How much hair will I save and will I need a wig?
While the decision to wear a wig is ultimately a personal one, only 5 of 700 Right Arm clients chose to wear wigs after treatment. Depending on the drug protocol, cold capping typically saves anywhere between 65% and 95% of hair in those clients who tolerate the chemo drugs well and follow the hair care guidelines carefully. Hair that is lost through shedding grows back quickly with cold cap usage! Although results are not guaranteed, 99% of Right Arm clients never see themselves bald.
Which type of hair does it work best on?
Any and all types of hair. Temperatures are adjusted for each individual based on hair thickness and texture to ensure optimal results.
How much does your service cost?
The cost of capping varies according to the number of chemo treatments. There are no cost overages for lengthy infusion schedules. We understand that the cost is important, and we strive to provide a high-quality service at a low cost to you. Please contact us to receive a quote. Reduced fees are available for those in need.
Is cold capping covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies are beginning to offer reimbursements. Check with your provider about alopecia prosthetics or scalp cooling therapy. Upon request, Right Arm will provide you with an invoice that can be submitted to your insurance carrier.
Do you use any capping machines?
No. We have achieved far greater results using Penguin Cold Cap’s manual cold caps. Our cappers bring each cap to the customized temperature, adjust it tightly to the head, and change them in quick intervals. Penguin has machines that it chooses not to use because they simply do not save as much hair as its manual cap system.
Do you travel to hospitals outside of the areas listed on your website?
Yes! With the exception of any state in which a certified Penguin Cold Cap representative resides, we will travel anywhere in the United States, including Puerto Rico. Travel expenses are additional.
How cold will it be? Is it painful?
Like the name implies, the caps themselves are cold! Individual pain thresholds are a factor in determining tolerance. For comfort, clients are encouraged to bring an electric or other blanket, warm socks, and wear layered clothing. Most clients typically claim the caps were far more tolerable than anticipated. The head often becomes numb after the third cap or so, and the first five minutes or so may be felt during each cap exchange thereafter.
How long will the caps be on my head?
The scalp will be pre-cooled for approximately 50 minutes prior to chemo, during the infusion, and between 3-5.5 hours after it, depending on the drug regimen. Morning appointments are advised although we will gladly accommodate your schedule.
How does it work?
The short answer is that blood vessels constrict when the scalp is cooled. This minimizes the amount of chemo that passes through the hair follicles. As it is not possible to prevent all chemo from passing through the follicles, some hair will be lost through shedding. Happily it will grow in quickly with cold cap usage.
Do you only cap women?
No! Right Arm has had the privilege of assisting both women and men on their cancer journeys.
Do cold caps work with all cancers?
Capping works in conjunction with chemotherapeutic drugs and most types of cancer. It is not considered appropriate with leukemia patients. We have capped clients with breast, ovarian, uterine, lung, bladder, colon, prostate, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other cancers. Medical approval and medical clearance may be required to proceed. Consult with your physician before using cold caps. Right Arm reserves the right to refuse services to anyone.
Why didn’t my oncologist recommend cold caps?
Although a popular therapy throughout Europe and other parts of the world, awareness in the USA has only just begun. Moreover, some oncologists remember the substandard results of 20 years ago. Right Arm Inc. has made timing and temperature modifications to ensure maximum hair retention.