Walking into an ARTAS consultation prepared with the right questions separates informed patients from those who accept marketing at face value. The 15 questions below cover everything from the surgeon's robotic experience to their fallback plan if the machine encounters problems, so you can evaluate your clinic with confidence.
Questions About the Surgeon's Experience
1. How many ARTAS procedures have you personally performed?
This is your most important data point. Look for a minimum of 200 completed ARTAS cases. Surgeons with fewer than 100 cases are still in their learning curve with the system. High-volume ARTAS surgeons (500+ cases) have encountered and resolved a wider range of complications and edge cases.
2. What is your measured transection rate with ARTAS?
Transection is the rate at which follicles are damaged during extraction. ARTAS should deliver 3 to 7% transection rates. If a surgeon does not track or share this number, that is a concern. Transparency about outcomes is a marker of professionalism.
3. How long have you been performing hair transplants overall?
ARTAS experience matters, but so does overall hair restoration expertise. A surgeon with 15 years of manual FUE experience and 3 years of ARTAS experience will produce better results than someone with only 2 years of total experience, all on ARTAS.
4. Are you board-certified, and in what specialty?
Board certification in dermatology, plastic surgery, or a related surgical field is the minimum standard. Membership in ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) or ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery) indicates additional commitment to hair restoration as a specialty.
Questions About the Procedure
5. Will you personally oversee the entire procedure?
In some clinics, the surgeon initiates the ARTAS extraction and then steps away while technicians monitor the robot and place grafts. In the best clinics, the surgeon is present and actively involved throughout. Know who will be handling each phase of your procedure.
6. Do you use a hybrid approach?
A hybrid approach combines ARTAS robotic extraction with manual graft placement techniques. Some surgeons pair ARTAS extraction with DHI (Choi pen) implantation for denser packing in the hairline zone. Understanding the full workflow tells you whether you are getting a thoughtful, customized plan or a one-size-fits-all robotic session.
7. What happens if the ARTAS system encounters problems during my procedure?
Mechanical issues, software glitches, and calibration drift can occur. A prepared clinic has a contingency plan. Ask whether the surgeon can switch to manual FUE extraction if the robot has problems. Clinics that depend entirely on the robot with no manual fallback leave you vulnerable if equipment issues arise.
8. How many grafts do you recommend for my case, and why?
A responsible surgeon bases graft count on your Norwood stage, donor density, hair caliber, and coverage goals. Be wary of recommendations that seem inflated compared to standard ranges for your hair loss level. If you are Norwood 3 and they recommend 4,000 grafts, ask why the number exceeds typical ranges (1,500-2,500 for that stage).
For a full overview of ARTAS-specific risks that should inform your questions, see our guide on ARTAS risks and complications.
Questions About Your Candidacy
9. Is my hair type suitable for ARTAS?
ARTAS performs best on straight, dark hair against a lighter scalp. If you have curly hair, very fine hair, light blond or gray hair, or dark skin, ask the surgeon directly how these characteristics affect their ARTAS results. An honest surgeon will explain any limitations rather than dismissing them.
10. Do I need more grafts than ARTAS can deliver in one session?
ARTAS sessions typically cap at 1,500 to 3,000 grafts. If your case requires more, the surgeon should explain the plan. Will you need multiple ARTAS sessions? Would manual FUE deliver a better outcome in a single session? A surgeon who recommends ARTAS for a case that clearly exceeds the robot's capacity is prioritizing the technology over your results.
11. Should I consider manual FUE instead of ARTAS for my case?
This question tests the surgeon's objectivity. If they also perform manual FUE, they should give you an honest comparison based on your specific anatomy and goals. A surgeon who insists ARTAS is always superior is not being transparent. The best tool depends on the patient.
Questions About Results and Recovery
12. Can I see before-and-after photos from patients with my hair type and Norwood stage?
Generic before-and-after galleries may not reflect your situation. Ask for cases that closely match your ethnicity, hair texture, and degree of hair loss. If the clinic does not have relevant examples, their experience with your specific profile may be limited.
13. What is your patient satisfaction rate, and how do you measure it?
Clinics that track satisfaction data demonstrate commitment to outcomes. Ask how they define satisfaction, at what time point they measure it (12 months is standard), and what percentage of patients require touch-up sessions.
14. What does recovery look like, and when can I return to work?
ARTAS recovery mirrors standard FUE recovery: 7 to 10 days for most activities, 2 to 3 weeks before strenuous exercise. Ask about the specific post-operative care protocol the clinic uses, including washing instructions, medication schedules, and follow-up appointment timing.
Questions About Cost and Logistics
15. What is the all-inclusive cost, and what does it cover?
Get a written quote that specifies the per-graft rate, total graft count, and everything included in the price. Ask separately about PRP (platelet-rich plasma), medications, follow-up visits, and any facility or anesthesia fees. Compare this total to quotes from other clinics.
16. What is your touch-up policy?
Some clinics include a complimentary touch-up session (typically 200-500 grafts) if density is insufficient at 12 months. Others charge full price for any additional work. Knowing this upfront prevents surprises.
17. Do you offer financing, and what are the terms?
ARTAS procedures range from $9,000 to $30,000 in the US. Most patients benefit from financing options. Ask about 0% APR promotional periods, monthly payment amounts, and whether the clinic works with medical financing companies like CareCredit.
For guidance on finding the right clinic for your ARTAS procedure, see our guide on finding the best ARTAS clinic.
How to Use These Questions
Bring this list to your consultation, either printed or on your phone. Take notes on each answer and compare responses across clinics. The surgeon who provides the most transparent, detailed, and balanced answers is likely the best choice for your procedure.
A surgeon who welcomes questions and takes time to educate you is demonstrating the same care and attention they will bring to your procedure.
Get Your Personalized Assessment
Preparing for a consultation? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai to get an AI-powered assessment of your Norwood stage and estimated graft count before meeting with a surgeon.
FAQ
What is the most important question to ask an ARTAS surgeon?
Ask how many ARTAS procedures they have personally performed and what their measured transection rate is. A surgeon with 200+ ARTAS cases and a transection rate under 7% demonstrates both experience and quality outcomes. Surgeons who cannot provide this data may lack sufficient case volume.
Should I ask about a hybrid ARTAS approach?
Yes. Many experienced ARTAS surgeons use a hybrid approach where the robot handles extraction and a surgeon manually creates recipient sites and places grafts. Some surgeons also combine robotic extraction with DHI (Choi pen) implantation for denser packing. Understanding the full workflow helps you evaluate the surgeon's plan for your specific case.
How do I know if my surgeon is being honest about ARTAS results?
A trustworthy surgeon will discuss both the strengths and limitations of ARTAS openly. They should acknowledge that ARTAS works best on straight, dark hair, has a graft ceiling of about 3,000 per session, and cannot extract from body donor sites. If a surgeon avoids discussing limitations or guarantees specific results, consider getting a second opinion.