- The first phase of wound healing is called the Inflammatory
Phase, which begins immediately and can last up to 5 days.
During this time swelling and pain are most noticeable. While
unwelcome if you are the one injured, swelling and inflammation
are a main part of the first phase of the healing process.
During the Inflammatory Phase, the cells open to allow debris
to be cleared away. This makes room for new cells and tissue
that will heal the wound.
- The second phase of wound healing is called the Proliferative Phase.
This is when the base of a scar begins to form. Starting at
2 days to 3 weeks, a type of cell called the fibroblast starts to deposit collagen in the wound to close the gap.
This provides a base for new skin to grow. The deeper and more extensive the wound was, the more collagen is required to fill
the gap, which results in a thicker or wider scar.
During this phase of wound healing, the edges of the wound
start to pull together and Epithelial(epa–thee–lee–ul) cells
start to cross the surface to form the first layer of new skin.
- The third phase of wound healing is also the longest. It is called the
Remodeling Phase and lasts from 2 weeks up to 2 years depending
on the size of the wound and the care it is given. Collagen production
continues to add strength for wound closure.
In some cases the collagen production is excessive and leads to
the formation of a thickened or hypertrophic scar.
Scar therapy is most effective during the Remodeling Phase because collagen is a fibrous tissue and does not necessarily deposit
in a neat and tidy layer. When collagen fibers form a crisscross pattern, the tissues that have to move under or
through this layer, can get stuck. This is called an adhesion. Adhesions can affect how the skin around the area moves.
If the wound was deep, they can even prevent tendons and
muscles from moving properly, which negatively affects function.
Click on Scar Therapy to learn how a properly managed scar treatment program that combines
massage, moisturisation and compression positively influences healing and therefore the appearance of the scar.
