Objective To explore the application effect of sequential nursing based on Cameron's timing theory in patients undergoing facial burn scar plastic surgery. Methods A total of 110 patients undergoing facial burn scar plastic surgery admitted to the Department of Burn, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanchong Central Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were selected, and they were divided into group A and group B by the random number table method, with 55 patients in each group. Group A received conventional nursing, and group B received sequential nursing based on Cameron's timing theory. The scar status, negative emotions and complications were compared between the two groups. Results After nursing, the scores of scar color, vascular distribution, thickness, and softness in group B were lower than those in group A (P<0.05). After nursing, the scores of SAS and SDS in group B were lower than those in group A (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in group B (9.09%) was lower than that in group A (29.09%) (P<0.05). Conclusion The application of sequential nursing based on Cameron's timing theory in patients undergoing facial burn scar plastic surgery can effectively improve scar status, alleviate patients' negative emotions, and help to reduce the risk of complications.