30 minutes under local anaesthetic. You or your child can go home the same day.
Improved Tongue Mobility
Releasing the restriction allows a greater range of tongue movement. Depending on the individual, this may support clearer speech, easier eating and improved oral hygiene; outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed.
May Help Protect Gums & Teeth
A tight frenulum can pull on the gum behind the lower front teeth. Release may reduce this tension and the associated risk of recession or spacing.
Children & Adults Welcome
We assess children aged 6 and over who are able to co-operate with local anaesthetic, and adults. Written consent from a parent or guardian is required for patients under 18.
Your Treatment Journey
From £30 consultation to full recovery — what to expect.
Consultation & Assessment (£30)
Dr Carlos examines the frenulum, measures tongue range of motion, reviews symptoms and medical history, and confirms whether a release is appropriate. Please call us on 020 7183 2362 to arrange this first.
Treatment Plan & Consent
You receive a clear explanation of the procedure, the exact fee (from £250), risks, aftercare and expected recovery. Written consent is taken.
Local Anaesthetic
A small amount of numbing gel followed by local anaesthetic makes the floor of the mouth completely numb. Children over 6 usually tolerate this very well.
Electrosurgery Release (~30 mins)
The frenulum is released with a fine electrosurgery tip. The tissue is sealed as it is cut, which typically limits bleeding; sutures are placed if clinically indicated.
Aftercare & Stretches
You go home with simple aftercare instructions and gentle tongue exercises to keep the new range of motion while the area heals over 1–2 weeks.
Is Tongue-Tie Release Right for You or Your Child?
Usually suitable for
- Children aged 6 and over who can co-operate with local anaesthetic
- Adults of any age with a restrictive frenulum
- Speech difficulties linked to limited tongue movement
- Difficulty eating, licking or clearing food from the mouth
- Gum recession or gaps behind the lower front teeth
- Referred by a speech therapist, orthodontist or myofunctional therapist
Not suitable if
- •Infants and children under 6 years old
- •You have a pacemaker or certain implanted electronic devices (electrosurgery precaution)
- •Uncontrolled bleeding disorder or anticoagulant therapy without medical clearance
- •Active infection in the mouth at the time of treatment
- •The frenulum is not actually restricting function
Suitability is always confirmed at your in-person consultation. Treatment is only carried out after full medical history review and written informed consent (from a parent or guardian for under-18s).
Your Clinician
All tongue-tie releases at our South Kensington clinic are performed by Dr Carlos Stankiewicz.
Dr Carlos Stankiewicz
Dental Surgeon · GDC 84089
Dr Carlos is the clinician at South Kensington Medical & Dental who carries out tongue-tie releases. A dental surgeon since 1999, he has experience in minor oral surgery and electrosurgery soft-tissue procedures, and takes a calm, patient-centred approach with children and anxious adult patients.
Transparent Pricing
Two simple steps: a consultation to confirm suitability, then the release procedure if recommended.
Step 1 · Consultation
£30
Assessment with Dr Carlos
Step 2 · Release Procedure
£250+
Electrosurgery frenectomy
Prices correct at time of publication. Treatment is only recommended where clinically appropriate following assessment and informed consent. Alternative options, including no treatment, will be discussed. For infants under 6, please contact your GP or health visitor. Complaints are handled under our complaints procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tongue-tie is when the thin band of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is unusually short, thick or tight, restricting how far the tongue can move. It is present from birth and can affect speech, eating, oral hygiene, and in some cases the position of the lower front teeth and gums.
Tongue-Tie Assessment for Children & Adults
Call us to arrange a £30 consultation with Dr Carlos Stankiewicz and find out whether a tongue-tie release is right for you or your child.
This treatment is not available to book online.
Registered. Regulated. Trusted.
At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
We Accept All Major Dental & Health Insurances
We work with all major UK insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Cigna, Vitality, WPA, Unum and Boots Dental Plan. We'll provide the receipts and paperwork you need to claim back your treatment costs.
