How to Embalm a Body: Step-by-Step Guide & Process Explained

Part artist, part scientist, embalmers provide a necessary funeral service by sterilizing, preserving, and restoring the deceased to a more lifelike appearance. It’s a complex and delicate procedure. Read on to learn more about the world of embalming.

Prepare the body

If the body is on its stomach, gravity will push the blood to the lower parts of the body, especially the face. This can discolor and swell the facial features, making it harder to create a more lifelike appearance.

You will need to see the skin to see if the embalming is working, so the body will be uncovered throughout the process. Also remove any needles or catheters that are in place.

Typically, you will need to note anything you find on the person, such as cuts, bruises, or discolorations, in your embalming report. Your embalming report will be used to document the procedure and chemicals used during the process. The report serves as insurance if the family decides to sue the funeral home for any reason.
Respect the body at all times. Use a sheet or towel to cover the genitals and do not leave tools lying around on the body while you work. Expect family to appear at any time.

A strong disinfectant is used to clean them inside and out.

Inspect the body to determine what fluids you will need. Some embalmers will take this opportunity to mix all the fluids they will need for the procedure so they are ready to go. Typically, 16 ounces of fluid in 2 gallons of water is a good dilution.

The face is usually shaved at this point, just as you would shave your own (if you are a man). Men are generally always shaved, although women and children are also often shaved to remove any stray hairs or "fuzz" on the face.

Massage major muscle groups to release tension and move stiff joints to loosen them up. If muscles are tight, they will increase vascular pressure, diverting embalming fluids away from where they belong.

Fix the features

When you immobilize your eyes, do it with great care. Usually, the eyelids tend to droop, so a small piece of cotton is placed between the eyelid and the eye to round it. In some cases, a plastic capsule is used.

The eyelids are never sewn closed, but they may sometimes be glued.
The features must be fixed before the embalming fluid is introduced, as this fluid will "fix" the body rigidly, making the process difficult later.

One of two methods is used to fix the mouth, generally.

Sometimes the mouth is sewn shut with sutures, by passing a curved needle into the jaw, under the gums, and then up through the septum. Avoid tightening the thread too tightly to give a natural line to the jaws .
An injection gun is typically used in addition to a mouth mold. Like a mouthguard or denture, the mouth mold holds the jaws together in their natural alignment. This method often leaves less room for human error.

A small amount of cream should be used on the eyelids and lips to prevent them from drying out, giving them a natural and more lively appearance.

Embalming the arteries

The arteries are embalmed simultaneously by introducing embalming fluid (a mixture of formaldehyde, other chemicals, and water) into the arteries while draining blood from a vein or the heart. You will need about 8 liters of fluid to embalm a normal body.

In men, the incision is made near the base of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the clavicle. In women or younger people, the femoral area is more popular.

Clean the vein, create an entry point and insert the drain tube towards the heart. Tie off the bottom of the tube.

Do the same with the artery, but insert a cannula in place of the drainage tube. Place the cannula forceps over the artery, holding the cannula in place. Use small forceps to tie off the top of the artery and restrict the flow.

While the embalming is taking place, wash the body with a good antibacterial soap and be sure to check the embalming as you massage the limbs to draw out the blood and introduce the embalming fluid.

As fluid enters the arteries, pressure will increase in the veins, meaning the fluid is traveling through the body. You will notice the veins filling up a little. Open the jugular drainage tube from time to time to allow blood to escape and relieve the pressure.

When there is about 20% of your solution left, turn off the machine and place the cannula on the other end of the artery you choose to inject. This will embalm the section that was previously blocked by the cannula. Make sure to decrease the pressure so that the fluid only has to travel a short distance; you don't want to "pop your eyes".

In the case of the femoral, it will embalm the lower leg. In the case of the right carotid, it will embalm the right side of the head.

When you're happy with your embalming or you're out of fluid, turn off the machine, remove the cannula, and untie the veins and arteries you used. Suture the incisions closed. Use sealing powder to prevent leaks.

Embalming the cavities

Now that the arteries have been cleaned, you need to clean the inside of the organs before bacteria and gases build up and excess fluids leak out of the nose or mouth.

Insert the trocar 5 cm to the right and 5 cm above the navel. Empty organs such as the stomach, pancreas and small intestine.

Remove the trocar, rotate it and insert it into the lower part of the body, aspirating the contents of the large intestine, bladder and, if female, the uterus. The anus and vagina are sometimes stuffed with cotton to prevent leakage.

Cavity fluid is usually composed of 30% formaldehyde, and the gravity injection method is used to push the fluid into the organs to sterilize and preserve them.

Make sure to address both upper and lower organs. This step is crucial to avoid a “purge.”

Clean your trocar and store it.

Put the body in a coffin

Using the same disinfectant you previously used, wash the body to remove blood and other chemicals that may have been left behind during the embalming process. Be gentle and careful during this process .

Makeup will be applied to the face, fingernails will be trimmed, and hair will be brushed and styled.

Usually, the deceased's family will choose the clothes he or she will wear in the coffin. Dress the body delicately and appropriately.

Sometimes plastic underwear is used for bodies that have leaks.

Place it peacefully. Consult with the family for advice or other instructions regarding the presentation.

Advice

Make sure the body is in a proper position when you are done embalming. Once the chemicals have fully taken effect, the body will freeze until decomposition begins again.
Adding dye to your embalming solution is a good way to track what has and has not been preserved.
Respect, respect, respect. This person was alive and there was definitely someone who cared deeply about them. You are trusted to take great care of a loved one. Don't let them down: they pay you good money to do this, no matter how much you earn!
If a limb is not receiving fluid, try injecting it directly into that limb. This should fix the problem. If all else fails, inject hypodermically.
Embalming is not permanent. An embalmed body will be visible for approximately seven days under optimal conditions.
More environmentally friendly substitutes, such as AARD fluid, are available for embalming. Formaldehyde can be hazardous to groundwater.

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