Sedation-Free Facial Laceration Repair in Young Children: Lessons from a Case Report.

Facial laceration repair is a common yet difficult procedure to master in young children, especially when age-appropriate fears impact the child's cooperation. Anxiolytic medications are commonly administered to foster compliance from children, but they have associated risks. Sedation-free facial laceration repair in young children is possible with an expert proceduralist who uses a developmentally compassionate approach to anticipatory guidance and the procedure. However, this approach has not been adequately described in the literature. The purpose of this case study is to describe the key features of a therapeutic alliance during procedural preparation and repair that support young children in undergoing facial laceration repair without sedation.