Step 1: Understanding types of transplant rejection.
There are three main types of rejection: hyperacute, acute, and chronic.
- Hyperacute rejection occurs immediately within minutes to hours.
- Acute rejection occurs within days to weeks.
- Chronic rejection develops slowly over months to years.
Step 2: Pathophysiology of chronic rejection.
Chronic rejection involves progressive loss of graft function due to continuous immune-mediated injury, fibrosis, vascular thickening, and ischemia. This is not a sudden process but a slow, long-term deterioration.
Step 3: Identifying correct answer.
Since the question specifically asks for chronic rejection, the correct time frame is months or years.
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{Months or years}}
\]