Parents Corner Resources
It is our goal to create a safe place for your child so they feel comfortable in our office.
At Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery, P.A., we understand that children are often frightened about procedures. Our team understands the physical and emotional concerns of children and teens. The initial consult is an ideal time to let your child experience the sights, sounds, and events he or she will see the day of surgery. We do our best to discuss the procedure on a level your child will understand to lessen anxiety about the unknown.
Remember to always be honest with your child. Children take cues from their parents, so if you are calm and confident before surgery and during recovery, your child is more likely to recover smoothly as well.
We will work with you before, during and after the procedure to calm fears and ensure your child’s safety and comfort.
What can I expect before and during surgery?
On the day of surgery, we try to let you stay with your child until we start anesthesia and make sure you are back with them soon after the procedure is finished. That way, your child will feel as if you never left. Parents should keep in mind that as a child regains awareness after IV sedation, some are quickly fully alert while others may be groggy or emotional for a while.
Preparing your child for surgery can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to help make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible. Below are some steps you can take to prepare children of all ages.
How to Prepare My Young Child for Surgery?
1. Talk About the Procedure
Fear of the unknown is often worse than reality, so it is important to be honest with your child. Use age-appropriate language to explain what will happen. When children understand what to expect, their experience tends to be more positive. Begin by answering any questions your child may have and focus on what they will be awake for and remember.
It is important to use words and phrases that match your child’s age and maturity level. Younger children may not need or be ready for all the details, but it is important to reassure them that Dr. Williams and his team will be there to keep them safe and comfortable.
Remember, the best way to help your child feel calm is for you to stay relaxed and confident.
2. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions
Our office will provide specific guidelines, including when your child should stop eating or drinking before the procedure. Be sure to follow these carefully to ensure a safe surgery.
3. Bring Comfort Items
Your child may feel more at ease and safe always keeping a familiar object by their side. Let your child help with choosing a favorite stuffed animal or blanket from home the day of surgery. Some of our younger patients like to watch their favorite cartoon on an iPad or phone before surgery.
4. Parent Anxiety
If your son or daughter needs surgery, it is likely that you, as a parent, are more anxious than your child. Children often take emotional cues from their parents. Stay calm, reassuring, and positive to help your child feel more at ease. In addition, children easily pick-up on non-verbal cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, even if your words are saying the opposite.
5. Discuss Any Concerns with Us
If your son or daughter needs surgery, it is likely that you, as a parent, are more anxious than your child. Children often take emotional cues from their parents. Stay calm, reassuring, and positive to help your child feel more at ease. In addition, children easily pick-up on non-verbal cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, even if your words are saying the opposite.
How to Prepare My Teenager for Surgery?
1. Prepare for Surgery without Social Media
We want parents to include their teenage son or daughter in decision making and planning their surgery. This engages their sense of control and helps lessen anxiety. In addition, our teenagers often want to search social media accounts or YouTube for information regarding their upcoming procedure.
As a parent, please encourage your child to talk openly with you and our team and disregard the “extreme” Postoperative videos so often posted. Dr. Williams strongly encourages his teenagers to not view these videos before surgery as most are exaggerated and often staged which create more trepidation for patients.
2. Get a Good Night's Sleep
Teenagers love late night binges. However, the night before surgery is not the best time for late night movies, playing video games or friend sleepovers. We strongly encourage an early bedtime with a good night’s sleep to ease surgical apprehension and lay the groundwork for a smooth surgical day.
3. Understand the Procedure
Encourage your child to learn as much as they can about what will happen during surgery. Knowing what to expect can help them feel more in control.
4. Ask Questions
If there is something your child does not understand or you are feeling nervous about, do not be afraid to ask. We are here to help our patients and families feel comfortable and safe.
5. Follow the Instructions
Dr. Williams and our clinical team will provide specific instructions about eating, drinking, and medications before surgery. It is super important for our teenagers to follow these instructions and assist in everything going smoothly.
6. Bring What You Need
On the day of surgery, please encourage your teenager to bring something that helps them relax, like music, headphones, or a book.
7. Stay Positive
It is normal to feel a little nervous but staying positive and calm can really help. Your family is in great hands!
We Are Here to Help You Prepare
At Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery, we are committed to providing the highest level of care and treatment for every patient. See helpful information to guide you before and after your surgery.
