How Does Tongue Reduction Surgery Work?

Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin

An abnormally large tongue is a rare condition that primarily affects children than adults. Medically called macroglossia, the condition can cause challenges with breathing, speech, and feeding. It can also impact the facial appearance and lead to misaligned teeth and jaws. In adults, macroglossia is usually a symptom of an underlying disorder like obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, or a malignant tumor. Fortunately, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can treat macroglossia through tongue reduction surgery.

What Is Tongue Reduction Surgery?

Tongue reduction is a surgical procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to reduce the size of an enlarged tongue. The treatment reduces the tongue size, restoring regular dental functions. It also helps overcome issues like drooling, speech problems, and feeding difficulties. It can avert the progress of malignant tumors and alleviate the symptoms of underlying maxillofacial conditions.

Who Is the Right Candidate for Tongue Reduction Surgery?

Anyone with an overly enlarged tongue can be a candidate for tongue reduction surgery. If you or your child has breathing difficulties, feeding problems, or speech impediments because of an oversized tongue, reduction surgery can help.

However, some situations might not require surgery. An OMS will conduct several tests to determine if the condition warrants surgery. Treating the underlying cause of the issue can help restore your tongue to its regular size.

Types of Tongue Reduction Surgery

There are two main types of tongue reduction surgeries, including keyhole surgery and genioglossus advancement. Keyhole tongue reduction surgery removes excess tissue. Conversely, genioglossus advancement alters the tongue muscles attached to the hyoid bone, creating more room for your tongue and alleviating obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.

Benefits of Tongue Reduction Surgery

Tongue reduction surgery can be beneficial to oral and maxillofacial functions. It resolves breathing and speech problems caused by an overly enlarged tongue. It also prevents drooling in children and helps with feeding. Tongue reduction surgery restores your taste sensation. Most importantly, it can help treat chronic conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, promote better sleep quality, and improve your quality of life.

Contact Our Practice Today

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons have the experience and expertise to perform tongue reduction surgery. Contact our practice to schedule a preliminary examination and learn if your condition warrants surgery.

About
Dr. Cynthia Colson

Dr. Colson grew up in the Metro area, attending Camelback High School and ASU. She graduated from the University of Kentucky Dental School and completed her residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Long Island, New York. She also attended an anesthesia fellowship program at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has traveled with Healing The Children, a non-profit organization, to Bucarumanga Columbia treating patients with cleft lip and palate deformities.
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What our patients are saying about us

"Dr. Colson is amazing! She explained everything thoroughly without sounding condescending and gently but directly guides you through the whole procedure. She is excellent and super experienced. I got my wisdom teeth pulled (3 partially impacted and one simply extracted) and aside from asking too many questions under laughing gas before the general anesthesia knocked me out, I got no complications and have had essentially no pain at all." – Ana D.

Mid-age woman smiling and crossing her arms.

Office hours

Mon - Thur: 8am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8am to 2:00pm

Location

3303 S. Lindsay Rd.
Suite 112
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Contact

Office: (480) 604-2592

Connect

Santanxray@gmail.com

About Us | Dental Implants Gilbert, AZ | San Tan Oral Surgery
If you have recently been told you need oral surgery, you have come to the right place. Call San Tan Oral Surgery to schedule your initial consultation today!
San Tan Oral Surgery, 3303 S. Lindsay Rd. Suite 112, Gilbert, AZ 85297-2100 - (480) 604-2592 - santanoralsurgery.com - 12/10/2025 - Related Phrases: Dental Implants Gilbert AZ -