What is Post-Mortem Reconstructive Surgery?
The essence of PMRS is a collection of techniques, similar to plastic surgery, used to restore a deceased victim of traumatic injury or disfiguring disease to a recognizable and more acceptable appearance, therefore allowing bereaved families to say goodbye to their loved one in person instead of saying goodbye to a closed casket.
It is predicated on an unwavering dedication to the value of open casket viewing; a paradigm that should be deeply entrenched in the mindset of every good embalmer and funeral director.
PMRS relies not only on learning various advanced restoration techniques, but also on several prerequisite concerns that must be taken into consideration:
· Proper authorization from the next of kin to allow the restoration specialist to perform the needed procedures.
· Understanding that bone structure of the skull plays a crucial role in the recognizability of the human face.
· The body MUST be very well embalmed, firm, and dry. Waterless embalming of the head is essential.
· Good quality, recent photographs of the deceased must be supplied by the family so that the restoration specialist can make appropriate measurements and create necessary placement ratios.
The essence of PMRS is a collection of techniques, similar to plastic surgery, used to restore a deceased victim of traumatic injury or disfiguring disease to a recognizable and more acceptable appearance, therefore allowing bereaved families to say goodbye to their loved one in person instead of saying goodbye to a closed casket.
It is predicated on an unwavering dedication to the value of open casket viewing; a paradigm that should be deeply entrenched in the mindset of every good embalmer and funeral director.
PMRS relies not only on learning various advanced restoration techniques, but also on several prerequisite concerns that must be taken into consideration:
· Proper authorization from the next of kin to allow the restoration specialist to perform the needed procedures.
· Understanding that bone structure of the skull plays a crucial role in the recognizability of the human face.
· The body MUST be very well embalmed, firm, and dry. Waterless embalming of the head is essential.
· Good quality, recent photographs of the deceased must be supplied by the family so that the restoration specialist can make appropriate measurements and create necessary placement ratios.
· The restoration specialist must have a good knowledge of anatomy and specialized cosmetic techniques.
· The restoration specialist must be willing to work outside his/her comfort zone and approach each problem with careful consideration and creativity. As Vernie Fountain always says, “Think it through!”
The value of PMRS to the families you serve and to the reputation of your establishment can be invaluable. I estimate that 75% of closed casket situations due to traumatic accidents such as automobile crashes, gunshots, etc. could be made viewable if the embalmer had the PMRS skills to perform the reconstruction. PMRS is a skillset that I believe can be learned by most competent embalmers if they are willing to invest in the work, time, and training required.
As always, I am available to consult or perform PMRS, airbrush and specialty cosmetology, embalming, removals, and transports for your funeral home. Please contact me at (304) 633-7195 for specific case instructions before attempting any embalming or restoration procedures that you or your embalmer may not be comfortable undertaking. The foundation of successful PMRS is excellent embalming. You cannot restore a poorly embalmed body.
