Mechanobiology of Cutaneous Scarring

Abstract The last phase of cutaneous wound healing produces the scar. Under normal circumstances, the immature scar then undergoes the scar maturation process over several months. This process involves tissue remodeling, which associates with a natural decrease in the inflammation and the numbers of blood vessels, collagen fibers, and fibroblasts. However, sometimes the scar maturation process is not properly engaged because inflammation continues in the scar. Consequently, the immature scar stage is prolonged. This results in the pathological scars called hypertrophic scars and keloids. Many factors that prolong the inflammatory stage have been identified. However, multiple lines of evidence acquired in recent years suggest that mechanical force can be an important cause of pathological scar development.