For the last decade it has been acknowledged that growth factors are essential for regulating the cellular events involved in the formation of granulation tissue and in wound healing. Growth factors attract cells into the wound, stimulate their proliferation, and have a profound influence on extracellular matrix deposition. Studies have demonstrated that several growth factors are promising for cases of impaired healing. This paper is a review of the literature concerning growth factors and focuses on their role in and effect on soft tissue wound healing.