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For new parents

If feeding is a struggle, start here.

A lip or tongue tie (a tight band under the lip or tongue) makes feeding hard and painful. A short, gentle laser release can help.

Book a Video ConsultTrain with Dr. Yavagal
Minutes, not hoursNo stitchesFeed right afterNewborns and babies

Is this your baby?

What you notice at feeding time.

  • Your baby struggles to latch or keeps slipping off.
  • Feeds take a long time, or your baby tires and falls asleep while feeding.
  • You hear clicking sounds, or milk leaks from the corner of the mouth.
  • Feeding hurts you, or your nipples are cracked and sore.
  • A doctor, midwife or feeding specialist has said the lip or tongue looks tight.

What actually happens

Gentle, short, and your baby stays in your arms.

  1. 1

    He checks while you hold your baby

    Dr. Yavagal looks at how the lip and tongue move and listens to how feeding has been going. Nothing is done at this step.

  2. 2

    He shows you what he sees

    You see the tight band and hear what the PEEL technique (his laser release method) involves, before you decide anything.

  3. 3

    The release takes seconds

    The laser frees the tight band. No blade, no stitches. He explains aftercare before you leave.

  4. 4

    You feed right there in the room

    You feed your baby straight after, and he tells you what to watch for. You leave with a simple aftercare routine.

Why a laser

The plain-words guide.

Lip or tongue tie

A band of skin under the lip or tongue that is too short or too tight. It stops the tongue lifting or the lip flaring, so the baby cannot make a good seal to feed.

‘PEEL’ technique by American Board of Laser Surgery

‘BlueSNIP’ & ‘CO2 Surge’ Dr. Yavagal's own laser release techniques. The light frees the band with no cutting tool, so there is almost no bleeding and nothing to stitch.

Neonatal laser surgery

Laser treatment for newborn babies. Dr. Yavagal is American Board certified for it.

A mother holds her newborn while a doctor explains the visit.

Where the visit happens

Newborn visits are at a children's hospital.

Newborn visits take place at a children's hospital, not at the main clinic. The address and booking number are on the contact page.

See the contact page

Questions parents ask

What to know before you book.

Does it hurt my baby?
The release is quick and gentle. Most babies cry for a moment, as they do at any check, and settle as soon as they feed. Dr. Yavagal explains comfort care before he begins.
How long does it take?
The laser part takes seconds. Allow extra time for the check, your questions, the release and the first feed.
Can my baby feed right after?
Yes. You feed your baby in the room straight after the release, and he tells you what to watch for.
Will there be stitches?
No. The laser seals as it works, so nothing needs stitching.
How old does my baby need to be?
Newborns and older babies can both be checked. He looks at feeding, movement and general health before advising whether a release will help.
Should I start with a video visit?
Yes, if you can. He looks at your baby on the call, asks about feeding, and tells you plainly whether a visit is needed. Often that is all you need to know.
Is lip and tongue tie common?
It is more common than most parents expect.

Talk to him from home first.

A Video Consult is the calmest way to start. He looks at your baby on the call and tells you what happens next.

Book a Video ConsultTrain with Dr. Yavagal
WhatsApp for a clinic visitFastest. A person replies during clinic hours.Call the clinicTue, Wed, Sat 11 to 6. Thu, Fri 11 to 4.