Macroglossia Surgery

Also known as: Tongue reduction surgery

What is macroglossia surgery?

Macroglossia is the medical term for an abnormally large tongue that is present at birth. In some cases, surgery is required to treat the problem and help the child eat, breathe, and speak more easily.

What happens during the procedure?

The typical macroglossia surgery is called a resection and involves the removal of a portion of the tongue. The surgeon will then stitch the rest of the tongue back together for healing. 

Is any special preparation needed?

Your child may need to avoid food, drink, and medication for a period before and after the surgery. Pain, inflammation, bleeding, and swelling are common side effects of surgical macroglossia treatment, but usually resolve within a few days. 

Macroglossia treatment at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

Macroglossia is one of the most common characteristics of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS). Whether or not your child’s enlarged tongue is due to BWS, our highly trained physicians are prepared to develop the best care plan for them. Our Center for Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome is one of the leading BWS programs in the world, treating a wide variety of symptoms and specializing in macroglossia surgery.   

Reviewed by: Chad A Perlyn, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:41 PM