24 hours Neutrophils appear and move towards the fibrin clot. The epidermis thickens at the cut edges. Within 24-48 hours spurs of epithelial cells migrate and grow along the cut margins of the dermis depositing basement membrane components as they move. This produces a thin but continuous epithelial layer. By Day 3 Neutrophils mostly replaced by macrophages.
Granulation tissue invades the incision space.
Collagen fibers are present in the margins of the incision, vertically oriented, and thus do not bridge the incision. Epithelial cell proliferation continues. By Day 5 Incisional space filled with granulation tissue. Collagen fibrils become more abundant and begin to bridge the wound. The epidermis recovers to its normal thickness and a mature epidermal structure with surface keratinisation can result.