what does it mean when a wound is well along the healing process, and then become a dark purple after enough time has passed to be healed?

When a wound is described as being "well along the healing process" but then develops a dark purple color, it can be indicative of several factors:

**Bruising or Hematoma:** As a wound heals, it may experience some bruising or localized bleeding beneath the skin, which can result in a dark purple appearance. This can happen if blood vessels are damaged during the injury and blood accumulates in the surrounding tissue.

**Inflammation:** Healing wounds go through various stages, and inflammation can sometimes cause changes in coloration. If the inflammation is significant, it might lead to a darkening of the skin around the wound.

**Scarring:** As a wound heals, the tissue may change color due to the formation of scar tissue. Scars can sometimes appear darker than the surrounding skin, especially in the initial stages of healing.

**Healing Changes:** The skin may go through stages of color change as a part of the natural healing process. Initially, a wound may be red or pink due to increased blood flow, and as it heals, it can eventually turn darker.

**Infection or Complication:** In some cases, a change in color could indicate an infection or other complications, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like increased pain, swelling, or discharge. 

If you or someone else notices a change in the color of a healing wound, especially if it is concerning or accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation and appropriate management.