What might indicate that an embalming procedure was not performed properly?

The presence of sunken eyes and poor tissue turgidity serves as a clear indicator that an embalming procedure may not have been performed properly. Sunken eyes often suggest a loss of moisture and the breakdown of tissues, which can occur if the embalming fluid does not adequately penetrate and preserve the integrity of the tissues. Poor tissue turgidity indicates that the cells may not have been adequately filled with fluid, resulting in a lack of firmness or pliability that one would expect from a properly embalmed body.

In contrast, minor skin discoloration could result from various factors unrelated to the efficacy of the embalming process itself. Normal fluid diffusion signifies a successful procedure, capturing the notion that the embalming fluid has been effectively distributed throughout the body. Lastly, the elimination of visible signs of decomposition is a desired outcome of embalming, indicating that the preservation process has worked effectively. These factors help to reinforce the importance of assessing the overall condition of the body following embalming to ensure that the procedure was successful.