The ARTAS robotic hair transplant is an FDA-cleared FUE procedure that uses image-guided robotics to harvest and place individual hair follicles with high precision. Patients who research their procedure thoroughly report 60% fewer post-operative surprises, making a clear understanding of each step essential before booking a consultation.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before pursuing any treatment.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment
Every ARTAS procedure begins with a thorough consultation. The surgeon evaluates your hair loss pattern, donor area density, hair color, texture, and scalp laxity. These factors determine whether the ARTAS system can deliver optimal results for your specific case.
During this consultation, your Norwood stage is identified. This classification directly impacts how many grafts you need:
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | Typical ARTAS Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 | 800 to 1,500 | Excellent |
| Stage 3 | 1,500 to 2,200 | Excellent |
| Stage 3 Vertex | 2,000 to 2,800 | Good |
| Stage 4 | 2,500 to 3,500 | Good |
| Stage 5 | 3,000 to 4,500 | May require multiple sessions |
You can get a preliminary Norwood assessment before your consultation using myhairline.ai's free AI analysis. Knowing your stage in advance helps you ask better questions and set realistic expectations.
Step 2: Pre-Procedure Preparation
On the day of your procedure, preparation follows a standard sequence:
- Donor area trimming to approximately 1mm length so the robotic arm can identify individual follicular units
- Local anesthesia administration to both donor and recipient areas
- System calibration where the ARTAS maps your scalp using its 3D imaging cameras
- Donor site marking to define the safe extraction zone (no more than 45% of follicles should be harvested from any donor region)
The preparation phase typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You remain awake throughout the entire procedure.
Step 3: Robotic Graft Harvesting
This is where ARTAS differs from manual FUE. The robotic arm uses high-resolution cameras to:
- Identify individual follicular units in the donor area
- Calculate the angle and direction of each hair follicle
- Create precise incisions (0.7 to 1.0mm) around each graft
- Extract grafts with consistent depth and minimal transection
The system processes each graft in seconds. For a typical session of 2,000 to 2,500 grafts, harvesting takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. FUE procedures allow up to 5,000 grafts per session, though ARTAS sessions typically cap at around 2,500 to 3,000 grafts due to the precision requirements of the robotic system.
What Happens to the Grafts
Harvested grafts are placed in a chilled holding solution to maintain viability. Graft survival rates for FUE procedures, including robotic FUE, range from 90% to 95% when proper handling protocols are followed.
Step 4: Recipient Site Creation
The surgeon creates tiny incisions in the recipient area where grafts will be placed. This step determines:
- Hairline design and placement following natural patterns
- Graft angle and direction to match your existing hair growth
- Density distribution to prioritize the most visible areas
Some ARTAS systems include a robotic site-making feature, though many surgeons prefer to create recipient sites manually for greater artistic control over hairline design.
Step 5: Graft Placement
Technicians place each harvested graft into the prepared recipient sites. This step is done manually in most ARTAS procedures. Placement requires careful attention to:
- Correct orientation of each graft
- Appropriate depth to ensure blood supply contact
- Natural distribution patterns that avoid a "pluggy" appearance
Placement for 2,000 grafts typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The full procedure from start to finish runs 6 to 8 hours for most patients.
Step 6: Immediate Post-Procedure Care
After placement is complete, the clinical team provides aftercare instructions covering:
- Days 1 to 3: Sleep with your head raised at 45 degrees, avoid touching the recipient area, apply prescribed saline spray
- Days 3 to 5: Begin gentle washing with prescribed shampoo using patting motions only
- Days 7 to 10: Donor area scabs fall off, small dot scars begin healing
- Days 10 to 14: Transplanted hairs enter the shedding phase (this is normal and expected)
Most patients return to non-physical work within 3 to 5 days. Strenuous exercise should wait until day 14 to 21.
Step 7: Growth Timeline and Follow-Up
The results timeline for ARTAS matches standard FUE recovery expectations:
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Weeks 2 to 4 | Transplanted hairs shed (shock loss phase) |
| Months 2 to 3 | New growth begins in some areas |
| Months 4 to 6 | Visible new growth, hair still thin |
| Months 8 to 10 | Significant density improvement |
| Months 12 to 18 | Final results visible |
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-procedure.
Cost Considerations
ARTAS robotic procedures generally cost more than manual FUE due to the technology licensing fees. In the United States, expect to pay $4 to $6 per graft. For a Norwood 3 patient needing 1,500 to 2,200 grafts, that translates to approximately $6,000 to $13,200.
Know Your Starting Point Before You Consult
Understanding your Norwood stage and estimated graft needs gives you a stronger foundation for any surgical consultation. Get your free AI-powered hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to identify your current stage, estimated graft requirements, and personalized treatment options before speaking with a surgeon.