The application of targeted psychological care during perioperative period on children with facial trauma undergoing plastic surgery: A retrospective study.

Abstract

Background: Cosmetic debridement and suture techniques are commonly used to repair facial injuries. However, children with facial injuries often struggle to fully cooperate with surgeons due to fear and crying, which can result in a poorer cosmetic outcome.

Methods: This retrospective study involved 106 children between June 2020 and June 2022, divided into two groups: the control group received routine postoperative care, while the intervention group received targeted psychological care.

Results: The intervention group received targeted psychological care, including preoperative education, intraoperative support, postoperative intervention, psychological counseling, and skin care. During the one-month follow-up period, the children's anxiety, stress, and pain levels, along with wound healing, complications, and guardian satisfaction, were recorded and analyzed. The intervention group showed better wound recovery, fewer complications, and significant reductions in anxiety, pain, and stress levels compared to the control group. Additionally, the guardians of the children in the intervention group expressed higher satisfaction with the surgical outcome.

Conclusions: Targeted psychological care during the perioperative period has a positive impact on children undergoing cosmetic surgery for facial trauma, facilitating faster wound recovery, reducing complications, and enhancing emotional well-being.

Implications to practice: This study provides strong theoretical support for the clinical implementation of targeted psychological interventions in combination with standard preoperative and postoperative care. Such practices can improve both physical and emotional recovery in pediatric patients undergoing plastic surgery.