Cold Hands Embalming Tip of the Week

We are excited to collaborate with Cold Hands and Monica Torres, renowned licensed funeral director, embalmer, cremationist, cosmetic reconstructive specialist, desairologist, and owner/founder of NXT Generation Mortuary Support! Every week Connecting Directors will now share “Cold Hands Embalming Tip of the Week,” which Monica posts each Sunday afternoon to her Instagram channel @coldhandshosts.

Cold Hands Embalming Tip of the Week: Set earlobes prior to embalming with wet cotton

The difference is in the details when it comes to creating a natural appearance on the dead. Because we are not used to seeing our loved ones laying down with their eyes closed much of what we experience is uncomfortable during the “viewing.”

There are things embalmers can do to play a lil trick on our eyes though. By simply placing a wet piece of cotton behind the ears I can create the illusion that the ear looks as it does when the person is standing or sitting upright instead of drooping backward.

This tip is especially helpful for elderly female decedents. The earlobes lengthen and sag with age causing the skin to hang awkwardly when embalmed. Not only does this look unnatural but earrings also look strange.

Pro tip:

Use a product like “Stay Lip” to adhere the skin to the cotton during the Embalming process.

The lobe will fixate in a natural position due to the proteins coagulating after coming in contact with the formaldehyde. This fixation leaves is a beautiful and natural appearance of the ear and earrings will look just perfect!!

Until next week, Happy Embalming!

Deathcare professionals: To gain online support for the embalming tips, visit Cold Hands Answers at
https://www.nxtgenmortuarysupport.com/product/cold-hands-answers-morticians/. NXT Generation Mortuary Support offers ongoing online continuing education opportunities for deathcare professionals! Next up is How to Prepare a Decomposing Body for Public Viewing on November 18, 2021, for which you may register here.