What is the second phase of wound healing?

The second phase of wound healing is the proliferation phase. This phase follows the lag or hemostatic phase, which is the initial response to injury where clot formation and inflammation occur. During the proliferation phase, the body actively works to repair the wound. This involves the formation of new tissue and blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis, as well as collagen deposition, which provides strength to the wound.

In this phase, fibroblasts play a crucial role by synthesizing collagen and extracellular matrix components, which form the new tissue that bridges the wound. Furthermore, epithelial cells migrate across the wound bed to resurface the area. The proliferation phase is characterized by increased cellular activity and rebuilding, which is essential for restoring the tissue's integrity.

Understanding the proliferation phase is crucial for surgical technicians, as knowing the stages of healing can aid in postoperative care and management strategies to promote healing successfully.