Which stage is the final phase of wound healing?

The final phase of wound healing is the remodeling phase. This phase can last for months to years following the initial injury and is characterized by the maturation and reorganization of collagen fibers within the wound bed. During this stage, the wound undergoes structural realignment and strengthens as it becomes less vascular and moves toward its final appearance.

In the remodeling phase, the collagen produced in the previous proliferative phase is replaced and reorganized to enhance tensile strength. While the wound might look relatively healed on the surface, this stage is essential for ensuring that the skin is resilient and able to withstand stress and strain in the long term.

The other phases, such as the inflammatory and proliferative phases, are vital for initiating the healing process, but they occur before the remodeling phase and are not the final stage. Understanding the complexities of each phase helps in grasping the overall wound healing process and the importance of care during each of these stages.