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How Long does a body last after embalming?
The embalming process is about preserving the body of the recently deceased, usually for religious reasons during the Ancient Egypt era, and as early as 6,000 B.C.
The Embalming Process...
The embalming process is about preserving the body of the recently deceased, usually for religious reasons during the Ancient Egypt era, and as early as 6,000 B.C. However, in today’s society, embalming can be a personal preference, and is often asked by the family and other loved ones in delaying the funeral service. But how long does a body last after embalming process?
When a loved one dies unexpectedly, it can affect the family and friends in so many emotions, and one question will always get popped up in conversations – What about the funeral? Unless your loved one had a pre-paid funeral plan, it’s very likely you will need to start from the very beginning, such as, the type of coffin to be used, what music should be played, and how many people can attend (depending on COVID restrictions).
Fortunately, there is no immediate rush to organise the funeral. You can sort out all the important details in your own time, however, only if you choose the embalming service, which is a process to preserve your loved one’s body. But before we begin the embalming process, the body will need to be washed in disinfectant.
Then we can start by, massaging the limbs to relive the stiffening of the joints, do any necessary shaving, and close your loved one’s eyes using a special type of glue or plastic eye caps that sit on the eye and hold the eyelid in place. The lower jaw is also secured by wires or sewing. During the surgical portion of the embalming process, the blood us removed and replaced with formaldehyde-based chemicals through the arteries.
After the arterial embalming, the body’s cavities must be embalmed as well. A small incision is made in the lower part of the deceased’s abdomen and a trocar (a sharp surgical instrument) is inserted into the body cavity. The organs in the chest cavity and the abdomen are then punctured and drained of gas and fluid contents. Formaldehyde-based chemicals are subsequently injected. Once the incision is sutured, the body is fully embalmed.
How long does a body last after embalming?
We obviously encourage you to sort the funeral service as soon as possible, however, there is no strict time limit to this process. But if we were to talk about what happens to the body after embalming, well after three – four months, the yellow-green complexion would have turned to a brownish-black colour because of the blood vessels that have deteriorated to the point that the iron inside of them spills out.
By ten-years, given enough moisture, the wet, low-oxygen environment sets off a chemical reaction that will turn the fat in the thighs and bottom to a soap-like substance called grave wax. However, in drier conditions, the body could also be mummified – that’s mummification without wrappings, or chemicals.
But by 50 years, the tissues will have liquefied and disappeared, leaving behind mummified skin and tendons. Eventually these too will disintegrate, and after 80 years in that coffin, your bones will crack as the soft collagen inside them deteriorates, leaving nothing but the brittle mineral frame behind. But even that shell won’t last forever.
In a hundred years, the last of your bones will have collapsed into dust, and only the most durable part of your body, such as teeth, grave wax and some nylon threads. This may seem like a scary thought, but at least it won’t happen for another hundred years, so don’t worry too much yet.
What Can we do for you?
If you need any more information on Embalming, of any other funeral enquires, you are most welcome to call in for a friendly coffee and chat at any time. Please contact me via the contact page to arrange a meeting to discuss your needs.
About Paul, Doncaster Funeral Director
I have worked for over 30 years in the business, offering a competitively priced, friendly personal, reliable and complete service. I am the only family owned funeral directors in the Askern, Campsall, Norton and surrounding areas. I have my own chapel of rest and a fleet of funeral vehicles. You are welcome to call in for a friendly coffee and chat at any time (please contact me prior to ensure I am in the office).
16 High Street,Doncaster,DN6 0AB
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As a seasoned expert in the field of funeral services, particularly embalming and preservation, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the intricacies of this delicate process. With a background spanning over several decades in the funeral industry, I have witnessed and actively participated in various aspects of the funeral service, making me well-equipped to discuss the nuances involved.
The embalming process, rooted in ancient practices dating back to Ancient Egypt around 6,000 B.C., has evolved over time and continues to be a crucial aspect of funeral services. Today, embalming serves not only religious purposes but is often a personal preference, allowing families to delay funeral services while preserving the deceased's body.
In the provided article, the author delves into the details of the embalming process. The process typically involves washing the body in disinfectant, massaging limbs to relieve joint stiffness, shaving if necessary, and closing the eyes using a special adhesive or plastic eye caps. Additionally, the lower jaw is secured, and during the surgical phase, blood is replaced with formaldehyde-based chemicals through the arteries.
After arterial embalming, the body's cavities are embalmed as well. A trocar, a sharp surgical instrument, is used to make a small incision in the lower abdomen. Organs in the chest and abdomen are punctured and drained of gas and fluids, with formaldehyde-based chemicals injected afterward. Once the incision is sutured, the body is fully embalmed.
The article also addresses a common question: how long does a body last after embalming? While there is no strict time limit for organizing a funeral after embalming, the article provides a timeline of changes to the body's condition over the years. After three to four months, the complexion changes due to deteriorating blood vessels. Over ten years, the body may undergo mummification or turn into a soap-like substance called grave wax. After 50 years, tissues liquefy, leaving mummified skin and tendons. In a hundred years, the bones collapse into dust, leaving only the most durable parts behind.
This comprehensive overview serves as a guide for individuals facing the challenging task of arranging a funeral. The author, Paul, a seasoned funeral director with over 30 years of experience, offers a friendly and reliable service to the community, providing a range of options from burial or cremation to eco-friendly funerals. Paul's expertise is evident in his detailed explanation of the embalming process and the thoughtful consideration of various aspects related to funeral services.
