It's a warm, caring, comfortable place where clients feel safe while privately working with the professional and certified consultants. It's also a great place to browse while waiting for someone in an appointment.

What does the Appearance Center do?
Society places great value on appearance and when our appearance is altered significantly by treatments we can become self-conscious. The Appearance Center helps clients in a private setting with products and services specifically designed for the visual "side effects" of treatment.

Who operates the Appearance Center?
In searching for the best services to offer all patients, Clarks Orthopedic & Medical was asked to operate and provide the services of the Appearance Center.

When's the best time to schedule an appointment?
As soon as possible. It's best to pre-select the items before they are needed. When the need arises, a return to the Appearance Center for a final consultation will assure proper fit and function.

How much time should be allowed for a visit?
For most consultations, allow about an hour for each appointment. Clients are encouraged relax, have a beverage and enjoy themselves. Can a guest be brought to a consultation? Appearance Center clients may bring along a family member and/or trusted friend for input and advice. What are the Appearance Center hours?

Because of the location within Clinic Cancer Care, the Appearance Center is accessed through the appointment desk or a Clinic Cancer Care staff member. Its hours are:
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 2 pm.
Friday: 9 a.m. - Noon

The Appearance Center is usually open beyond these hours and specific times are available on request. For convenience, clients can stop by the Appearance Center while at the Clinic Cancer Care or the Specialty Center for an appointment or are welcome to stop by any time that is convenient.

Breast Cancer Related Services

There is a variety of prosthesis for every treatment choice. With a range of sizes, styles, shapes, weights and manufacturers the certified consultants can answer questions and provide valuable information which can put many women at ease with their choice of treatment.

The Appearance Center offers a variety of feminine, fashionable and affordable products for clients. The consultants have searched for these special items and will continue to look for new, beautiful and innovative items.

• Immediate Post-Surgical Camisole - A comfortable, loose camisole with pocket for an initial soft form. Pre-fit before surgery so it's ready to wear home. This is covered by Medicare and other insurance carriers.
• Fashionable Bras - Mastectomy bras in a variety of sizes, colors and styles are just as fashionable and feminine as department store bras. These are covered by Medicare and other insurance carriers.
• Pocketed Lingerie, Swimwear & Clothing - Fashionable, elegant, affordable clothing normally not worn with a bra specially designed with a pocket to hold most types of forms. Attractive swimwear which securely holds a form even with the most active swimming.
• Lymphedema Sleeves - For edema caused by lymph node removal, custom sleeves are available to work in conjunction with or supplement other therapies. This is covered by Medicare and other insurance carriers.
• Insurance Billing - Courtesy insurance billing for reimbursement to the benefits subscriber.

Hair Loss Related Products and Services

The Hair Loss Consultations include assistance with style selections, color matching, fittings, styling tips and care. In addition, the Appearance Center is happy to wash, dry and style a wig while a client is at a Clinic Cancer Care appointment. Just call the Appearance Center Scheduler at Clark's to schedule this free service ­ 452-8428 or 800-325-6347.

The Appearance Center strives to stock a large variety of hair loss items that are stylish yet affordable. While there may be wigs which are free or inexpensive (under $50) they are often very uncomfortable, poorly fitting and can look "wiggy" due to the low-quality materials used. By utilizing the Hair Loss Related Services of the Appearance Center, clients are assured of receiving products and services which best meet their needs ­economic, appearance and comfort related. To that end, the consultants are happy to search and order special or unusual items.

• Wigs - Over 30 styles, cuts, colors, lengths, and sizes to try on as well as a variety of catalogs to order from. The Appearance Center works with Debbie of Falls Barber for men's wigs due to the level of expertise needed for men's wigs to look natural.
• Head Coverings - hats, turbans, and scarves in a variety of sizes, styles and colors specifically designed for alopecia as most department store head coverings do not offer sufficient coverage.
• Henna Head Tattoo Pattern Kits - Temporary and safe option for those who are looking for something unusual.
• Accessories & Tools - Wig care products and styling tools.
• Eyebrows & Eyelashes - Tips, kits and resources for replacing eyebrows and eyelashes.
• Insurance Billing - Courtesy insurance billing for reimbursement to the benefits subscriber for a "Cranial Prosthesis" (wig). Medicare and Medicaid do not cover wigs and they are a policy by policy covered item for all other insurances.

Helpful and Healing Items

• Journals - Great for writing thoughts, notes, observations, feelings, etc. A recommended tool for dealing with the cancer treatment process.
• Books - Cancer related books with humor, stories, inspiration, information and courage.
• Cards - Small thoughts and observations you can share or keep handy for inspiration.
• Awareness Jewelry - Although there has been great strides in treatments and cures, help make everyone aware that cancer is still here. And it's a pretty new accessory that can brighten spirits as well as bring comfort, hope and courage to anyone.
• Coping & Healing Items - Thoughtful and touching items to inspire, build courage and/or share.
• Home Medical Equipment - Sometimes illness and/or treatment can leave one weak, unstable or in need of assistance. Many of these items are covered by Medicare and insurance.
• Mobility: canes, walkers, wheeled seat walkers, wheelchairs, scooters
• Daily Living Aids: reachers, sock aids, dressing sticks, eating utensils
• Soft Supports: cushions, bed pillows, heel & elbow cushions, wedges, mattress overlays
• Safety: bathroom & bedroom equipment, stairs
• In-Home Care: blood pressure monitors, hospital beds, commodes, Hoyer lifts, seat lift chairs, over bed tables, incontinence supplies
• Therapeutic: hot paraffin, large exercise balls, elastic exercise bands, in-place peddlers, moist heat electric pads, hot/cold compresses
• Prosthetics: upper and lower extremities

Skin Care Products and Services

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy make it possible to fight and survive cancer but they can adversely affect the skin. While undergoing cancer treatment, skin can become extremely irritated, sensitive and dry. It is important to care for the skin with products that do not contain common but harmful ingredients found in many drug-store brand items which can exacerbate symptoms or further damage the skin.

• Non-metallic Deodorant - the active ingredient in common deodorant/antiperspirants can interfere with treatment and/or cause irritation.
• Skin Care Products - for soothing and healing irritated, dry, sore skin. Lotions, body butters (extra rich), lip balm, bath bars, oils and salts.
• Application Techniques - learn quick application techniques to highlight features as well as conceal ashen or discolored skin and dark circles under the eyes. Great information for those who have never worn make-up to those who can't go without it.
• Books, Resources, Information - learn what ingredients to avoid during treatment, which drug store products are non-irritating, where to find specialty items and other helpful information to ease the effects of treatment.

"Makeup is an accessible, inexpensive way to make significant changes in your appearance. It can lessen the effects of treatments on your skin, features, and hair and restore you as closely as possible to the way you looked before cancer."

"After I taught Debbie how to use makeup ..., she looked like herself again on the outside. But there was something more. She also felt like herself again on the inside, with more confidence and energy."

- Lori Ovitz from Facing the Mirror with Cancer.

Why We're Here

We're here to serve... not sell.
We're here to enrich... not detract.
We're here to compliment... not flatter.
We're here to reassure... not disregard.
We're here to accept... not stifle.
We're here to understand... not deny.
We're here to embrace... not withhold.
We're here to care... not process.

We're here to be with you.
The Appearance Center Consultants

How can we serve you?