Last week, we made a special announcement that the ARTAS System for hair restoration will be available at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami in just a few short weeks. We are very excited to be one of the very first practices in Florida to offer this exciting and revolutionary hair transplant technology. Never before have state of the art robotics and digital imaging technology been so seamlessly combined to augment the skill of a hair transplant surgeon, and the results are simply astounding.
Our Institute has created this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide to further explain how the ARTAS System combines advanced robotics and high-res digital imaging with the exceptional skills of our transplant surgeons. For more information and appointment requests, readers are invited to call our institute directly at 1-877-443-9070.
How is hair transplantation with the ARTAS® System different?
The biggest difference is that the ARTAS System uses state of the art digital imaging and robotics to harvest follicular units. It is important to note that the procedure is still conducted under the control of a physician. The ARTAS System provides the physician with calculations of unparalleled accuracy. Things like hair position, angle, and other parameters are each carefully measured to achieve optimal harvesting results from the donor area.
Does the ARTAS System produce natural-looking results?
Yes. The ARTAS System targets hair follicles in a random fashion based on a series of digital calculations (as noted above). Hair follicles are then harvested without causing the donor area to lose its natural appearance.
Will my hair begin to grow immediately?
The growth phase for transplanted hair is naturally a long process. As with any hair transplant procedure, it takes time for transplanted hair follicles to develop their own blood supply. This is vital, as the blood carries oxygen and other nutrients that fuel natural growth. The timetable for seeing new hair growth is around 3 months after the procedure. Significant improvements in appearance are typical after 5-6 months. After 12 months, patients will begin to notice the natural “final results”.
Does the ARTAS System leave scars?
The ARTAS System leaves very minimal scars to the donor area, allowing patients to confidently wear their hair at short lengths. The ARTAS System is most similar to follicular unit transplant (FUT) procedures, during which a linear scar is never created. Instead, very small circular scars are created at the site from which each hair follicle is harvested. These circular scars are pinkish-red in color and usually never visible unless the patients shave their head entirely.
How are ARTAS results different from the old “Hair Plugs” people used to get?
Old fashioned “hair plugs” included the harvesting of large patches of hair follicles that resulted in an awkward and unnatural appearance once implanted. The ARTAS System uses its computer-assisted robotic arm and digital mapping to pinpoint individual follicular units from the donor area for dissection. This process provides the doctor more control and precision in designing a natural looking hair growth pattern. Because the ARTAS System enables unmatched precision and accuracy, doctors are able to extract healthy robust grafts for optimal growth.
How long will my hair transplant last? Is it permanent?
ARTAS System procedures are typically permanent. The transplanted hair may last a lifetime, as it is harvested from the back of the head and is not susceptible to the conditions that habitually cause male pattern baldness. For optimal results, patients must schedule a hair loss evaluation with an expert to determine the unique cause of their hair loss and develop an effective course of treatment.
How long do procedures with the ARTAS System take?
Hair transplant procedures with the ARTAS System may take 4-8 hours to complete, depending on specific goals and patient needs.
Do hair transplant procedures with the ARTAS System hurt?
Contrary to what many believe, patients report that a hair transplant procedure involves no more pain than a trip to the dentist. The same is the case with the ARTAS System. At the beginning of the procedure, the scalp is locally anesthetized until numb. Should you begin to feel any pain during the procedure, a physician will administer additional anesthetic to reduce any discomfort.
Will people know I have had a hair transplant procedure?
With the ARTAS Procedure, any scarring is minimal and virtually undetectable. Transplanted hair grows in gradually, over a period of a year, reducing the chance that people will notice the procedure.
Do I have to shave my head before the procedure?
No, patients do not need to shave their head prior to have a procedure performed with the ARTAS System. A short trim is necessary, however. This allows the physician to use the ARTAS System to accurately visualize, track, and harvest each follicular unit. For smaller procedures, patients may choose to trim only the harvest area that is needed to achieve desired results.
Learn More About the ARTAS® System
To learn more about the ARTAS System, schedule an appointment online or call our front desk directly at toll free 1-877-443-9070.