Section 7.4: Major Feature Reconstruction
Key Takeaways
- Major feature reconstruction requires written family permission and involves modeling eyes, nose, mouth, or ears using photographs and anatomical guides.
- The line of closure of the eye is in the lower third of the orbit; sunken eyes are treated with retrobulbar tissue builder, and swollen eyes are treated with aspiration, chemical compresses, or electric spatula.
- Nose profiles are straight (Grecian), convex (Roman), or concave (pug); reconstruction uses a wire/cardboard/cotton armature anchored to the nasal spine.
- The mouth's line of closure is a Hunter's bow; dental prognathism (buck teeth) is treated with lip sealer, custom mouth formers, suturing, or authorized extraction.
- The ear is the most difficult feature to model; its length is equal to the nose, and its top/bottom align with the eyebrows/nose base respectively; reconstruction starts with the concha and lobe.
Last updated: July 2026
Major Feature Reconstruction
Major feature reconstruction is the recreation of a missing or severely damaged facial organ (the eyes, nose, mouth, or ears) using three-dimensional modeling. Because these features define a person's identity, the embalmer must combine anatomical knowledge with artistic modeling techniques to achieve a natural appearance.
Reconstruction of the Eye (Ocular Restoration)
The eyes are often considered the most important focal point of the face. Reconstructing them requires understanding the orbital cavity and the eyelids.
Anatomical Landmarks of the Eye
- Orbit: The bony socket containing the eyeball.
- Supraorbital Margin: The upper rim of the orbit, which projects further than the infraorbital margin.
- Palpebrae (Eyelids): The upper eyelid is approximately three times larger than the lower eyelid.
- Line of Closure: The line where the eyelids meet. It is located in the lower third of the orbital cavity and is curved slightly downward (convex).
- Canthi: The inner (medial) canthus is higher than the outer (lateral) canthus. The inner canthus contains the caruncula lacrimalis (red dot).
Restorative Procedures
- Sunken Eyes: Caused by post-mortem dehydration or emaciation. Restored by injecting tissue builder hypodermically behind the eyeball (retrobulbar injection) to project the eye forward, or by placing cotton/eye caps under the eyelids.
- Swollen Eyes: Caused by trauma (black eye) or gas. Treated by aspirating fluid from the eyelid tissues, applying chemical drying compresses (phenol or cavity fluid), using surgical reduction (excision of deep tissue), or using a heated electric spatula to reduce the swelling.
- Missing Eyelids: Rebuilt by inserting an eye cap as a foundation, applying a layer of soft wax over the cap, and shaping the upper and lower eyelids. The margins are blended and eyelashes (cilia) can be simulated using false eyelashes or hair embedded in wax.
Reconstruction of the Nose (Nasal Restoration)
The nose is the most dominant vertical feature of the face. Reconstructing it requires replicating its unique profile and symmetry.
Anatomical Landmarks of the Nose
- Nasal Bones: Form the bridge.
- Nasal Spine of the Maxilla: The bony projection at the base of the nose that determines the projection of the lobe.
- Dorsum: The anterior ridge of the nose, consisting of the root (junction with forehead), bridge (bony portion), lobe (tip), and bridge/lobe transition.
- Alae (Wings): The lateral rounded structures of the nose.
- Columna Nasi: The tiny skin partition between the nostrils (anterior nares).
Nasal Profile Classifications
- Straight (Grecian): The dorsum forms a straight line from root to tip.
- Convex (Roman / Aquiline): The dorsum has a hook or hump (aquiline).
- Concave (Pug / Retrousse): The dorsum curves inward, and the tip points upward.
Reconstructing a Missing Nose
- Skeletal Anchor: Insert a wire or wood armature into the nasal cavity, securing it to the nasal bones or nasal spine.
- Fill Cavity: Pack the nasal cavity with cotton saturated with liquid sealer or plaster of Paris to provide a solid base.
- Apply Wax: Model the basic shape of the nose using firm wound filler wax over the armature.
- Refine Details: Shape the dorsum, alae, and columna nasi. Blend the edges into the cheeks and upper lip. Use a stipple brush to recreate skin pores.
Reconstruction of the Mouth (Oral Restoration)
The mouth is the most expressive feature of the face. Restoring it requires capturing the correct curvature and fullness of the lips.
Anatomical Landmarks of the Mouth
- Mucous Membranes (Lips): The red, fleshy portions. The upper lip is thinner and has a tri-lobed shape. The lower lip is thicker and has a bi-lobed shape.
- Line of Closure: The line where the lips meet, resembling a classic Hunter's Bow (three curves).
- Philtrum: The vertical groove on the upper lip running from the columna nasi to the line of closure.
- Angulus Oris Eminence: The small rounded elevation lateral to the corners of the mouth.
- Angulus Oris Sulcus: The small groove at the corners of the mouth.
Restorative Procedures
- Dental Prognathism (Buck Teeth): The upper teeth protrude, preventing normal closure of the lips. Restored by applying lip sealer, placing a custom mouth former over the teeth, suturing the lips using a musculature or sub-mandibular suture, or, with written family authorization, extracting the teeth and modeling wax over the area.
- Severely Dehydrated/Parted Lips: Restored by injecting tissue builder into the mucous membranes to restore fullness, or by applying lip wax to close the gap and shape the lips.
Reconstruction of the Ear (Aural Restoration)
The ear is considered the most difficult feature to model because of its intricate, asymmetrical structure.
Anatomical Landmarks of the Ear
- Helix: The outer rim of the ear, shaped like a question mark. It begins at the crus of the helix inside the concha and ends at the lobule.
- Antihelix: The inner curved ridge of the ear, parallel to the helix. It divides superiorly into the crura of the antihelix.
- Tragus: The small, triangular elevation protecting the ear passage.
- Antitragus: The small elevation opposite the tragus.
- Concha: The deep, central basin of the ear.
- Lobule (Lobe): The fatty, soft bottom portion.
- Triangular Fossa: The depression between the crura of the antihelix.
Reconstructing a Missing Ear
- Placement: Locate the correct position of the ear. The top of the ear aligns horizontally with the eyebrows (glabella line); the bottom aligns with the base of the nose (subnasale). The external auditory meatus is the primary anchor point.
- Anchor: Place loops of suture or a wire armature into the temporalis muscle area to support the weight of the wax.
- Model Concha and Lobe: Build the central basin (concha) and the soft lobe first using medium wax.
- Model Helix and Antihelix: Model the helix as a thin, question-mark-shaped ridge of wax, and the antihelix as a parallel, smaller ridge.
- Finishing: Blend the ear base into the side of the head, ensuring the lateral projection matches the opposite ear.
Test Your Knowledge
Where is the line of closure of the eye located relative to the orbital cavity?
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Test Your Knowledge
Which anatomical landmark of the ear is the outer, question-mark-shaped rim that terminates at the lobule?
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Test Your Knowledge
When performing a nasal reconstruction, which bony landmark serves as the primary skeletal anchor for the columna nasi of the nose?
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