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Health
Digestive System Health
Tongue Health
How to Get a Longer Tongue Download Article Co-authored by Asif Pirani, MD
Last Updated: August 4, 2025 Fact Checked
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Choosing Surgery
|
Practicing Kechari Mudra Yoga
|
Video
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Asif Pirani, MD. Dr. Asif Pirani is a cosmetic plastic surgeon and founder of the Toronto Plastic Surgery Center based in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Pirani is board certified by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and is dedicated to enhancing the beauty and confidence of his patients while upholding the highest standards of safety, comfort, and discretion. Dr. Pirani has served as an expert reviewer for The Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal. He has also taught plastic surgery trainees in multiple universities, most recently the University of Toronto and New York University. Dr. Pirani completed undergraduate and medical training at the University of Toronto. He went on to complete plastic and cosmetic surgery training at the University of British Columbia and served as the Chief Plastic Surgery Resident there. Dr. Pirani completed a fellowship at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at NYU and the University of Toronto Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 549,766 times.
The average human tongue is about 10 centimeters (4 in) long, has thousands of tastebuds and performs many important functions related to speaking and eating.[1]XResearch source Unfortunately, certain conditions like tongue-tie can negatively affect the tongue’s length and range of motion. Whether it’s due to a medical condition or aesthetic preference, there are surgery options and exercises which may help you get a longer tongue.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Choosing Surgery
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1 Decide whether or not surgery is the best option. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a disorder which restricts the movement of the tongue and makes it difficult for the host to stick his or her tongue out of their mouth. With ankyloglossia, the band of tissue connecting the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is abnormally short resulting in oral complications.[2]X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source You should consider surgery if you or your child have restricted tongue movement due to ankyloglossia.
Ankyloglossia affects more than speech. A person with the condition may also experience problems with oral hygiene, dental health, eating, digestion and sexual function.
Ankyloglossia can be caused by environmental or genetic factors.
Tongue-tie surgery can be performed on children, infants or adults.
Ankyloglossia can negatively affect the ability of an infant to breastfeed.
If you’re the parent of a child with ankyloglossia, surgery is often the best option. In most cases, the lingual frenulum will not stretch or break on its own.
2 Undergo lingual frenectomy surgery. A lingual frenectomy is the most common procedure performed when the lingual frenulum results in restricted tongue movement.[3]X Expert Source Asif Pirani, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonExpert Interview This is a relatively simple procedure in which an oral surgeon uses a pair of sterilized scissors to completely remove the lingual frenulum.[4]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
A lingual frenectomy is a short, 10-15 minute operation usually performed with local anesthesia.[5]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
There aren’t many blood vessels in the lingual frenulum, so discomfort should be minimal during the procedure.
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3 Undergo lingual frenuloplasty surgery. A lingual frenuloplasty is performed when the lingual frenulum is too thick or additional repair is needed after a lingual frenectomy. A lingual frenuloplasty is a more exact surgery which aims to alter the lingual frenulum without completely removing it.[6]XResearch source
The goal of lingual frenuloplasty is the same as a lingual frenectomy procedure; both surgeries aim to increase the tongue’s length and range of motion.
A lingual frenuloplasty is done under general anesthesia. Surgical tools are used, and the oral surgeon uses stitches on the resulting wound.
4 Understand potential complications following surgery. Postoperative complications associated with a lingual frenectomy and frenuloplasty aren’t usually serious but can include infection, bleeding and nerve damage. Because lingual frenuloplasty surgery is more involved, there are additional risks of scarring and negative reactions to anesthesia.[7]XResearch source
Both surgeries can be performed using a scalpel or laser. If you have laser surgery to correct your ankyloglossia you won’t need stitches and there is usually less pain and bleeding after surgery.
5 Perform tongue exercises. Tongue exercises should be performed after surgery to further develop tongue’s muscles, length and range of motion.[8]X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source These exercises include:
Stretching your tongue up to your nose and down to your chin. Repeat this exercise three or four times.
Moving your tongue back and forth across the outside of your top lip.
Closing your mouth and moving your tongue between your right and left cheeks.
Moving your tongue in and out of your mouth several times.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Practicing Kechari Mudra Yoga
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1 Understand the basics of Kechari Mudra yoga. Kechari Mudra is an advanced yoga practice in which the practitioner uses their tongue to strengthen their body and raise their level of consciousness. The idea with Kechari Mudra Yoga is to slowly increase the length of the tongue until it’s eventually long enough to enter and stimulate certain areas in the nasal cavity.[9]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
With continued practice, Kechari Mudra may also help the practitioner fight diseases and lower their breathing rate.
2 Begin practicing Kechari Mudra. While sitting in a comfortable position, roll your tongue up to touch your upper palate. See how far back your tongue is able to go. You may only be able to touch your hard palate when first starting out.
Hold your tongue back until you start to feel pain, then rest your tongue in its normal position.
As you continue practicing Kechari Mudra Yoga, your tongue should stretch and reach further back towards your uvula.
After you gain some confidence, you can practice Kechari Mudra while engaging in light activities.
3 Seek the guidance of an advanced yogi. In the final stages of Kechari Mudra, your tongue should be long enough to go behind your uvula and up into your nasal cavity. You’ll reach this stage more safely and successfully with the help of an expert yogi to assist you in your practice.
Your guide may recommend the application of butter or ghee to draw out and lengthen your tongue. At this point, your tongue should be long enough to reach the center of your eyebrows.
Even with a guide, Kechari Mudra may take months or years to master.
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Consult with a doctor before performing yoga or other tongue stretching exercises. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 4
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Co-authored by: Asif Pirani, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon This article was co-authored by Asif Pirani, MD. Dr. Asif Pirani is a cosmetic plastic surgeon and founder of the Toronto Plastic Surgery Center based in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Pirani is board certified by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and is dedicated to enhancing the beauty and confidence of his patients while upholding the highest standards of safety, comfort, and discretion. Dr. Pirani has served as an expert reviewer for The Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal. He has also taught plastic surgery trainees in multiple universities, most recently the University of Toronto and New York University. Dr. Pirani completed undergraduate and medical training at the University of Toronto. He went on to complete plastic and cosmetic surgery training at the University of British Columbia and served as the Chief Plastic Surgery Resident there. Dr. Pirani completed a fellowship at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at NYU and the University of Toronto Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship. This article has been viewed 549,766 times. 254 votes - 59% Co-authors: 22Updated: August 4, 2025 Views: 549,766 Categories: Tongue Health
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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Article SummaryX
To get a longer tongue, start practicing Kechari Mudra yoga by rolling up your tongue and trying to touch your palate as far back as possible. Hold your tongue in position until you start to feel pain, then let it rest. Repeat the process over several months until your tongue comes close to reaching your uvula before seeking the assistance of an experienced yogi. Follow their instructions to further lengthen your tongue, which could include applying butter or ghee. For tips on how to decide if surgery would be your best option to get a longer tongue, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Nov 11, 2017
"I will try the tongue exercises for a while to see if it lengthens my tongue at all. If not, I will opt for the laser surgery. Kissing is difficult with the short length of my tongue."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Asif Pirani, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 254 votes - 59% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 22Updated: August 4, 2025 Views: 549,766
Anonymous
Nov 11, 2017
"I will try the tongue exercises for a while to see if it lengthens my tongue at all. If not, I will opt for the laser surgery. Kissing is difficult with the short length of my tongue."..." more
Shripad Takalkar
Oct 31, 2017
"I have sub mucus fibrosis and my tongue and teeth are problematic, as I am 61 years old. I find this helpful, I've decided to consult a doctor. Thanks."..." more
Anonymous
Sep 4, 2016
"I loved the spirit of objectivity in your article. I practice khechri mudra without cutting the frenulum. Your article reinforced my belief. Thanks."..." more
Anonymous
Aug 21, 2017
"The exercises to stretch are best to try for a while. If 6 months later I can't touch my chin, then consider the alternatives."..." more
Anonymous
Nov 14, 2016
"The kechari mudcha helped me, and the tongue exercises after surgery was my favorite singular tip." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Asif Pirani, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon This article was co-authored by Asif Pirani, MD. Dr. Asif Pirani is a cosmetic plastic surgeon and founder of the Toronto Plastic Surgery Center based in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Pirani is board certified by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and is dedicated to enhancing the beauty and confidence of his patients while upholding the highest standards of safety, comfort, and discretion. Dr. Pirani has served as an expert reviewer for The Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal. He has also taught plastic surgery trainees in multiple universities, most recently the University of Toronto and New York University. Dr. Pirani completed undergraduate and medical training at the University of Toronto. He went on to complete plastic and cosmetic surgery training at the University of British Columbia and served as the Chief Plastic Surgery Resident there. Dr. Pirani completed a fellowship at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at NYU and the University of Toronto Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship. This article has been viewed 549,766 times. 254 votes - 59% Co-authors: 22 Updated: August 4, 2025 Views: 549,766 Categories: Tongue Health 
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1 Decide whether or not surgery is the best option. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a disorder which restricts the movement of the tongue and makes it difficult for the host to stick his or her tongue out of their mouth. With ankyloglossia, the band of tissue connecting the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is abnormally short resulting in oral complications.[2] You should consider surgery if you or your child have restricted tongue movement due to ankyloglossia. 
2 Undergo lingual frenectomy surgery. A lingual frenectomy is the most common procedure performed when the lingual frenulum results in restricted tongue movement.[3] This is a relatively simple procedure in which an oral surgeon uses a pair of sterilized scissors to completely remove the lingual frenulum.[4] 
3 Undergo lingual frenuloplasty surgery. A lingual frenuloplasty is performed when the lingual frenulum is too thick or additional repair is needed after a lingual frenectomy. A lingual frenuloplasty is a more exact surgery which aims to alter the lingual frenulum without completely removing it.[6] 
4 Understand potential complications following surgery. Postoperative complications associated with a lingual frenectomy and frenuloplasty aren’t usually serious but can include infection, bleeding and nerve damage. Because lingual frenuloplasty surgery is more involved, there are additional risks of scarring and negative reactions to anesthesia.[7] 
5 Perform tongue exercises. Tongue exercises should be performed after surgery to further develop tongue’s muscles, length and range of motion.[8] These exercises include: 
1 Understand the basics of Kechari Mudra yoga. Kechari Mudra is an advanced yoga practice in which the practitioner uses their tongue to strengthen their body and raise their level of consciousness. The idea with Kechari Mudra Yoga is to slowly increase the length of the tongue until it’s eventually long enough to enter and stimulate certain areas in the nasal cavity.[9] 
2 Begin practicing Kechari Mudra. While sitting in a comfortable position, roll your tongue up to touch your upper palate. See how far back your tongue is able to go. You may only be able to touch your hard palate when first starting out. 
3 Seek the guidance of an advanced yogi. In the final stages of Kechari Mudra, your tongue should be long enough to go behind your uvula and up into your nasal cavity. You’ll reach this stage more safely and successfully with the help of an expert yogi to assist you in your practice.