Recent advances in wound healing, tissue repair, regeneration, and scar management: A literature review

Wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration are biological processes essential for restoring tissue integrity following injury. Disorders in these processes can lead to complications and the formation of scars, impacting both physical and psychological well-being. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing these processes. We explore the sequential phases of wound healing, the key cellular and molecular players involved, factors influencing healing outcomes, and emerging therapeutic strategies. Special emphasis is placed on novel biomaterials, cell-based therapies, gene therapies, and physical modalities. Modern therapeutic approaches aim to accelerate healing while minimizing complications such as scarring, infection, or chronic inflammation. Available strategies for wound and scar management include topical and intralesional pharmacological treatments, silicone-based products, advanced dressings, physical modalities, and procedural interventions. This review summarizes the mechanisms, clinical applications, limitations, and current evidence supporting these approaches, while selected commercial formulations are discussed only as illustrative examples of different therapeutic mechanisms. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future directions in the field, highlighting the potential for personalized medicine and translational research.