ARTAS robotic hair transplant results typically become visible at 6 to 8 months, with final density reaching maturity at 12 to 18 months. Graft survival rates range from 90 to 95%, matching the best manual FUE outcomes. The growth timeline is identical to any FUE procedure because the robot improves extraction, not biology.
This guide walks through what to expect at each stage, how to evaluate your results, and how ARTAS outcomes compare to manual FUE.
The ARTAS Growth Timeline
Hair transplant growth follows the same biological pattern regardless of whether extraction is robotic or manual. Your transplanted follicles go through a reset cycle before producing permanent new growth.
Weeks 1-2: Immediate Post-Procedure
During the first two weeks, transplanted grafts are settling into their new recipient sites. You will see small crusts at each implantation point, and the donor area will have tiny dot scars that begin healing quickly. The transplanted hair shafts are still visible at this stage.
Key points for this phase:
- Redness and mild swelling are normal, particularly around the hairline
- Follow your surgeon's washing protocol carefully to avoid dislodging grafts
- Avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing the recipient area
- Sleep with your head elevated at 45 degrees for the first 5 to 7 nights
Weeks 2-4: The Shedding Phase
This is the most psychologically difficult phase. Nearly all transplanted hair shafts fall out between weeks 2 and 4. This shedding is completely normal and does not indicate graft failure. The follicle itself remains alive beneath the skin and will enter a resting phase before producing new growth.
Approximately 90-95% of patients experience this shedding. The remaining 5-10% see continuous growth without shedding, which is less common but equally normal.
Months 2-4: The Dormant Phase
Very little visible change occurs during this period. The transplanted area may look similar to how it did before surgery. Many patients feel anxious during this phase, but patience is essential. Follicles are forming new hair bulbs beneath the surface.
Some patients notice thin, wispy hairs beginning to emerge around month 3. These early hairs are typically finer than their mature counterparts.
Months 4-8: Early Growth
New hair growth accelerates during this window. By month 6, most patients see meaningful improvement in coverage. The hairs are still maturing, so they may appear thinner than surrounding native hair.
Typical growth benchmarks:
- Month 4: 20-30% of transplanted hairs visible
- Month 6: 40-60% of transplanted hairs visible
- Month 8: 60-80% of transplanted hairs visible
Months 8-12: Maturation
Hair continues to thicken and darken. Texture becomes more consistent with your native hair. By month 10, most patients report being satisfied with their coverage, even though growth is still ongoing.
Months 12-18: Final Results
Full maturity is reached between 12 and 18 months. Hair caliber stabilizes, final density is established, and styling becomes easier as transplanted hair blends with native growth. Some patients, particularly those with curly or coarse hair, continue to see minor improvements up to 24 months.
Density Expectations with ARTAS
ARTAS can deliver 25 to 40 follicular units per square centimeter (FU/cm2) in the transplanted zone. Natural density ranges from 60 to 100 FU/cm2, so transplanted areas reach approximately 40-60% of original density.
| Zone | Target Density (FU/cm2) | Visual Result |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline (first row) | 30-35 | Natural, irregular edge |
| Frontal zone | 35-40 | Strong visual coverage |
| Mid-scalp | 25-35 | Adequate fullness |
| Crown | 25-30 | Swirl pattern restoration |
This density is sufficient for visual fullness because hair provides nonlinear coverage. The first 20 FU/cm2 produces the most dramatic visual change. Going from 40 to 60 FU/cm2 adds only subtle improvement.
Factors That Influence Your Final Density
Several patient-specific factors determine how full your results will look:
- Hair caliber: Thicker hair shafts cover more surface area per follicle
- Hair color vs skin contrast: Low contrast (blond hair on light skin, dark hair on dark skin) creates better visual coverage
- Hair texture: Curly and wavy hair provides more coverage per graft than straight hair
- Follicular unit groupings: Donor areas with more 3-4 hair groupings produce fuller results
ARTAS Results vs Manual FUE Results
Both methods produce comparable final density when performed by qualified surgeons. The differences are primarily in the extraction process, not the end result.
| Metric | ARTAS Results | Manual FUE Results |
|---|---|---|
| Graft survival rate | 90-95% | 85-95% |
| Transection rate | 3-7% | 5-15% |
| Maximum grafts per session | 1,500-3,000 | 2,000-5,000 |
| Growth timeline | 12-18 months | 12-18 months |
| Final density achievable | 25-40 FU/cm2 | 25-40 FU/cm2 |
ARTAS performs best for sessions involving 1,500 to 2,500 grafts, where its consistency advantage is most relevant. For larger sessions exceeding 3,000 grafts, manual FUE offers more flexibility because experienced surgeons can adapt their extraction pattern in real time.
For a full breakdown of how recovery impacts your results, see the ARTAS recovery guide.
How to Maximize Your ARTAS Results
Getting the best outcome from an ARTAS procedure starts before surgery and continues for months afterward.
Pre-Procedure Optimization
- Start finasteride (1mg daily) 3 to 6 months before surgery to stabilize existing hair
- Begin minoxidil (5% twice daily) to strengthen native hair and improve scalp blood flow
- Quit smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery, as nicotine restricts blood flow to follicles
- Maintain a balanced diet with adequate protein, iron, and zinc
Post-Procedure Care
- Follow your clinic's washing instructions precisely for the first 14 days
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 to 3 weeks
- Protect your scalp from direct sun exposure for 3 months
- Resume finasteride and minoxidil once cleared by your surgeon (typically 2 to 4 weeks post-procedure)
- Attend all follow-up appointments at months 3, 6, and 12
When Results Fall Short
If you are not seeing expected growth by month 8, schedule a follow-up with your surgeon. Possible causes include poor graft handling, infection during healing, or medication noncompliance. In some cases, a touch-up session of 500 to 1,000 additional grafts addresses thin spots.
For a complete breakdown of procedure costs and financing, see the ARTAS cost breakdown.
Get Your Personalized Growth Assessment
Want to know how many grafts you need and what kind of density ARTAS can deliver for your specific hair loss pattern? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai for an AI-powered analysis of your Norwood stage and estimated graft requirements.
FAQ
How long does it take to see ARTAS hair transplant results?
ARTAS results follow a predictable timeline. Transplanted hair sheds in weeks 2-4, new growth begins around month 3-4, visible density improves by month 6-8, and final results are visible at 12-18 months. The robotic system does not speed up healing or growth compared to manual FUE.
What is the graft survival rate for ARTAS?
ARTAS achieves 90-95% graft survival, comparable to skilled manual FUE. The robotic system's advantage is consistency across long sessions. Transection rates with ARTAS average 3-7%, compared to 5-15% for manual FUE where surgeon fatigue can affect quality.
Does ARTAS produce better results than manual FUE?
ARTAS and manual FUE produce comparable final results when performed by experienced practitioners. ARTAS offers more consistent extraction quality over long sessions, but manual FUE allows greater flexibility in graft placement, body hair extraction, and higher graft counts per session (up to 5,000 vs 3,000 for ARTAS).