What is the final phase of wound healing called?

The final phase of wound healing is known as remodeling. During this phase, the wound undergoes significant changes to strengthen and refine the tissue that has formed. The remodeling phase can last for several months to years, during which collagen is reorganized, and the tissue gains tensile strength. The newly formed tissue becomes more aligned with the original tissue structure, ensuring better function and support at the injury site.

Remodeling is critical because it allows for the adjustment of the healing tissue to withstand the stresses placed upon it. As the body continues to heal, collagen fibers become more organized and cross-linking occurs, leading to a scar that is often less noticeable than the original tissue injury but is stronger than the initial tissue.

In contrast, the other phases of wound healing, such as inflammation, proliferation, and hemostasis, occur prior to remodeling. Hemostasis is the immediate response to injury, aiming to stop bleeding; inflammation follows as the body cleans the wound and prevents infection; and proliferation involves tissue granulation and growth. Understanding the sequence and purpose of these phases highlights the complexity of the wound healing process, with remodeling being the stage that finalizes the repair effort.