Phases of Wound Healing

The entire wound healing process is a complex series of events that begins at the moment of injury and can continue for months to years. This overview will help in identifying the various stages of wound healing.

I. Inflammatory Phase

A. Immediate to 2-5 days
B. Homeostasis Vasoconstriction Platelet aggregation Thromboplastin makes clot
C. Inflammation Vasodilation Phagocytosis

II. Proliferative Phase

A. 2 days to 3 weeks
B. Granulation Fibroblasts lay bed of collagen Fills defect and produces new capillaries
C. Contraction Wound edges pull together to reduce defect
D. Epithelialization Crosses moist surface Cell travel about 3 cm from point of origin in all directions

III. Remodeling Phase

A. 3 weeks to 2 years
B. New collagen forms which increases tensile strength to wounds
C. Scar tissue is only 80 percent as strong as original tissue

Reference: Authored by Dr. Tamara D. Fishman.  http://www.medicaledu.com