MS-2522
A 25-year-old woman comes to her GP clinic to see the nurse for a follow-up evaluation of a deep cut injury that happened 4 weeks ago while preparing food, requiring multiple stitches. She has no significant medical history and is in good health. The nurse observes that the wound appears smaller than before and that a pale scar has begun to develop. The nurse informs the patient that this is a positive sign, but that this stage of the healing process takes the longest time.
Which stage of the healing process is the nurse likely referring to?