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Introduction to Wound Healing

Phases of Wound Healing

Four phases to wound healing:

A. Hemostasis

• Immediate; 0 to 2 days in length
• Thrombin converts to fibrinogen
• Coagulation from dilated vessels

B. Inflammatory Phase

• 2 to 4 days in length
• Characterized by pain, redness, heat, swelling and loss of function at the site of injury
• If inflammation lasts longer than 48-72 hours, look for evidence of new or ongoing tissue damage or infection
• The body’s protective response to injury

C. Proliferative Phase

• 4 to 21 days in length
• Involves the rebuilding of tissue; Filling the wound by granulation, contracting the wound through contraction and converting the wound through epithelialization
• Includes remodeling; Strengthens

D. Maturation Phase

• Can take up to 2 years in length
• Wound gains tensile strength
• The wound appears to be healed but is actually closed over.  Collagen production and reorganization will be ongoing for two years.

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