Hi CrisCQ,
I'm not sure I'm much help. I have only had moderate dysplasia biopsy and then a very partial removal with clean margins and some biopsies since then. I too feel that the foliate papillae are larger and redder since the dysplasia was found and surgery was completed. I have asked about them and told they are normal as well but they definitely seemed enlarged and I too wondered about more possible dysplasia or something else going on. I have tenderness still in the area of the tongue removal and some leukoplakia areas that have since formed since surgery and biopsy. I am working with an oral medicine doctor along with my ENT and is looking at this and says its probably not normal I am feeling pain in the area so he will see me in a month.
but like you the foliate papillae have no pain just look red and enlarged. Let me know if you find out more or get a biopsy, I am curious. It can definitely be worrisome. Wishing you well.