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Our multidisciplinary team includes physicians (both DO and MDs), nurses (FNPs and PNPs), in-house IBCLC and Feeding Therapy services. The Team Our team offers an inter-disciplinary and comprehensive management of tongue and lip ties in children of all ages, including non-surgical and surgical management. The surgical management includes: pre-surgery consultation, laser surgery (also called a frenectomy), and post-surgery care (including breastfeeding support and bodywork as needed). With well over a decade of experience and thousands of successful corrective procedures (frenectomies), we are the leading experts for the management of tongue tie - not just in the Phoenix area, but all over the country. Meet the members of the tongue tie team at Agave Pediatrics (click anyone's name for more information) Rajeev Agarwal, MD Founder & Frenectomy Provider Dr. Zafar Quadir, MD Laurie B. Jones, MD Pediatrician & Lactation Specialist Davina Garcia, IBCLC, RN Breastfeeding Specialist Lydia Powers, DO, CLC OMM Specialist Michaela Zach, IBCLC Breastfeeding Specialist Michelle Hottya, IBCLC, RLC, PMH-C Breastfeeding Specialist Sharon Olson, IBCLC Breastfeeding Specialist Keren Giber Segev, IBCLC, LMT

Here is the aftercare handout, information on post-procedure pain management, exercise videos, and more. Aftercare & Links Tongue & Lip Ties - Aftercare & Links Aftercare PDFs Parent Handout 2025 English Frenectomy Homeopathic Pain Relief We want to empower you with information! Here is the aftercare handout for frenectomy procedures, plus our NEW homeopathic guide. You'll find information about the consult, the procedure itself, and the aftercare and healing process. Links Agave Pediatrics Instagram Tongue Tie Facebook Group What to expect during your consultation How tongue ties affect feeding video Infant stretches and exercises video Stretches to prevent reattachment video Exercises to improve tongue function video Preventing lip tie reattachment video Lip tie healing photos Facial exercises video Toddler push-back exercise video Toddler and older kids exercises video

Breastfeeding support sessions (lactation services) are provided by our in-house IBCLCs in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Glendale, & Chandler. Services include group classes and 1:1 sessions in-person or via televisit. We also provide post-frenectomy breastfeeding support via email, telephone, and text. Breastfeeding Support Breastfeeding support sessions (also known as lactation services or lactation sessions) are provided by our in-house IBCLCs. In a lactation session, our IBCLCs take parental and infant medical history, identify breastfeeding issues, examine the breasts and the infant’s oral anatomy, and observe a breastfeeding session. IBCLCs focus on maintaining milk supply, breastfeeding the infant, promoting skin-to-skin contact, and will provide emotional and psychological support to guide parents through addressing breastfeeding problems. Breastfeeding support at Chandler offered by Michelle Hottya, IBCLC, RLC. She offers support in-person and via Telehealth, and answers any and all breastfeeding questions you may have. We want you to feel comfortable, happy, and empowered, and be able to meet all your breastfeeding goals. Insurance Michelle accepts: Aetna, Aetna Banner, BCBS, Humana, UHC, UMR, and their third party carriers. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. Breastfeeding support at Glendale offered by Sharon Olson IBCLC, RLC. She offers support in-person and via Telehealth, covering everything you wanted to know about breastfeeding but were afraid to ask. Interactive and informative classes held monthly for all the moms and dads ! Insurances Sharon accepts: Aetna, Aetna Banner, BCBS, UHC, UMR, and their third party carriers. Please contact us for the current schedule and upcoming classes. Breastfeeding support at Phoenix offered by Michaela Zach, IBCLC. She offers support in-person and via Telehealth, and provides emotional and psychological support to guide you through any breastfeeding problems you have, giving individualized help to ensure you meet your breastfeeding goals. Insurances Michaela accepts: Aetna, Aetna Banner, BCBS, UHC, UMR, and their third party carriers. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. Breastfeeding support at Goodyear, Glendale, and Chandler offered by Davina Garcia, IBCLC, RN. She offers support in-person and via Telehealth, and speaks both English and Spanish. Insurance info coming soon. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Keren is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). Keren Giber Segev, IBCLC, LMT Education: Lactation Consultant Certificate, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Israel; Licensed Massage Therapist, Medisain College of Complementary Medicine; Tel Aviv Licensed Massage Therapist, ASIS Massage Education, Mesa, AZ Board Certified: International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Interests: Hiking in Arizona nature with my family, baking together, acting in community plays, and enjoying K-drama series. Family: Married to Elad, mother to Emma and Dor. Professional Memberships: United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA), IAPL – The Israeli Association of Lactation Professionals (IALP), HaManifa – Doula Organization for Birth and Postpartum. Keren is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) who has been working with families since 1999. Her professional journey began in Israel, where she supported families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early parenthood. Over the years, she has worked as a doula, childbirth educator, infant massage and developmental support instructor, sleep consultant (in the attachment theory), and multidisciplinary massage and body work therapist specializing in many different techniques. Since relocating to Arizona, Keren has been passionate about bringing her knowledge and care to families in the area. Her approach centers on empowering parents to trust themselves and their instincts while providing practical tools and compassionate support through the challenges of breastfeeding and early parenting.

So far, we have collaborated with: LightScalpel, PADT Inc; Phoenix Children's Hospital; and Arizona State University. Contact us to collaborate on research! Collaborate with Us The Agave Team has several ongoing research projects in collaboration with various institutions including: LightScalpel, PADT Inc; Phoenix Children's Hospital; Arizona State University The Agave team has extensive experience with NIH as well as regional and foundation funding. We would be happy to discuss collaborative projects with you. If you would like to exchange some ideas, collaborate with us, or visit us for observation, please feel free to contact us.

Shaili Patel, PA-C, works at our Phoenix and Chandler locations. Shaili Patel, PA-C Undergraduate College and Degree: Marquette University, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences PA School: Midwestern University Board Certified: Yes Interests: I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching movies, hiking, being outdoors, trying new restaurants, and cooking/baking. Family: I have a boyfriend who I met in PA school. I'm also very close to my family in CO and group of friends in AZ who are like my second family. Professional Memberships: American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Office Locations: Phoenix and Chandler Shaili grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and moved out to Arizona in 2022 for PA school. She loved the mountain west region so much that she decided to stay to start her career. Shaili has always had a strong passion for Pediatrics which started as early as high school. She loves building long lasting relationships with both her patients and their families! In addition to providing comprehensive pediatric care, Shaili offers Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) as part of her practice to support the health and well-being of children.

Dr Rajeev Agarwal, MD works at all Agave Pediatrics locations and performs frenectomy for tongue and lip ties at our Chandler, Goodyear, and Glendale locations. Rajeev Agarwal MD, FAAP Undergraduate: All Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi (AIIMS) Medical School: All Institute of Medical Services New Delhi (AIIMS) Residency: University of Texas, Medical Branch Fellowship: University of Florida Board Certified: Yes Professional Memberships: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy Pediatrics Nephrology (AAPN), International Consortium of Ankyloglosia Professionals (ICAP), Arizona Chapter of American Pediatrics (AZAAP), International Association of Tongue Tie Professional (IATP) Recognition: Top Doc: 2010, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, Patients Choice Awards: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, Most Compassionate Doctor: 2012 Interests: Enjoys meditating, traveling, and spending time with friends and family Family: Married with two children Office Locations: Chandler, Goodyear and Phoenix. Dr. Agarwal believes in the personalization of medical care, meeting the parent where they are. When not in clinic, Dr. Agarwal can be found in his garden planting fruits and vegetables, or singing karaoke with his friends. He is currently writing a book, and plans to open a daycare when he retires. His interests include Indology, travel, and spirituality.

What is a frenectomy like? What exercises do you do after a frenectomy? Tongue and lip tie frenectomy aftercare, pain relief, exercises and stretches. Procedure, Exercises, & Aftercare Tongue & Lip Ties - Procedure, Exercises, & Aftercare Frenectomy Handout 2025 January.pdf Frenectomy Homepathic Pain Relief

Michaela Zach, IBCLC, works at our Phoenix location, providing breastfeeding support. Michaela Zach, IBCLC Education : Chandler Gilbert Community College and University of Colorado Board Certified : Yes Professional Memberships : International Lactation Consultant Association, United States Lactation Consultant Association, Central Arizona Lactation Consultant Association Interests : Animal welfare, football and hockey, the outdoors Family : Married with 3 children (ages 27, 21, 14) + 4 dogs Office Location : Phoenix Michaela has been working in the maternal/child health field since 2002. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified labor doula, CAPPA certified lactation educator™, CAPPA certified teen educator, CAPPA certified childbirth educator and a Certified American Heart Association Instructor. Educating and assisting new families through the most life changing event of their lives is her true calling and passion. Michaela strives to make sure women and their partners have the most up to date evidence based information to ensure they are making informed decisions. A lot of Michaela’s work was inspired by her own challenging birth and postpartum experiences. Helping families achieve their birth, postpartum and breastfeeding goals is her life's work. Michaela is married and has three children born in 1992, 1999 and 2006. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching hockey and football, the outdoors, and playing with her four dogs. In addition to Southwest Lactation, Michaela teaches at two local hospitals.

Here we showcase before and after shots of tongue and lip ties, as well as related symptoms like torticollis and high palate. Photo Gallery Tongue & Lip Ties - Photo Gallery Here are our collection of photos showing various types of tongue and lip ties before and after frenectomy. Please be aware that these are medical before and after photos, and may make some people uncomfortable. If you are squeamish, you may not wish to view these photos! Tongue tie causing diastema Here is a tongue tie that was causing a diastema (gap) in the bottom front teeth. Upper lip tie in older child Here are front and side views of an upper lip tie in an older child. Tongue bunching caused by tongue tie Tongue bunching occurs due to impaired tongue movements. After a tongue tie frenectomy, the tongue will need to be trained to move correctly. This is why aftercare exercises are so important. Tongue tie causing diastema Here is a tongue tie that was causing a diastema (gap) in the bottom front teeth. 1/23

Dr Laurie B. Jones, MD, works at our Phoenix and Chandler locations. She is the founder of Dr. MILK, a physician mother breastfeeding support network of 14,000+ participants. Laurie B. Jones MD, FAAP, IBCLC, FABM Undergraduate College and Degree: Georgia Tech, B.S. Applied Biology Medical School: Medical College of Georgia (M.D.) Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham, served as Co-Chief resident Board Certified: Yes Recognition: Founder of Dr. MILK, an international physician mother breastfeeding support network of 26,000+ members. Phoenix Top Doc 2017 & 2020. Clinical Assistant Professor Pediatrics for the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Preceptor for Phoenix Children’s Hospital pediatric resident continuity experience Interests: Enjoys hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, attends Presbyterian church Family: Two school aged children Office Locations: Chandler, Phoenix On the weekends, Dr. Jones enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities. She was born and raised in the Southeast and moved to Arizona in 2003. She volunteers with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and has worked on educational projects for promoting family time in nature. She is a speaker and educator for physicians and others in health care on the topics of nutrition, feeding, and breastfeeding medicine.

Tongue-Tie in Kids; Agave has developed a clinically successful, evidence-based, compassionate, and thorough approach to the treatment of oral ties Feeling Anxious About Your Child's Frenectomy? Now, There's Help Imagine having 16 years of pediatric expertise and the wisdom of over 31,000 procedures in your pocket, 24/7. That's Beth. Schedule an Appointment Your Personal Guide Through the Frenectomy Journey Being told your child may need a frenectomy can be overwhelming. You have questions, worries, and need support that doesn’t keep office hours. We get it. That’s why Dr. Agarwal has poured his 16+ years of specialized experience into Beth, a revolutionary AI companion for parents just like you. Beth isn’t a generic chatbot. She is a specialized, empathetic guide built on the deep, real-world clinical expertise of Dr. Rajeev Agarwal. her mission is to give every parent the confidence and world-class support they deserve, anytime, anywhere. Schedule an Appointment World-Class Expertise, Instantly Accessible Beth leverages cutting-edge, clinically-sound AI to deliver Dr. Agarwal's guidance in a way that is personal, adaptive, and immediate. 1 The "31,000 Procedure" Knowledge Base The heart of Beth is a proprietary database of thousands of questions Dr. Agarwal has personally answered over his career. When you ask Beth a question about post-procedure stretches, pain management, or healing , you're getting an answer shaped by the wisdom of over 31,000 real-world cases. 2 24/7 Empathetic Support Challenges don't stick to a 9-to-5 schedule. Beth is there for you during a 3 AM feeding when anxiety is high and you need immediate reassurance. It's designed to be an empathetic companion, recognizing the emotional toll of feeding difficulties. 3 Curated Video Library "Am I doing the stretches correctly?" It's the most common question parents ask. Dr. Agarwal has personally selected and curated a library of short, easy-to-understand videos demonstrating critical post-procedure stretches and aftercare exercises, ensuring you can perform them correctly and confidently. 4 Intelligent & Adaptive Beth supports text & voice, and is comfortable in English & Spanish. Have your hands full? Just speak your question. Beth securely remembers your conversations to provide guidance that becomes more personalized to your family's unique journey. 5 Backed up by a team of professionals Beth is only a guide, and finally you will need expert professional help. For that, Dr Agarwal has trained a large group of professionals - at Agave & around the United States who will take up from where Beth leaves you and provide seamless care. The "Circle of Care" in Your Pocket "Having Beth was like having Agave Professionals with us at home. The middle of the night is when the scariest questions pop up, and Beth was always there with a calm, clear answer. It made us feel so much more confident." Our Vision: Confident Parents, Healthy Babies, Better Outcomes We know that parental anxiety is one of the biggest hurdles to a successful outcome after a frenectomy. Reducing that anxiety by providing clear, consistent, and expert-backed information is crucial. Beth is designed to complement, not replace, our clinical team. By handling the most common questions, it frees up our IBCLCs and practitioners to focus on more complex cases, while ensuring you always have a trusted resource at your fingertips. By placing Dr. Agarwal's decades of experience into the hands of every parent, Beth aims to: Reduce Anxiety: Get immediate, trustworthy answers and stop frantically searching the internet at 2 AM. Improve Outcomes: Feel confident in your aftercare, minimize the risk of reattachment, and help your baby heal effectively. Empower Families: Navigate your feeding journey with the peace of mind that comes from having world-class support in your pocket. Ready to Feel More Confident? Start Your Journey with Agave Tongue Tie Team today and get privileged access to Beth right away. Schedule an Appointment