Remodeling

Wound healing is progressing in overlapping phases. The fourth and last is the remodeling or the maturation phase of the tissue.

Starting a few weeks after an injury, it could last as long as two years. In this final and longest phase, collagen synthesis is ongoing to strengthen the tissue.

Remodeling occurs as the wound continues to contract and fibers continue to reorganize. The further contraction of the wound results in scar tissue getting to about 80% of the tensile strength of uninjured skin.

This healed tissue will always be at higher risk of breakdown as skin tensile is no longer 100%.

The dominant part of this phase happens after the wound is closed.