ARTAS robotic hair transplant: a patient guide

The system uses imaging and a robotic arm to support tasks such as identifying and extracting follicles from the donor scalp. Other stages may also be assisted depending on the equipment configuration. Clinical judgment still determines whether surgery is suitable and how limited donor follicles are used.

Individual follicular units are selected across a donor zone, commonly where hair is more resistant to the patient's usual thinning pattern. After extraction, the team checks and stores the grafts before inserting them into planned recipient sites. The angle, direction and distribution of placement help determine whether the result blends with nearby hair.

This process moves follicles; it does not multiply them. The available donor reserve therefore sets an important boundary. Continuing loss of native hair can alter the appearance over time, which is why the initial design should account for age, pattern progression and possible future treatment.

Seek a scalp examination that identifies the type of hair loss and checks for inflammation, scarring, miniaturisation and donor density. Share details of sudden shedding, itching, scale, painful areas, previous transplant work, medical conditions and every medicine or supplement you take. A condition that is active may need management before cosmetic surgery is considered.

Compare the proposed hairline and coverage with the donor supply rather than focusing only on a graft target. Ask who will perform extraction, recipient-site creation and implantation, and which tasks use the robot. Follow individual instructions for scalp washing, medication changes, smoking, meals and transport; do not stop prescribed medicine unless the relevant clinician tells you to.

The treating team should provide a contact route and explain normal early changes. Promptly report pain that is intensifying, redness that expands, increasing heat, pus, an offensive odour, fever, or bleeding that does not settle with the recommended measures. New areas of dusky skin, blistering or a rapidly worsening rash also require assessment.

Get emergency help for shortness of breath, throat tightness, severe swelling close to the eyes or airway, collapse, confusion or chest pain. These symptoms should not be monitored at home while waiting for the clinic to reopen.

Ask how the diagnosis was reached, what may happen to untreated hair, and how much donor reserve will remain after the proposed session. Clarify the clinician's experience with your hair texture and skin type, the method used to avoid overharvesting, and how grafts are handled. Discuss non-surgical options and what revision choices exist if density or healing differs from the plan.