Phases of Wound Healing

Wound Care Information Network

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) Hemostasis

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

Additional information on this topic.

Authored by Dr. Tamara D. Fishman.

Copyright 1995 - 2008