Death is quiet. But the room where we handle it? That’s usually buzzing with the hum of a centrifugal pump and the sharp, medicinal sting of formaldehyde. If you’ve ever wondered how to embalm a body, you’re likely looking for the reality behind the funeral home curtain, away from the spooky tropes and movie myths. It isn’t magic. It’s chemistry. It’s also a surprisingly mechanical process that requires a deep understanding of human anatomy and fluid dynamics.
Most people think embalming is just "giving a shot" to the deceased. Not even close. It’s a full-scale fluid exchange. We are essentially swapping out the blood—which decomposes rapidly—for a preservative solution that firms the tissues and kills the bacteria that cause decay. Honestly, it’s one of the most hands-on, technical jobs in the "death care" industry, and it hasn't changed fundamentally since the Civil War era, even if the tools have gotten sleeker.
Getting the Body Ready for the Process
The very first thing an embalmer does isn't reaching for a scalpel. It’s about dignity and disinfection. Before a drop of fluid enters the system, the body is washed with a germicidal soap. Every inch. You have to be meticulous here because any bacteria left on the skin can accelerate surface decomposition or create odors later during the viewing.
Once the body is clean, the "setting of features" begins. This is where the artistry comes in. Since the muscles relax completely after death, the mouth tends to hang open. We use a "needle gun" to drive small brass tacks into the upper and lower jaw, then twist a thin wire between them to keep the mouth closed in a natural expression. Some old-school guys still prefer suturing the lips together from the inside using a curved needle and ligature. Eyes are kept closed using "eye caps"—small plastic discs with tiny grips that hold the eyelid in place without the need for glue. You want the person to look like they are sleeping, not like a mannequin.
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Making the Incision and Finding the Pipeline
Now, the technical part. To embalm a body properly, you need access to the arterial system. The most common site is the carotid artery in the neck, though the femoral artery in the groin or the axillary artery in the armpit are also options.
I usually go for the right common carotid. Why? Because it’s close to the heart and provides the most direct path to the face. You make a small incision, maybe an inch or two long, just above the collarbone. You use a blunt instrument called an aneurysm needle to "tease" the artery away from the jugular vein. They sit right next to each other, tucked under the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It’s a tight squeeze. You’ll know you’ve got the artery because it’s thick-walled and creamy white. The vein is thinner, bluish, and collapses easily.
Once you’ve isolated both, you tie them off with cotton string. You then make a tiny nick in the artery and insert a cannula—a metal tube attached to the embalming machine. A similar nick is made in the jugular vein, where a drain tube or forceps are inserted to allow the blood to exit as the fluid goes in.
The Chemistry of Preservation
The machine starts huming. This isn't just "embalming fluid" in the tank; it’s a custom cocktail. An experienced embalmer looks at the body and decides the "index." This is the concentration of formaldehyde. If a person died of kidney failure or had a high degree of edema (water retention), you need a much stronger solution. If they are dehydrated or thin, you use something milder with added humectants to "plump" the skin and prevent a leathery look.
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As the pump pushes the fluid into the carotid, it travels through the entire arterial tree. The pressure pushes the blood out through the jugular vein. You’ll see the skin start to change color—from the grey or purple of "livor mortis" to a slightly pinkish, firm appearance.
- Formaldehyde: The heavy lifter. It cross-links proteins, basically "fixing" them so they can’t be broken down by enzymes.
- Glutaraldehyde: Often used in tandem; it’s better at sanitizing and doesn't turn the skin as grey.
- Dyes: We add red or orange dyes so the body doesn't look like a ghost. It gives a "glow" from the inside out.
Sometimes the fluid doesn't reach everywhere. If a person had poor circulation or diabetes, the legs might not get enough preservative. When that happens, you have to do "sectional embalming," which means finding the femoral arteries and injecting each leg individually. It takes time. You have to be patient.
Cavity Treatment: The Part Nobody Likes to Talk About
Even after the arteries are full of fluid, the job isn't done. The internal organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities—the stomach, intestines, lungs—contain gases, waste, and a lot of bacteria. Arterial fluid doesn't reach the inside of these organs effectively.
This is where the trocar comes in. It’s a long, hollow metal spike attached to a suction hose. You insert it about two inches above and two inches to the left of the navel. You systematically "aspirate" the cavities, piercing the organs and drawing out gases and fluids. It sounds gruesome, and honestly, the sound isn't great. But if you skip this step, the body will "purge"—meaning fluids will leak from the nose and mouth during the funeral.
After aspiration, you pour a high-index cavity fluid into the torso through the same hole. This ensures the "guts" are preserved. Finally, the small hole is closed with a "trocar button," which is basically a plastic screw that seals the skin.
Final Touches and Cosmetic Application
After the chemical work is finished, the body is washed again. The hair is washed and styled. This is actually a critical moment because the skin is now "firm," meaning it won't shift or move easily. Any bruising is covered with specialized heavy cosmetics, often wax-based, that can adhere to cold skin.
If the person lost a lot of weight during a long illness, we might use "tissue builder." This is a liquid that turns into a gel once injected under the skin, used to fill out sunken temples or hollow cheeks. We use it sparingly. The goal isn't to make them look twenty years younger; it's to make them look like themselves before the end was near.
Why This Matters in 2026
We live in an era where "green burials" and cremation are skyrocketing. People ask all the time: "Do you have to embalm?" In the United States, the answer is generally no, unless there is a long delay before burial or certain public health requirements for transport across state lines.
But for many families, the "open casket" is a vital part of the grieving process. Seeing the person looking peaceful—rather than ravaged by the trauma of death—provides a psychological "reset." It’s the difference between remembering a struggle and remembering a rest.
Practical Steps for Those Navigating the Process
If you are currently making arrangements for a loved one and considering whether to embalm a body, keep these logistical realities in mind:
- Check Local Laws: Most states do not require embalming for a standard burial within 24-48 hours, provided there is refrigeration.
- Ask About "Green" Fluids: If you want a viewing but are worried about formaldehyde in the soil, many modern funeral homes offer essential-oil-based fluids. They don't preserve for weeks, but they work for a couple of days.
- Photos Help: If you decide on embalming and a viewing, provide the funeral director with a recent photo. It helps the "cosmetic" stage immensely.
- Understand the Costs: Embalming is typically a separate line item on the General Price List (GPL). Expect it to range anywhere from $500 to $1,200 depending on the complexity and the region.
The process of embalming is a bridge between the clinical reality of biology and the emotional necessity of saying goodbye. It is a technical discipline that requires steady hands and a very thick skin, but for those who do it, it’s the final act of care we can offer.