Fundamentals of Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex and tightly regulated physiological process that maintains the integrity of the skin after trauma caused by either surgical incisions or accidents. It involves several successive and overlapping phases (inflammation, proliferation, and regeneration), different cell types, and a large number of growth factors and cytokines. Every plastic surgeon must know in detail each process and sequence associated with physiological healing. This chapter will attempt to provide a concise overview of wound healing.