Preparing for an ARTAS robotic hair transplant requires specific steps starting 2 to 4 weeks before your procedure date. The most important requirements are trimming your donor area to 1-2mm, stopping blood-thinning medications 7 to 10 days before surgery, and completing pre-operative blood work. Proper preparation directly impacts graft quality and your overall results.
Hair Length Requirements
ARTAS has specific hair length requirements that differ from manual FUE. The robotic system relies on high-resolution cameras to identify and map individual follicular units, which means the donor area must be trimmed to a precise length.
Donor Area
The donor area (back and sides of the scalp) must be trimmed to approximately 1 to 2mm. This length allows the ARTAS cameras to clearly identify each follicular unit's angle of growth, hair count per unit, and spacing relative to neighboring grafts. Hair that is too long obscures the camera's view. Hair that is too short makes it difficult for the system to calculate the follicle angle.
Most clinics will trim the donor area on the day of the procedure, but some ask patients to arrive with the donor area already at the correct length. Confirm your clinic's preference during the pre-operative appointment.
Recipient Area
The recipient area does not need to be trimmed for ARTAS. Many patients prefer to keep the recipient area at its current length to help conceal the transplanted zone during the initial healing period. Your surgeon will design the hairline and recipient sites regardless of hair length in that zone.
Full Shave vs Partial Shave
Some clinics offer a "no-shave" or "partial-shave" FUE option, but this is generally not available with ARTAS. The robotic system requires a shaved donor area to function. If concealing the shaved area is a concern, discuss options with your surgeon. Some patients grow the hair above the donor zone long enough to cover the trimmed area.
Medications to Stop Before Surgery
Several common medications and supplements increase bleeding risk and must be discontinued before any hair transplant procedure. Start this process 7 to 10 days before your scheduled date.
Stop 7-10 Days Before
- Aspirin (unless prescribed for cardiac reasons; consult your cardiologist)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and other NSAIDs
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Fish oil supplements
- Vitamin E supplements (doses above 400 IU)
- Ginkgo biloba
- Garlic supplements
Stop 3-7 Days Before
- Minoxidil (stop to reduce scalp sensitivity and bleeding during extraction)
- Alcohol (stop at least 3 days before; alcohol thins the blood)
Continue as Prescribed
- Finasteride (1mg daily): Continue taking it unless your surgeon specifically advises otherwise. Finasteride does not affect bleeding or surgical outcomes.
- Prescription blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, etc.): Do NOT stop these without explicit approval from the prescribing physician. Your surgeon and prescribing doctor should coordinate.
Always provide your surgeon with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. This includes herbal supplements, which many patients forget to mention.
Pre-Operative Blood Work
Most ARTAS clinics require blood work before clearing you for surgery. This is a safety measure to identify any conditions that could complicate the procedure or healing.
Standard Tests Required
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia, infection markers, and platelet levels
- Coagulation panel (PT/INR): Ensures your blood clots normally
- Basic metabolic panel: Screens kidney and liver function
Sometimes Required
- Hepatitis B and C screening
- HIV screening
- Blood glucose levels (particularly if you have diabetes)
- Thyroid function (TSH) if hair loss etiology is uncertain
Timing and Logistics
Blood work results are typically required 1 to 2 weeks before the procedure. Some clinics draw blood during the consultation appointment. Others ask you to visit your primary care physician or a lab. If you are traveling for your procedure, coordinate with the clinic on where and when to get tests done.
For a detailed walkthrough of the actual procedure, see the ARTAS step-by-step procedure guide.
Lifestyle Changes Before Surgery
Making specific adjustments in the weeks before your procedure improves healing and graft survival.
4 Weeks Before
- Quit smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels and significantly reduces blood flow to the scalp, which impairs graft survival and healing. If you cannot quit permanently, stop at least 4 weeks before and do not resume for 4 weeks after.
- Begin scalp massage: Gentle daily scalp massage improves blood circulation to the recipient area. This is optional but recommended by some surgeons.
2 Weeks Before
- Reduce caffeine intake: High caffeine consumption can increase bleeding. You do not need to eliminate it, but reducing intake to 1 to 2 cups daily is advisable.
- Start eating protein-rich meals: Adequate protein supports tissue repair. Aim for 60-80 grams of protein daily.
1 Week Before
- Avoid hair dye or chemical treatments: Do not color, bleach, or chemically treat your hair in the week before surgery.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure: Sunburned scalp skin is more difficult to work with and heals more slowly.
The Night Before and Day Of
Night Before
- Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo (no conditioner)
- Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep
- Avoid alcohol completely
- Do not apply any styling products, gels, or sprays
Morning Of
- Eat a full breakfast: The procedure can last 4 to 8 hours. You need sustained energy. Eat a balanced meal with protein and complex carbohydrates.
- Wear a button-down shirt: You will not want to pull clothing over your head after the procedure. Wear a button-front or zip-up top.
- Arrive with clean hair: No products or residue on your scalp.
- Bring entertainment: Books, headphones, a tablet, or a phone with downloaded content. You will be awake during the procedure and will want something to keep you occupied.
- Arrange transportation: You will receive local anesthesia and possibly oral sedation. Do not plan to drive yourself home.
What to Bring to the Clinic
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance card (if applicable, though most hair transplants are not covered)
- Payment or financing documentation
- Loose-fitting hat for the trip home (wide brim preferred)
- Button-down shirt or zip-up hoodie
- List of current medications
- Contact information for your ride home
Post-Procedure Supplies to Prepare at Home
Set up your recovery area before leaving for the clinic:
- Travel pillow or neck pillow for sleeping elevated
- Saline spray (your clinic may provide this)
- Gentle shampoo (your clinic will recommend a specific product)
- Ice packs or frozen peas for swelling
- 3 to 5 days of easy-to-prepare meals
- Prescription medications (filled in advance if your clinic sends prescriptions pre-operatively)
For what to expect during recovery, see the ARTAS recovery timeline.
Get Your Pre-Procedure Assessment
Considering ARTAS and want to know if you are a good candidate? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai for an AI-powered analysis of your hair loss pattern, estimated graft count, and suitability for robotic FUE.
FAQ
How long should my hair be for an ARTAS procedure?
The donor area must be trimmed to approximately 1-2mm for ARTAS to function properly. The robotic system's cameras need to see individual follicular units clearly, which requires short, uniform hair length. Your clinic will trim the donor area on the day of the procedure if it is not already the correct length.
What medications should I stop before an ARTAS hair transplant?
Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) 7-10 days before surgery. Discontinue minoxidil 3-7 days before the procedure. Continue finasteride as prescribed unless your surgeon advises otherwise. Avoid alcohol for at least 3 days before surgery. Always consult your surgeon before stopping any prescription medications.
Do I need blood work before an ARTAS hair transplant?
Most clinics require basic pre-operative blood work including a complete blood count (CBC), coagulation panel, and sometimes hepatitis and HIV screening. Some clinics handle this at the consultation appointment, while others require you to visit your primary care physician. Results are typically needed 1-2 weeks before the procedure date.