ARTAS vs. NeoGraft: Comparing Robotic Hair Transplant Technologies

In a world where robots help us order food, clean our homes, and even remind us to stand up every hour, it’s no surprise robotics are also entering the world of hair transplants. What is a robotic hair transplant, exactly?

Two hair restoration procedures, ARTAS and NeoGraft, use robotic technology to achieve natural-looking results (without a scalpel) with minimal downtime and no visible scarring. While the procedures share many similarities, they’re not identical.

We’ll discuss the key differences between these two robotic hair transplants and how they compare to other, more traditional transplant options. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions about side effects, costs, and more.

Before we discuss ARTAS (sometimes called ARTAS iX™) and NeoGraft in detail, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how hair transplant procedures work.

FUT Hair Transplants

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is sometimes called ”the strip method.” It involves removing a small, linear strip of skin and hair from the back of the head, extracting the follicles, and implanting them in the recipient area. (The recipient area is where there’s balding or noticeable thinning.)

It’s the older of these two hair transplant methods we’re discussing here, but some research suggests that FUT hair grafts have a higher survival rate than those done using FUE.

FUE Hair Transplants

Robotic hair transplants work off the follicular unit extraction (FUE) method. With FUE, the surgeon uses an instrument to manually make tiny holes (micro-punches) in the scalp.

Then, individual follicles are transplanted to the areas with balding or thinning.

Hair from the donor area can thrive in the recipient area because of donor dominance. A key tenet of hair transplantation, donor dominance means transplanted hair retains its original properties — the ability to grow normally — even when moved to areas affected by male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).

The ARTAS robotic hair transplant system uses artificial intelligence (AI) and three-dimensional (3D) mapping technology to perform a natural-looking hair transplant without noticeable scarring.

Some research refers to ARTAS as a ”computer-assisted, physician-controlled robotic system.”

3D Mapping

The ARTAS process begins with 3D mapping of the patient’s scalp to help determine the ideal donor area. (The ”donor area” or ”donor site” is areas of the scalp unaffected by male pattern baldness — where the grafts are taken from.)

Stereoscopic Vision and AI

The robot uses a stereoscopic vision system to interpret the 3D mapping and AI algorithms to identify and extract the healthiest follicles (the donor hair) and implant them into the recipient site.

Robotic Arm Operation

One of the cool things about the ARTAS method is that it’s done entirely by a robotic arm (though a surgeon provides oversight throughout the entire procedure). The robot ensures the angle, depth, and direction of each follicle mimics the patient’s natural hair growth pattern, resulting in natural-looking results.

Because of the lack of human error and precision compared to a manual hair transplant, some say the ARTAS system has a faster recovery time than other methods — like non-robotic FUE or FUT.

Unlike FUT, which leaves behind a linear scar, there’s also no scalpel or stitches involved in a robotic hair transplant.

NeoGraft is another type of robotic hair transplant procedure that’s considered a semi-automatic version of robotic FUE. It’s semi-automatic because, unlike ARTAS, the NeoGraft machine is always controlled by a surgeon.

The NeoGraft device is used to extract and implant the hair follicles. However, once the follicles are harvested, they’re placed in solution until they’re ready to be implanted.

The surgeon creates tiny incisions in the recipient area to prepare for follicle implantation. The NeoGraft device allows for a bit more precision and accuracy than a traditional FUE procedure, where a surgeon places the grafts by hand.

Because the procedure doesn’t use a scalpel (instead, a handheld device makes tiny circular incisions), it’s less invasive than traditional FUE. The NeoGraft leaves minimal scarring and requires less downtime than other types of hair transplants.

You can learn all about the procedure in our comprehensive NeoGraft review.

Many people wonder whether NeoGraft or the ARTAS hair restoration system is better. The truth is, it’s largely a matter of personal preference.

However, there are some things to keep in mind that may help you make your decision:

• NeoGraft is approved for use in men and women. ARTAS is only approved for men at this time.

• ARTAS tends to be more expensive per graft than NeoGraft.

• ARTAS has a slightly higher transection rate (accidental cutting of the hair bulb).

• ARTAS procedures tend to be faster than NeoGraft. Estimates range, but ARTAS can harvest between 600 and 1,000 grafts per hour.

• One ARTAS hair transplant disadvantage is that it’s only approved for people who have significant contrast between the color of their hair and skin (light skin, dark hair). NeoGraft doesn’t require this contrast and is a good option for people of all races and skin tones.

• Both ARTAS and NeoGraft hair restoration treatments are FDA-cleared. While that’s better than nothing, it’s not the same as being FDA-approved. All FDA-cleared means is that a company has proven its device is ”substantially equivalent to another (similar) legally marketed device.”

Below, we’ll cover some commonly asked questions about robotic hair transplants.

How Much Does a Robotic Hair Transplant Cost?

To put it frankly, hair transplants are expensive. The price of robotic hair transplants varies widely depending on the clinic and the severity of hair loss. But typically, you can expect the procedure to cost between $10,000 and $20,000 (ARTAS is generally more costly than NeoGraft).

According to research, the average cost of a hair transplant in the United States in 2021 was $13,610. Since the technology is more advanced, you can generally expect NeoGraft and ARTAS robotic hair transplant costs to be higher than that.

What Are the Side Effects of Robotic Hair Transplants?

Common side effects of both ARTAS and NeoGraft include swelling, redness, and minor discomfort at the transplant site. These usually subsides within a few days to weeks.

You can learn more about hair transplant side effects and complications in our guide.

Does a Robotic Hair Transplant Hurt?

Local anesthesia is applied to the scalp before any hair transplant (including robotic), so pain should be minimal or non-existent. You may experience mild soreness, swelling, or discomfort in the treated areas as the anesthesia wears off, but this is typically treatable with over-the-counter pain medications.

During the healing process, it’s common to experience itching or a tight feeling on the scalp.

How Long Does Robotic Hair Restoration Take?

How long a robotic hair transplant takes will depend on several factors, most notably how many grafts are needed. You can expect a robotic hair transplant to take six to eight hours, including preparation, follicle extraction, site creation, and implantation.

This is a general guideline, though — the actual procedure may be faster or slower, depending on your hair and surgeon. Many clinics offer patients a break to eat or stretch.

Is a Robotic Hair Transplant Permanent?

One of the most enticing things about hair transplantation procedures is that (if done correctly) they provide a permanent solution to hair loss. This means the transplanted hairs shouldn’t fall out, but you may still experience additional hair loss in other areas as part of the natural aging process.

Remember, hair is expected to shed about six to nine weeks post-transplant. This is a normal part of the regrowth process and not a sign the transplant didn’t work.

Wondering if a robotic hair transplant is the solution to androgenetic alopecia? Here’s what to remember:

• ARTAS and NeoGraft are minimally invasive procedures that can help restore your hairline.

• Your choice between the two may depend on factors like cost, procedure speed, and hair and skin characteristics.

• While the two transplant procedures are similar, ARTAS may be preferable for those seeking faster procedures with robotic precision. Meanwhile, NeoGraft is suitable for all skin types or people looking for a less expensive option.

• Both procedures offer natural results with minimal discomfort and downtime, making them good options for those seeking a long-term solution to hair loss.

• However, robotic hair transplants are often more expensive than other, more traditional hair transplant options, like manual FUE and FUT.

You can learn more about hair transplants in our guides to stem cell hair transplants, artificial hair transplants, and using minoxidil after a hair transplant.

If you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning and aren’t sure where to start, we can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider. They’ll help determine the best hair loss treatments for you.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.