Healing is a systematic process, traditionally explained in terms of 4 overlapping classic phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. While platelets play a crucial role in clot formation during hemostasis, inflammatory cells débride injured tissue during the inflammatory phase. Epithelialization, fibroplasia, and angiogenesis occur during the proliferative phase. Meanwhile, granulation tissue forms and the wound begins to contract. Finally, during the maturation phase, collagen forms tight cross-links to other collagen and with protein molecules, increasing the tensile strength of the scar.
