PI-WIKI-BIO-05 · Applied Biology · reviewed 2026-10-31
Dermal Wound Healing: The 4 Phases & Cellular Timeline
Critical numbers
Hemostasis, Platelet Plug1–5 minutes
Hemostasis, Fibrin Mesh5–20 minutes
Plasma Weeping (normal)First 24–48 hours
Acute Inflammation Peak24–72 hours
Inflammation, Normal Duration3–5 days
Inflammation, Concern Threshold> 7 days or worsening after day 3
Surface Epidermal Closure48–72 hours (tattooing)
Proliferation Phase DurationDays 5–21
Piercing Fistula Formation2–12 weeks
Collagen Tensile Strength RecoveryAt most ~80% of original; never 100%
Pigment Colour Clarification4–8 weeks post-tattooing
Deep Dermal Healing (piercing)6–12 weeks
Do not
- Rotating piercing jewelry during healing
- Using antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide
- Removing scabs by picking
- Changing piercing jewelry before fistula maturation
- Touching the wound with unwashed hands (clients or practitioners)
- Applying thick ointments (petroleum jelly
Applicable standards
- European Union — EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
- United States — FDA OTC Drug Monograph (21 CFR Part 333)
- ASEAN & Asia-Pacific — Thailand FDA (อย.)