Section 8.2: Dressing, Casketing, & Cosmetology

Dressing, Casketing, and Cosmetology

The final presentation of the deceased is the culmination of the embalmer's efforts. The processes of dressing, casketing, and cosmetology transform the deceased from a clinical state to a peaceful, memory-enhancing presentation for the family. Achieving a professional, natural appearance requires systematic attention to detail, proper positioning ergonomics, specialized cosmetic selection, and a comprehensive final inspection.

Dressing Techniques

Dressing the deceased is performed after the remains have been thoroughly washed, embalmed, dried, and treated with cavity fluid. The clothing provided by the family should be inspected for cleanliness and pressed if necessary.

1. Order of Dressing

To minimize movement and avoid damaging the garments, the embalmer should follow a logical sequence:

• Undergarments and Protective Wear: Apply diaper or protective underwear, followed by any required plastic undergarments. Next, apply socks or stockings, and then the undergarments (undershirt, underpants, slip).
• Lower Body Outerwear: Dress the lower body next, sliding on trousers, skirts, or dresses. Pull them up to the waist.
• Upper Body Outerwear: Put the sleeves of the shirt, blouse, or dress onto the arms first, then pull the garment over the head or button it. Adjust the collar and cuffs.
• Accessories: Tie the necktie, attach suspenders, or place jewelry.
• Outer Jacket: If a suit jacket or blazer is provided, place it on the remains last. Slip the sleeves onto the arms and smooth the jacket down.

2. Handling Special Fabrics and Garment Modification

• Delicate Fabrics: Silk, satin, and lace can easily snag or tear. The embalmer should handle them with clean, dry hands or wear clean cotton gloves.
• Cutting Clothing: Cutting the clothing should be a last resort. If a garment is too small or the body is rigid, the embalmer may slit the back of the garment (back-slitting) to facilitate dressing. The cut edges are then folded neatly and pinned securely. Always obtain family permission before altering personal clothing.

3. Plastic Undergarments

Plastic undergarments are essential for controlling leakage from incisions, autopsy wounds, edema, or decomposition. They are sealed with sealing powder (such as paraformaldehyde-based absorbing powder) placed inside the garment to dry any moisture.

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Casketing and Positioning

Casketing is the placement of the dressed remains into the casket. It requires proper lifting techniques and precise positioning of the body to present a natural and comfortable sleeping posture.

1. Casket Preparation

Before placing the body inside, the embalmer must prepare the casket by adjusting the mechanical bed. The bed consists of springs that can be raised or lowered at the head and foot ends using a crank. The head end should be adjusted higher than the foot end. The lining should be smoothed, and the casket pillow fluffed.

2. Positioning the Remains

• Head Placement: The head must be elevated above the chest to prevent hypostasis (pooling of blood) in the facial tissues, which causes post-mortem discoloration and swelling. The head should be turned approximately 15 degrees to the right (towards the viewing audience). This presents a natural profile rather than a flat, clinical look. The nose should be the highest point of the profile, and the chin must not sag toward the neck.
• Chest and Abdomen: The chest must be elevated higher than the abdomen. This provides a natural, upright posture. If the abdomen is distended, a trochar can be used to relieve gas, or positioning blocks can be placed under the shoulders.
• Hand Placement: The hands should be placed in a relaxed, slightly cupped position, mimicking the natural relaxation of the muscles. The fingers should be slightly curved, not flat or clenched. Typically, the right hand is placed over the left, or vice versa depending on cultural preferences, positioned on the lower abdomen or waist. Hand holders or positioning blocks can be used to keep them in place during the setting process.

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Mortuary Cosmetology

The goal of mortuary cosmetology is to create a natural, lifelike appearance, eliminating the pale, sallow color of death (death pallor) and covering any bruising or disfigurements.

1. Cosmetology for Embalmed vs. Non-Embalmed Remains

• Embalmed Remains: Because embalming fluid firms and dries the skin tissue, the skin is highly stable. The embalmer can use cream cosmetics, liquid suspensions, or powders. Heavy opaque creams can be blended easily, and the dry surface allows cosmetics to adhere well.
• Non-Embalmed Remains: Non-embalmed remains are cold, soft, and moist. The skin is highly prone to dehydration, skin slip (epidermolysis), and mold growth. Avoid heavy drying powders and drying cream cosmetics. The best approach is to apply a generous coat of massage cream to hydrate the skin and prevent further moisture loss. Follow this with very light, translucent liquid tints or moisturizers to add a natural tone without suffocating the tissue.

2. Types of Cosmetics

• Translucent (Semi-Opaque): These cosmetics allow the natural skin texture and undertone to show through. They are ideal for remains with normal skin color that only require minor tone enhancement.
• Opaque: These cosmetics form a solid barrier that completely conceals the underlying skin. They are used to mask severe discolorations, such as bruises, jaundice, post-mortem stain, or trauma.

3. Color Theory and Warm Color Areas

Human skin tone is composed of red, yellow, and brown pigments, with white used to adjust value. To make the deceased appear natural, the embalmer must highlight the warm color areas of the face and hands. These are zones where blood vessels lie closest to the skin surface, presenting a natural flush:

• Facial Warm Areas: The cheeks (zygomatic arch), the tip of the nose, the chin, the forehead (especially in males), and the ears.
• Hand Warm Areas: The knuckles, the webs of the fingers, and the fingernail beds.

Applying a subtle warm cosmetic (blush or red/pink tint) to these areas simulates active capillary blood flow. The application must be blended thoroughly into the surrounding cosmetic base to avoid harsh lines.

4. Lighting Considerations

The appearance of cosmetics changes dramatically under different lighting. The fluorescent lights of the prep room are cool and reveal every imperfection, whereas the incandescent or colored LED lights of a viewing chapel are warm and forgiving. The embalmer should apply cosmetics under the same lighting conditions in which the deceased will be viewed, or use adjustable lighting in the prep room to simulate chapel conditions.

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Final Inspection

A meticulous final inspection must be conducted before the casket is moved to the viewing area:

1. Feature Check: Verify that the eyes and mouth remain closed. Ensure there is no separation of the lips (drying) or eyelids.
2. Purge Monitoring: Check the nose and mouth for any signs of purge (liquid or foam). Wipe clean and re-pack if necessary.
3. Debris Removal: Brush away any hair, cosmetic dust, or lint from the face, hair, and clothing.
4. Grooming: Ensure the hair is neatly styled, and the fingernails are clean, shaped, and polished if requested.
5. Leakage and Positioning: Check the bedding for any signs of fluid leakage. Verify that the hands and head have not shifted.