ARTAS robotic FUE uses AI-guided extraction to harvest individual follicular units with 90-95% graft survival rates, costing $8 to $12 per graft at US clinics. The system's primary advantage over manual FUE is consistency. The robotic arm maintains the same punch angle, depth, and spacing across thousands of extractions without fatigue.
This guide covers what density numbers you can realistically expect, how the ARTAS system achieves those numbers, and what factors affect your final result.
How ARTAS Achieves Consistent Density
The ARTAS system uses a combination of machine vision and algorithmic planning to map your donor area before extracting a single graft. High-resolution cameras identify each follicular unit, calculate the angle of growth, and determine optimal extraction spacing to avoid overharvesting any one zone.
Extraction Precision
The robot performs three critical measurements for every graft:
- Follicle angle: The punch aligns to the exact angle of hair growth, reducing transection (damage to the follicle during extraction)
- Punch depth: Consistent depth prevents undergrafting (too shallow) or tissue damage (too deep)
- Spacing pattern: The algorithm distributes extractions evenly to preserve donor area density
This level of consistency is difficult for human surgeons to maintain over a 6 to 8 hour manual FUE session. Fatigue sets in around hour 4 for most surgeons, and transection rates rise. ARTAS eliminates that variable.
Graft Survival by the Numbers
| Metric | ARTAS Robotic FUE | Manual FUE |
|---|---|---|
| Graft survival rate | 90-95% | 85-95% |
| Transection rate | 3-7% | 5-15% |
| Grafts per session | 1,500-3,000 | 2,000-5,000 |
| Session duration | 4-8 hours | 6-10 hours |
| Cost per graft (US) | $8-12 | $4-8 |
The tighter transection range is the main clinical advantage. Lower transection means more viable grafts per extraction, which translates directly to better density in the transplanted area.
Realistic Density Expectations
Natural scalp density ranges from 60 to 100 follicular units per square centimeter (FU/cm2). Hair transplant procedures typically achieve 25 to 40 FU/cm2 in the recipient area, which represents 40-60% of original density.
Density Targets by Zone
| Recipient Zone | Target Density (FU/cm2) | Grafts Needed (Typical) | Visual Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hairline (first row) | 30-35 | 400-600 | Natural, irregular edge |
| Frontal zone | 35-40 | 800-1,200 | Good coverage |
| Mid-scalp | 25-35 | 600-1,000 | Adequate density |
| Crown | 25-30 | 600-1,200 | Swirl pattern coverage |
These numbers assume single-session placement. Many patients achieve full visual density at 35 FU/cm2 because transplanted hairs are placed with deliberate directional control. A skilled surgeon designs the angle and distribution of each graft to maximize coverage per unit.
Why 40% of Natural Density Looks Full
Hair coverage is not linear. Going from 0 to 20 FU/cm2 produces the most dramatic visual change. Going from 40 to 60 FU/cm2 produces a subtle difference that most people cannot detect. This is because hair shafts overlap and create visual coverage that exceeds their actual count.
Patients with thick, dark hair see fuller results at lower densities. Patients with fine, light-colored hair need higher density to achieve the same appearance of coverage.
Factors That Affect Your ARTAS Results
Donor Area Quality
Your donor area sets the ceiling for what any transplant can achieve. The ARTAS system images and maps the donor zone before the procedure begins, giving both you and your surgeon a clear picture of available resources.
Key donor factors include:
- Follicular unit groupings: Donors with more 3-4 hair groupings produce better coverage per graft
- Hair caliber: Thicker individual hair shafts cover more scalp surface per follicle
- Donor density: Higher starting donor density allows more grafts without visible thinning
- Scalp laxity: Does not affect ARTAS (no strip needed), but tight scalps can make extraction slightly harder
Norwood Stage and Graft Requirements
The extent of your hair loss directly determines how many grafts you need and whether one ARTAS session will be sufficient.
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Typically Needed | ARTAS Sessions | Estimated Cost (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2-3 | 1,000-2,000 | 1 | $8,000-$24,000 |
| Norwood 3-4 | 2,000-3,000 | 1 | $16,000-$36,000 |
| Norwood 5-6 | 3,000-5,000 | 1-2 | $24,000-$60,000 |
| Norwood 7 | 5,000-7,000+ | 2-3 | $40,000-$84,000 |
For an accurate assessment of your Norwood stage, upload a photo for AI analysis.
ARTAS vs Manual FUE: Which Produces Better Density?
Both methods produce comparable final density when performed by experienced practitioners. The difference lies in consistency and risk profile.
ARTAS is the better choice if your case requires a large session (over 2,000 grafts) where surgeon fatigue could impact graft quality. Manual FUE may be preferable if you need body hair extraction (ARTAS only works on scalp hair), require more than 3,000 grafts per session, or prefer the flexibility of a surgeon who can adapt technique in real time.
For a deeper comparison of extraction methods, see the FUE vs FUT comparison.
Setting Expectations Before Your Procedure
The most common source of patient dissatisfaction is not a failed procedure. It is a mismatch between expectations and what hair transplantation can deliver. Keep these benchmarks in mind:
- Month 1-3: Transplanted hair sheds. This is normal and expected. The area may look similar to pre-surgery.
- Month 4-6: New growth emerges as thin, wispy hairs.
- Month 8-12: Hair thickens and matures. Density improves noticeably.
- Month 12-18: Final result is visible. Density stabilizes.
ARTAS does not change this timeline. The robot improves extraction, not healing speed.
Get Your Density Assessment
Not sure how many grafts you need or whether ARTAS is the right approach for your hair loss pattern? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an AI-powered assessment of your Norwood stage, estimated graft needs, and whether robotic FUE fits your goals and budget.
FAQ
How many grafts can ARTAS place in one session?
ARTAS can extract and place 1,500 to 3,000 grafts in a single session. The AI-guided system maintains consistent extraction quality throughout the procedure, though larger sessions (over 2,500 grafts) may require a full 8-hour day. Some clinics split larger cases across two consecutive days.
What density can I expect from an ARTAS procedure?
Most patients achieve 25 to 40 follicular units per square centimeter in transplanted areas. Natural density ranges from 60 to 100 FU/cm2, so transplanted zones typically reach 40-60% of original density. This is sufficient for visual fullness when paired with proper hairline design.
Is ARTAS better than manual FUE for density?
ARTAS provides more consistent extraction quality than manual FUE because the robotic arm maintains precise punch depth and angle across thousands of grafts. Graft survival rates are comparable at 90-95%. The main advantage is reduced transection rates, especially during long sessions where surgeon fatigue affects manual FUE.