The process of wound healing is slow and goes through several stages.
- The first stage is called the inflammatory stage. Although it may appear that very little it happening during this stage in fact, it is very active. This is the time the body is producing collagen to strengthen the wound.
- The second phase, called the metabolic phase, lasts several weeks. During this phase the body produces thicker and stronger scar tissue than is ultimately needed to heal.
- The last and final stage of wound healing is called remodeling. It is during this phase that the body breaks down and remodels scar tissues, and decides how much scar will remain.
These three stages have a clinical significance to the patient. During the inflammation phase, the scar is not very strong. Redness of the wound and scar lasts throughout the metabolic phase. The redness does not fade for at least six to eight weeks after surgery or injury. It is at this stage that the scar is increasing in strength.
Of course, not everyone heals from wounds at the same rate. Many factors affect wound healing, including diabetes, HIV, vitamin deficiencies, and smoking. Some patients have a persistently heavy scar called hypertrophic scar or keloid. An unusually large or unsightly scar may be modified by later scar revision surgery.
A wound is not truly healed for at least 1 to 1½ years. It is rare to revise a surgical scar at least until this much time has passed.
Kole Plastic Surgery welcomes the thoughtful inquiries he has received from patients. As a skilled Pennsylvania plastic surgeon, he knows that clients considering aesthetic or reconstructive surgery need information and reassurance before they can make an informed, realistic choice about undergoing a medical procedure. Please call 215-315-7655 to get more advice or to obtain a free copy of Dr. Kole’s book, Cosmetic Surgery: The Risks and Rewards.
