During which phase does "maturation" occur for tissue healing?

Maturation is referred to as the final phase of the tissue healing process, which typically occurs from 4-6 weeks to as long as 2-3 years post-injury. This phase is where the tissue remodels and strengthens, gradually restoring function and resilience to the area that was injured. During maturation, collagen fibers undergo restructuring, cross-linking increases, and the tissue becomes more organized and aligned with normal physiological structures.

The earlier phases of healing, such as the inflammatory phase (which occurs immediately to 48 hours post-injury) and the proliferation phase (which typically spans from 48 hours to about 4-6 weeks), involve initial responses to injury, tissue formation, and temporary scaffolding. While these earlier phases are crucial for the overall healing process, they do not represent the maturation of tissues.

Therefore, the period identified from 4-6 weeks to 2-3 years aligns perfectly with the maturation phase, emphasizing the long-term transformation and strengthening of the healed tissue, making this the correct answer.