What You Should Know about Embalming

Posted on January 17, 2022 by Roslyn Heights Funeral Home under funeral home
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Embalming is one of the most important and costlier line items you may have to pay for when you contract the services of funeral homes in Westbury, NY. Here is how it works and why it matters.

What is Embalming?

Embalming is a process where chemical solutions are injected into a deceased body to slow decomposition and restore or maintain its physical appearance.

Why is this necessary? The specific reason depends on the circumstances, but it can range from legal requirements, scientific purposes to cosmetic reasons.

What type of chemical is used?

There are a variety of chemicals used during an embalming process. However, the typical ones are formaldehyde, methanol, and glutaraldehyde. Generally, formaldehyde and methanol are usually the dominant chemicals in embalming fluid.

Other chemicals used for embalming include phenol, disinfectants, water, dyes, and water conditioners.

Not every chemical is part of the main mixture. Some are standalone and meant for a specific purpose. For instance, embalmers use active dyes to restore the natural color of the body.

What is the typical embalming process like?

Embalming is a complex process, and this is by no means an exhaustive analysis of the process. But here is a quick recap of the common steps.

  1. Undress the deceased and lay them down to sleep
  2. Relieve rigor mortis with a massage. Use massage cream to keep the face and hands soft and pliable.
  3. Set the facial features with tools like cotton, gauze, glue, wire, or sutures
  4. Blood is drained from a vein or heart and replaced with embalming fluid. This is called Arterial Embalming. A similar action is performed on the stomach and lungs to extract gas and body fluids and replace them with cavity fluid. This is called Cavity Embalming.
  5. Openings like the anus and vagina are closed with cotton or gauze to prevent leakage. Incisions and other holes are sewn shut too.
  6. The embalmer rewashes the body.
  7. Finally, the cosmetic changes. The embalmer molds missing facial features with wax manicure the nails and styles the hair. They also apply makeup on the face and hands before dressing the body to place it in a casket.

The embalming process can take between 45 minutes and an hour. Cosmetic changes could tack on another hour or more, depending on the family’s expectations.

How well does it preserve the body?

It depends on the used chemicals. A standard embalming process for a funeral can last a day to a week. The used method, temperature, and humidity of the storage facility also determine how long it lasts.

When a body is embalmed for medical reasons, it can last between 6 months and two years or more. Stronger chemicals are used, and the body develops a leather-like texture. Good for preservation, but not for aesthetics.

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Do I have to embalm a body?

No, you do not. It is not a legal requirement in New York unless it is a special case. However, it is encouraged. Embalming a body is a way to show proper respect for the body.

It is also a way to create a beautiful final memory picture of the deceased, especially if they died of trauma or severe illness.

That is pretty much it. Remember, embalming, while popular, is ultimately a personal decision. If you have additional questions, kindly reach out to Westbury, NY, funeral homes like us, Roslyn Heights Funeral Home. Our experts are happy to guide and help you make the right decision. Please stop by our location or give us a call right now to get started.

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