Finding the best ARTAS clinic requires evaluating surgeon experience, case volume, and transparency rather than simply finding the nearest clinic with a robot. Fewer than 100 clinics in the US actively operate ARTAS systems, and quality varies significantly between them. The surgeon's skill with graft placement matters more than robotic extraction, so prioritize human expertise over equipment.
ARTAS Certification and What It Means
ARTAS clinics must meet specific requirements to operate the system. Venus Concept (the company behind ARTAS) provides training and certification, but the depth of that certification varies.
Minimum Certification Requirements
- The operating physician must complete a manufacturer-led training program
- At least one clinic staff member must be trained as an ARTAS technician
- The clinic must have the physical space and infrastructure for the robotic system
- Ongoing software updates and maintenance contracts must be active
What Certification Does Not Guarantee
Certification confirms that a surgeon has been trained on the equipment. It does not guarantee a specific level of surgical skill, artistic judgment in hairline design, or proficiency in graft placement. Two ARTAS-certified clinics can produce vastly different results based on the surgeon's overall hair restoration experience.
This distinction is critical. The robot handles extraction, but the surgeon and technician team handle site creation and graft placement, which are the primary determinants of your aesthetic outcome.
How to Evaluate an ARTAS Clinic
Case Volume
Ask how many ARTAS procedures the clinic performs monthly and how many the specific surgeon has completed in total. Benchmarks to look for:
- Minimum acceptable: 100+ ARTAS cases completed
- Experienced: 200-500 ARTAS cases
- Expert level: 500+ ARTAS cases
Clinics with low ARTAS volume may still be excellent hair transplant practices that use the robot occasionally. But if you are paying the ARTAS premium, you want a team that uses the system regularly enough to optimize its settings for different hair types and case complexities.
Before-and-After Photos
Examine the clinic's before-and-after gallery carefully. Look for:
- Consistent lighting and angles: Reliable clinics use standardized photography setups. Be cautious of photos taken in different lighting that could exaggerate results.
- Photos specifically from ARTAS procedures: Some clinics mix manual FUE and ARTAS results in their portfolio. Ask which photos represent robotic cases.
- Cases similar to yours: Look for patients with your Norwood stage, hair type, and ethnicity. Results vary significantly by these factors.
- 12-month or later photos: Results at 6 months are incomplete. Insist on seeing cases at 12 to 18 months post-procedure.
Surgeon Credentials
The operating surgeon should have:
- Board certification in dermatology, plastic surgery, or a related surgical specialty
- Membership in ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) or ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery)
- At least 5 years of experience performing hair transplants (not just ARTAS, but hair restoration in general)
- Willingness to discuss their personal transection rates and complication history
For a broader perspective on evaluating surgeons, see our guide to choosing a hair transplant surgeon.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all ARTAS clinics maintain the same standards. Watch for these warning signs during your research and consultation process.
Marketing Red Flags
- "100% robot-performed procedure": ARTAS only handles extraction. If a clinic implies the robot does everything, they are misrepresenting the technology.
- Guarantees of specific results: No hair transplant method can guarantee a specific density or growth percentage. Clinics making guarantees are overpromising.
- No surgeon photos or bios: Reputable clinics feature their surgeons prominently. Anonymous clinics may rely heavily on technicians.
- Only showing best-case results: Every clinic has a range of outcomes. If every photo looks perfect, they are cherry-picking.
Consultation Red Flags
- High-pressure sales tactics: A legitimate clinic lets you take time to decide. Walk away from clinics that pressure you to book immediately or offer "today only" pricing.
- Surgeon unavailable for consultation: You should meet and speak directly with the surgeon who will perform your procedure, not just a patient coordinator.
- Reluctance to discuss risks: Any surgeon who dismisses ARTAS limitations (hair type restrictions, graft count ceiling) is not being transparent.
- Pushing unnecessary graft counts: Some clinics inflate graft recommendations to increase revenue. Get a second opinion if the recommended count seems high for your Norwood stage.
Geographic Availability in the US
ARTAS clinics are concentrated in major metropolitan areas. If you live outside a major city, you will likely need to travel for the procedure.
States with Multiple ARTAS Clinics
- California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego)
- New York (New York City, Long Island)
- Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa)
- Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin)
- Illinois (Chicago)
- New Jersey
Limited or No Availability
Most states with populations under 3 million have few or no ARTAS clinics. If no ARTAS clinic is within reasonable travel distance, consider whether manual FUE from a highly experienced local surgeon might produce equivalent results without the travel burden.
The Consultation Process
Once you have narrowed your list to 2 to 3 clinics, schedule in-person or virtual consultations with each. Use this time to evaluate not just the clinic, but the rapport and communication style of the surgeon.
What a Good Consultation Includes
- Physical examination of your scalp (donor density, hair caliber, scalp laxity)
- Honest assessment of whether ARTAS is appropriate for your hair type
- Discussion of realistic expectations and potential limitations
- Personalized graft count estimate based on examination
- Detailed cost breakdown with all fees disclosed
- Opportunity to ask questions directly to the surgeon
- No pressure to book immediately
Comparing Clinic Quotes
When comparing quotes from multiple clinics, ensure you are comparing the same thing:
- Per-graft price should specify follicular units, not individual hairs
- Confirm what is included (PRP, medications, follow-up visits)
- Ask about touch-up policies and whether minor corrections are included
- Verify that the quoted surgeon is the one who will actually perform the procedure
For a full overview of the ARTAS system, see the ARTAS overview guide.
Start Your Clinic Search
Not sure whether ARTAS is the right fit for your hair loss pattern? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai for an AI-powered assessment of your Norwood stage and personalized recommendations on extraction methods and next steps.
FAQ
How many ARTAS clinics are there in the US?
There are approximately 50-100 clinics in the US that actively operate ARTAS systems. Availability is concentrated in major metro areas like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, and Dallas. Rural and smaller cities typically do not have ARTAS-equipped clinics, which may require travel for the procedure.
What should I look for in an ARTAS surgeon?
Look for a board-certified surgeon (dermatology or plastic surgery) who has performed at least 200 ARTAS procedures, can show verified before-and-after photos from their own patients, has a low transection rate (under 7%), and is transparent about the robot's limitations. The surgeon should personally oversee the entire procedure, not delegate to technicians.
Should I choose a clinic based solely on ARTAS availability?
No. ARTAS is a tool, not a guarantee of results. A highly experienced manual FUE surgeon will typically outperform an inexperienced ARTAS operator. Prioritize surgeon skill and case volume over the presence of robotic equipment. If a manual FUE surgeon near you has 15+ years of experience and excellent results, they may be a better choice than a newer clinic with ARTAS.