The cranial prosthesis is an artificial wig used for patients with medical conditions or treatments such as alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, trichotillomania, cancer, chemotherapy, or any other medical ailment which leads to hair loss.
The medical community uses the term Cranial Prosthesis (or hair prosthesis) to describe a wig or cranial implant. Other standard words to describe a medical wig include cranial hair prosthesis, hair prosthesis, and full cranial prosthesis.
Doctors have been prescribing cranial prostheses since the 1950s. Back then, implants were made of titanium and were less likely to fail during traumatic loading than other alloplastic materials.
This prosthesis has become advanced in this era of modern technology. America, Australia, and the UK are among those countries that have governmental support for wigs.
Types of Cranial Prosthesis
There are many types of applications for medical-grade wigs. In addition, the manufacturing technology for cranial prostheses continues to evolve to ensure comfort and style.The three main types of cranial prostheses available are:
Silk Top Medical Wig
This medical wig is manufactured with silk and lace fabric and is suitable for those who have lost their hair due to any medical ailment, and now they want a hair unit that gives an original look.
These medical wigs have small holes to increase the ventilation in the hair unit, which stops the itching due to sweating on the scalp.
Monofilament Medical Wig
This type of cranial prosthesis is ideal for those with a sensitive scalp. These wigs have a specific material in the middle of the wig and an ultra-thin fabric supporting ventilation.
This type of medical wig provides an ultra-realistic look to the wearer.
Customized Medical Wig
They are made according to the specific specifications provided by the client. The key to a customized medical wig is head measurements, natural hair texture, density, and color.
The key is to have the correct specifications for the details, which a cranial prosthesis specialist provides.
Benefits of Wearing Cranial Prosthesis
Medical wigs are designed to provide both comfort and style. The innovative construction of the medical wigs help those suffering from hair loss with minimal inconvenience.
Soft and Comfortable
Cranial Prostheses (medical wigs) are crafted with high-quality soft fabric or silicone bases. The silk lace or transparent monofilament fabric is used to provide maximum comfort.
The primary purpose of using this material is to allow the oxygen to pass through the hair system, reach the scalp, and prevent irritation.
Natural Look
Patients who have already suffered from any traumatic ailment don’t want to face the opinions and questions of people around them.
Therefore, the cranial prosthesis is designed to perfection to provide a natural look to the users so they can avoid judgmental opinions.
Boost in Self-Esteem
After suffering from a particular disease and losing hair, people usually lose their self-confidence.
There are over a dozen causes of hair loss including Lupus, Trichotillomania, and many more!
However, by using a cranial prosthesis, the sufferers can hide their weaknesses from people and regain their self-confidence.
Perfect Fixation
A silicone anti-slip strap is attached to the sides of the cranial prosthesis. The strap secures the wig to the head of the wearer, and they can easily brush the hair in any direction without fearing excessive shedding.
Just remember, all hair sheds on human heads and wigs.
No use of Adhesives
Adhesives are not used in fixing the cranial prosthesis because a silicone base and adjustable straps are used in the cranial prosthesis.
In addition, there are various reports of scalp damage caused by adhesives when used improperly.
Easy to Maintain
The cranial prosthesis is only a one-time investment, and no special shampoos or cleansing agents are required for medical wigs.
However, protecting it from heat (like sun or heating tools) will increase the life span of the cranial prosthesis as it’s constructed with 100% human hair.
Tailored Stitching
The circumference of cranial prostheses is designed according to head size and shape.
So, tailored hand-sewn stitching is done to make customized wigs according to an individual’s need which, ultimately, increases the comfort level of the wearer.
Made with Human Hair
The hairs used on the fabric are actual human hairs instead of fibers. This is the reason that these medical wigs provide a natural appearance to the wearer.
What is a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist?
For designing the cranial prosthesis, specialized training and certification are required. Crafting medical wigs requires immense expertise to provide patients with a comfortable wig-wearing journey.
Wig Medical offers a Cranial Prosthesis Certification Course to help you get started selling medical grade wigs.
Those in pain due to radiation therapy or hormonal disturbances cannot possibly endure further discomfort or itchiness; therefore, a lightweight and perfectly tailored medical wig is necessary.
Cranial Prosthesis Vs Traditional Wig
Cranial prostheses (medical wigs) are the best choice for people who suffer hair loss due to a medical disease or treatment. On the other hand, fashion wigs are used for aesthetic purposes or to cover hair thinning.The differences between the cranial prosthesis and other wigs are as follows:
Material Difference
As different varieties of fashion wigs are available (low to high quality), they are made of silk or lace. However, the base of cranial prostheses comprises only premium soft fabrics to provide comfort and a realistic look.Manufacturing difference
Fashion wigs have a variety of manufacturing styles like toupees, full lace wigs, lace front wigs, and closure wigs.
However, in the case of a cranial prosthesis, there is only a single particular structure that covers the entire scalp.
Synthetic vs. Real Human Hair
Both synthetic and 100% human hair is typical in the construction of fashion wigs.
However, medical wigs are generally only constructed using human hair. Most commonly, virgin hair or raw hair, which is of a higher quality.
Base Cap Type
Various bases are used for fashion wigs, including cotton or fabrics, clip-in hair extensions, or full lace caps. In the case of hair prosthesis, there’s a specific base with silicone in the center and silk fabric around it.Cost Difference
Fashion wigs vary in price range depending upon the material used. At the same time, cranial prostheses cost higher due to their premium quality and gold standard material.Selection of Cranial Prosthesis
Purchasing a perfect cranial prosthesis needs some essential things to be followed, which include:Providing Exact Measurements
The cranial prostheses do not have adhesives, which are installed with the help of an anti-slip silicone cap on the head. Therefore, proper head measurements should be provided to avoid discomfort afterward.Importance of Face Shape
Face shapes are essential when placing an order for a hair prosthesis. Order the wig that best suits the face's shape and gives a better hair look.Choosing a Hair Color
Medical illnesses and treatments change the color of hair. So, choosing a hair color that doesn’t produce a dull face complexion is essential.Where to Buy a Cranial Prosthesis?
You can buy cranial prostheses online and seldom locally, as beauty stores or hair retailers often do not stock medical wigs.
Remember to purchase from a trusted cranial prosthesis retailer, as the quality of these wigs is crucial.
Wig Medical can help supply you with a medical wig based on your hair challenge and check to see if your insurance company will cover the cost.
How to Take Care of the Cranial Prosthesis?
The cranial prostheses need special care to increase their life span. However, there are some essential things to keep in mind while using a cranial prosthesis to increase its durability and life of a cranial prosthesis.- Avoid Excessive washing of medical wigs.
- Avoid getting your wig in touch with any heating tools for hair styling. If necessary, use lower heat below 400 degrees.
- Do not apply hair creams or hair masks on the wigs.
- Protect the medical wigs from environmental damage.
Taking care of medical grade wigs is something we recommend a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist understand and consult with their clients.
Cranial Prosthesis Market Growth
The Union for International Cancer Control Organization (UICC) data indicates that cancer cases will increase to 19.3 million in 2020. Cancer patients need a cranial prosthesis to get alopecia after chemotherapy.
The increased incidence of cancer has ultimately raised the market for cranial prostheses. Furthermore, the increasing air pollution around the globe leading to hair loss is also one of the most significant factors in increasing the demand for cranial prostheses.
Health Insurance for Cranial Prosthesis
Although many insurance companies cover the cost of medical wigs, choosing your health insurance plan is essential. Before investing, call the insurance agent and ask all the queries related to the cranial prosthesis purchase.
If you have subscribed for a policy that covers the cost of the cranial prosthesis, ask the agent to provide you with a list of necessary documents to proceed further.
Wig Medical can also help by checking with your insurance company to see if you have cranial prosthesis coverage.
Finally, keep all the essential records related to the medical wig for future reference.
Insurance Companies covering Cranial Prosthesis
The following insurance companies may cover the costs for cranial prostheses though it all depends on your specific plan.
- John Hancock Insurance Company
- Metropolitan Life (80%)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (80 to 100%)
- Metropolitan Educator of New York (80 to 100%)
- Prudential Life Insurance (80 to 100%)
Insurance coverage for Cranial Prosthesis may change depending on the insurance carrier and plan.
There is also medical wig legislation that is in the works for Medicare and Medicaid to help cover the cost of Cranial Prostheses.