A Special Place Wigs and Second to Nature Post-Mastectomy

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It is possible to custom make a wig from your own hair, or that of a friend or relative - 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. Also, the hair needs to be cut and collected in a specific manner to be suitable for use in the wig. It is important to schedule a consultation before you cut off your hair to determine whether a custom wig is the right solution for you.

We offer other options for using your own hair - such as making bangs or ponytails to use in your hats, or donating to Locks of Love to make wigs for children.

No. Our wigs work well for women experience hair loss for any reason, including alopecia, trichotillimania, genetic (female pattern baldness), thyroid disorders, immune system disorders (such as Lupus), medication side effects, and scalp damage, scarring, burns, etc. We have also served a number of clients who needed wigs because styling their own hair was difficult due to arthritis, fibromyalgia, shoulder surgery or aging. We also carry a selection of wigs for fashion, if you are just looking for a change in hair style or convenient, easy to care for hair. We do not carry costume wigs at this time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I Have Not Had Breast Surgery, But My Breasts Developed Unevenly. Do You Have Something That Will Work For Me? TOP

Our partial prostheses work well for women with a breast imbalance. Some, but not all, insurance companies will even cover the cost of a prosthesis for uneven breast development.

We have many products for women undergoing breast reconstruction - including camisoles to wear at the hospital after surgery to provide comfortable support and hold your drainage tube. If your reconstruction is not performed at the same time as your mastectomy, you can use bras and prostheses in the interim. Also, some women find that their natural breast and reconstructed breast differ in size and shape, and we offer partial prostheses to restore symmetry. Federal law requires that insurance pay for these items if needed, even after reconstruction.

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.