| Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Won't a Wig Be Hot, Itchy and Comfortable? We specialize in hand-tied cranial prostheses, which are specially designed for women with hair loss. The soft, mesh base is not itchy, an they are lighterweight and cooler than traditional wigs. Back to Top Q: Will Everyone Be Able to Tell I'm Wearing a Wig? A Special Place offers the highest quality human hair and synthetic wigs, which look and move just like your own natural hair. Hand-tied, monofilament tops create the appearance of hair growing naturally from your own scalp. Our wig stylists can cut and style the wig to recreate your personal style...so no one has to know you are wearing a wig but you! Back to Top Q: Which Is Better - Human Hair or Synthetic? Actually, neither is "better" - both have benefits, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Human hair has the most natural texture and movement, it can be styled just like your own hair with heated styling tools, and it lasts longer...especially in the longer styles. Human hair is ideal for women with long hair, those experiencing long term hair loss, and those who enjoy having versatility of styling options. Synthetic hair has the style "baked in", so they require minimum styling and care. They are lighterweight and less expensive than human hair wigs. Synthetic hair is ideal for women with shorter hair, those experiencing short-term hair loss, and those who want a stylish look with little effort. If you are unsure which is best for you, your consultant can help you weigh your personal needs and expectations and help you make the best choice for you. Back to Top Q: How Much Does a Wig Cost? Wigs come in a wide range of qualities and prices, ranging from $20 for a costume wig to over $5000 for a custom made European Hair Wig. We specialize in high quality wigs, starting at $99 for a synthetic, machine made wig. Our synthetic, hand-tied wigs run between $250-$700, and our human hair wigs start at $600. Back to Top Q: How Many Wigs Will I Need? With proper care, a synthetic wig will last from 6 months - 1 year, when worn every day. Most chemotherapy patients will need a wig for 9-18 months, so it is usually not necessary to have more than one wig. However, most patients prefer to have 2 wigs for several reasons. First, you have one to wash and one to wear. Also, interchanging wearing the wigs greatly extends the lifespan, and keeps them looking like new. Also, you will have a back-up if something were to happen to one of your wigs. Lastly, many enjoy having 2 choices - possibly a straight style and a wavy style, or one wig for everyday, and one for special occasions. Back to Top Q: Will Insurance Cover My Wig? Many private insurance companies do cover some or all of the cost of a wig if prescribed by your doctor. Currently, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover wigs. Coverage is determined by the terms laid out in your individual policy. Call ahead with your insurance information, or bring your cards to your fitting, and our insurance specialist will call and check your benefits for you. Most insurance companies require that you purchase through a participating provider to receive your full benefit. We are participating with most insurance companies. Back to Top Q: Do I Need and Appointment for a Wig Fitting? We are open for walk-ins from 10-5 Monday-Friday. We highly recommend appointments, to avoid an unnecessary wait. We have over 800 wigs in stock, with about 100 on display. You are welcome to come browse our large selection of hats and scarves, and see our display samples, but an appointment is the best way to experience all we have to offer. Of course, there is never any cost or obligation for a consultation. Back to Top Q: Why Don't You Sell Wigs on Your Website? Wigs are a highly personal item. It is impossible to judge the quality, color, or fit of a wig from a picture on the internet or a catalog. Also, wigs rarely look their best "out of the box", and need to be cut and styled by a professional. Our free, one-on-one consultations allow you to try on and examine the wigs before you buy them, insuring you get the best product for you. Back to Top Q: Can I Have a Wig Made From My Own Hair? It is possible to custom make a wig from your own hair, but this is not always a practical solution. Because of the labor involved in creating a wig from scratch, it is generally quite expensive, and takes 4-8 weeks to complete. Back to Top Q: Are Your Wigs Only For Cancer Patients? No. Our wigs work well for women experience hair loss for any reason. We also carry a selection of wigs for fun and fashion. Back to Top Q: Why Is It Important to Have a Properly Fitted Breast Prosthesis? Breast prostheses are designed to replace missing breast tissue following a mastectomy, partial mastectomy, or lumpectomy. Today's state-of-the-art breast prostheses recreate the natural appearance, feel and weight of the female breast. A properly fitted breast form will restore a feminine silhouette - and the resulting self-confidence can improve your quality of life. It is very important to be fitted with the correct size, shape and weight breast form and the right size bra to restore your body's natural balance, thus preventing the development of spinal curvature, neck pain, back pain and shoulder drop. Be sure that you are fitted by a board certified mastectomy fitter in an accredited facility to ensure that you are receiving the highest qualtiy products and care. Back to Top Q: What Kinds of Breast Forms Are Available? There are several types of breast forms on the market today: The most popular type is the silicone breast prosthesis, because silicone most accurately replicates the natural texture and movement of the breast. Silicone prostheses are available in full weight, lightweight, and extra lightweight, as well as in a variety of shapes and sizes. Foam forms are another popular choice, because they are soft and available in lightweight and featherweight. They are an excellent choice for sleep or relaxation. One of the newest innovations is the beaded form. The unique constructions contours to the chest wall nicely, and allows air flow for a cooler, more comfortable fit. These are also available in lightweight and featherweight. Othe options are also available, including swim forms, and custom breast forms. Back to Top Q: I'm having breast surgery. When should I be fitted? We recommend that you come in before your surgery and be fitted with a post-surgical camisole. This soft, comfortable undergarment can be worn in the hospital immediately after surgery and offers pockets to hold a cotton shaper pad and your drainage tubes. Your camisole can be worn until your surgeon approves you to be fitted with a mastectomy bra and prosthesis - usually 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. Back to Top Q: Can You Swim in a Breast Prosthesis?You can wear a silicone breast prosthesis in the water. Specially designed swim forms are available to hold up chlorine or salt water and preserve your everyday prosthesis. Swim forms are usually covered by insurance. Post-surgical swimsuits with pockets to hold your breast form will keep it securely in place while swimming. Q: What can be done for natural breast unevenness or breast imbalance after a lumpectomy? We carry a full line of partial prostheses that can restore a naturally balanced silhouette. Many of these products are self-adhering and do not require a special bra. Back to Top Q: I am opting for breast reconstruction. Do I still need a prosthesis? Some women find that they experience unevenness between their natural breast and the reconstructed breast. A partial prosthesis can restore evenness. Your insurance may pay for a partial prosthesis, even if you've had reconstruction or a lumpectomy. Back to Top Q: How Much Do Bras and Prostheses Cost? Second to Nature carries a large selection of medical grade breast prostheses and mastectomy bras. Retail prices start at $225 for a silicone prosthesis and $35 for a bra. Back to Top
Q: Will my insurance pay for my after surgery needs? Medicare and most private insurance companies will pay for your bras, camisoles, and prostheses after breast surgery. Second to Nature is a participating provider with Medicare, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and other insurers. We will even check your benefits and file your claim for you. And, since we accept assignment on most products, you may pay little or nothing out of pocket. Back to Top
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