Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

During which phase does scar tissue transition from bright pink/red to light pink/white?

1. Clean granulation phase

2. Maturation/remodeling phase

3. Proliferation phase

4. Inflammation phase

The correct answer is: Maturation/remodeling phase

The maturation/remodeling phase is the stage where scar tissue undergoes significant changes, leading to its transformation from a bright pink or red shade to a lighter pink or white appearance. This phase can last for several months to years after the initial injury or incision, as the collagen fibers reorganize, cross-link, and gain tensile strength. During this phase, the vascularity of the scar decreases, which is largely responsible for the color change. The initial bright pink/red appearance is due to the high density of blood vessels supplying nutrients and supporting the healing process. As the remodeling progresses and the tissue becomes less vascular, the scar begins to fade and lighten, indicating that it is becoming more mature and stable. Additionally, while other phases like the clean granulation phase, proliferation phase, and inflammation phase are crucial to the healing process, they primarily involve different activities such as tissue formation, inflammation control, and initial cellular responses. These phases focus on building new tissue and addressing the immediate needs of healing rather than the final maturation and stabilization of the scar tissue itself.