Fse2120 -RESTORATIVE ARTS CH 7

Wax

(C) 2012 - Professor Joseph Finocchiaro

History

Wax has evolved over the decades Special wax for funeral use was developed in the

1920s


Current Characteristics

Adhere to tissue Be pliable at room temperature Take cosmetics Reflect light similar to skin


Types

Firm Wax Wound filler This wax is used to fill large cavities or model

features. Conducive to use this wax in a Warm Environment


Types

Medium Wax Derma Surgery Wax Used as a restorative wax A Warm Environment is conducive to using this for

surface restorations A Cold Environment is conducive to using this wax

for deep wound filling.


Types

Soft Wax Surface Restorer Soft, pliable used to fill shallow depressions Conducive to use this wax for surface restoration in

a cold environment.


Types

Lip Wax Soft wax, usually tinted. Used to correct lip

separations and surface mucous membranes.


Firm Wax

Recreate facial features Fill Large Cavities Model features


Firm Wax

Will hold its shape once molded Least Adhesive Basket Weave Suture used as a base for

reconstruction


Firm Wax

Used for cavity filling Fill to ¼ inch from surface


Medium Wax

Also known as Derma Surgery Wax Softer than firm wax and used as a substitute Adheres to tissue


Medium Wax

Holds it shape once molded Easily softened by manipulation in hand or hair

dryer


Medium Wax

When warmed, it can be smoothed to a very fine layer.

Suitable for shallow surface restoration.


Soft Wax

Applied in a very thin layer Suitable for minor abrasions, razor burns, suture

incisions, surface layer of deep wax restoration.


Soft Wax

Used as a lip wax Accepts cosmetics well


Soft Wax

Pores can be recreated without damage to wax Can also be used to seal punctures Manufactured in various skin colors


Lip Wax

Most adhesive of waxes Translucent, but usually tinted in warm hues Can be mixed with cosmetics


Lip Wax

Used to recreate surface contours on mucous membranes.

Used to correct lip separation due to dehydration Applying a small amount to ends of line of closure

can create illusion of a shortened line of closure.


Prerequisites to use

Dry, firm, well embalmed tissue. Restricted Cervical injection be used when head

trauma evident Head should be injected with astringent

(dehydrating) solution.


Prerequisites to use

Wait 8-10 hours after arterial injection for reconstruction.

For small areas and abrasions Use cavity fluid injections or a phenol solution. Use cavity or phenol packs. Apply adhesive or other sealer to prevent further

leakage Wax is then applied


Wax & Cosmetics

Three most common methods of application Cosmetics under wax Cosmetics mixed with wax Cosmetics over wax


Cosmetics under wax

Must be liquid or water based cream. Choice is made by intensity of discoloration.

Sprays or water based cream usually cover better than liquids


Cosmetics under wax

These cosmetics will dry sufficiently to allow wax to be applied over them. Oil based creams will not dry as sufficiently.


Cosmetics under wax

Once cosmetic dried, wax is applied over the undercoat.

It is worked from center to edges and feathered over the sound tissue


Cosmetics under wax

Use a wax solvent and a brush to smooth edges Recreate skin texture, markings, and color.


Cosmetics mixed with wax

Liquids or creams can be mixed with wax. A sufficient amount of wax is taken and mixed

It is near impossible to match if you do not make enough the 1st time


Cosmetics mixed with wax

Begin lighter and add cosmetic as you cannot take cosmetic away easily

Apply wax once matched Recreate skin texture/markings.


Cosmetics over wax

Apply wax Recreate skin texture/markings Lightly brush cosmetic over surface.


Altering Wax

Soften Manipulation in hand Adding cream cosmetic Adding Massage cream Adding White Petroleum Jelly (Will also increase

Adhesiveness) Placing under warm water Holding under hair dryer


Altering Wax

Firming Wax Place in refrigeration Mix with cornstarch Mix with Talcum or Pigment Powder


Firming Tissues

Hypodermic Injection or surface compress of: Cavity Fluid Arterial Fluid Phenol


Entertainment & Humor

Fse2120 -RESTORATIVE ARTS CH 7