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Artas Hair Transplant

the first in australia

We are very excited to offer the fastest hair harvesting and hair transplant robot in Australia.

What is an ARTAS hair transplant?

Medically reviewed by Dr Theo Birch, BSc (Biomed), BEc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast), Specialist Plastic Surgeon
ARTAS iX is a robotic-assisted form of follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplantation that uses digital imaging and robotics to identify and harvest individual hair follicles from the donor area. It may be suitable for some people with pattern hair loss, but it is not the right option for everyone. Your suitability depends on factors including your donor hair, pattern and stability of hair loss, hair characteristics, expectations and the area you want to restore.

At Plastic Surgery Queensland, ARTAS hair restoration is available at our Noosa practice, with consultations and follow-up forming part of the treatment process. The decision to proceed with ARTAS is made after assessment by our surgical team rather than simply based on the availability of the technology.

The ARTAS system uses digital imaging and computer-assisted technology to identify individual follicular units and assist with their harvesting. Depending on the system and surgical protocol being used, ARTAS iX can also assist with creating recipient sites and implanting harvested grafts. The surgeon remains responsible for planning the procedure, including the treatment area, hairline, graft selection and other clinical decisions.

This distinction is important: ARTAS is a surgical technology, not a replacement for a surgeon.

The quality of a hair transplant still depends on appropriate patient selection, long-term planning, donor management and the design and execution of the transplant.

How is ARTAS different from a traditional hair transplant?



Older hair transplant techniques included FUT, or follicular unit transplantation, where a strip of scalp is removed from the donor area and divided into individual follicular units.
FUE takes a different approach. Individual follicular units are extracted from the scalp rather than removing a strip.

ARTAS is a form of FUE in which robotic and imaging technology assists the surgeon with the procedure.


Feature ARTAS iX Robotic FUE Manual FUE FUT / Strip
Donor harvesting Individual follicular units Individual follicular units Strip of scalp
Linear donor scar No No Yes
Individual graft extraction Yes Yes Grafts are dissected from the strip
Robotic assistance Yes No No
Donor area requires trimming Generally yes Depends on technique Usually less extensive
Hair characteristics Best suited to selected hair characteristics Can accommodate a broader range Can accommodate a broader range
Long-term planning required Yes Yes Yes


There is no single hair transplant technique that is automatically best for every patient. A surgeon should consider the pattern of hair loss, donor supply, hair characteristics, desired hairstyle, previous procedures and long-term expectations before recommending a technique.

What does the ARTAS iX system actually do?


The ARTAS system combines imaging, software and robotic movement to assist with parts of the hair transplantation process.

1. Digital assessment and planning
Before harvesting begins, the treatment area and donor hair can be assessed and mapped. The surgeon determines the areas to be treated and plans the distribution and direction of transplanted hair.
Hairline design is particularly important. A hairline that looks appropriate for someone in their twenties may not remain appropriate as that person ages and loses more native hair.
For this reason, the number of grafts used is not the only consideration. Where those grafts are placed — and how much donor hair is preserved for the future — are equally important.

2. Robotic-assisted graft harvesting
The ARTAS system uses cameras and image-processing technology to identify follicular units in the donor area. It can assess characteristics such as follicular grouping, angle and density to assist the surgeon in selecting and harvesting grafts.

The purpose is not simply to remove as many hairs as possible.

A good hair transplant requires careful management of the donor area. Over-harvesting can reduce density at the back and sides of the scalp and may make future procedures more difficult.

3. Recipient site creation
Recipient sites are the small openings made in the areas receiving transplanted grafts.
Their position, angle, direction and density influence how the transplanted hairs will grow and how naturally they integrate with the surrounding hair.
ARTAS iX has functionality designed to assist with recipient site creation, although the surgeon determines the treatment plan and parameters.

4. Graft implantation
The harvested grafts are transferred into the recipient area according to the surgical plan. ARTAS iX systems can assist with implantation where that functionality is used.
The precise workflow can vary according to the patient's treatment plan and the surgeon's preferred technique.

Who may be suitable for an ARTAS hair transplant?



ARTAS is not appropriate for every person experiencing hair loss.

A suitable candidate generally needs enough healthy donor hair to provide the grafts required for the planned restoration. The surgeon will also need to establish that the type and pattern of hair loss make transplantation appropriate.

Factors considered during assessment include:

  • The cause and pattern of hair loss
  • Whether hair loss is stable or continuing rapidly
  • Donor hair density
  • The quality and characteristics of the donor hair
  • The amount of hair required to address the treatment area
  • Existing miniaturisation of donor hair
  • The condition of the scalp
  • Previous hair transplant procedures
  • Age and likely future hair loss
  • Your preferred hairstyle
  • Your expectations of density and coverage
  • Whether robotic FUE is technically appropriate for your hair characteristics
The aim is not to restore every lost hair. A hair transplant redistributes available donor hair.

This means donor supply is finite and needs to be treated as a long-term resource.

What if I have advanced hair loss?


Advanced hair loss does not automatically mean that transplantation is impossible, but it can make the planning more complex.

If a large area needs coverage but the donor supply is limited, attempting to cover the entire scalp may produce an unrealistic plan.

In these circumstances, the surgeon may recommend concentrating available grafts on areas where they can provide the most useful coverage, such as the frontal region and hairline.
Some patients may also require staged treatment.

The purpose of consultation is to determine what is realistically achievable with the donor hair available rather than promising a particular density.

How many grafts do I need?

There is no standard number of grafts that applies to everyone.

A graft is a follicular unit containing one or more hairs. The number required depends on the size of the treatment area, existing hair density, donor supply, hair characteristics and the degree of coverage being sought.

The following ranges are general planning examples only, not a quote or recommended graft count for an individual patient:

Treatment Area Illustrative Graft Range* What Influences the Number?
Small frontal hairline or temporal recession ~1,000–1,500 Width of recession, desired hairline and existing density
Hairline and frontal scalp ~1,500–2,000 Size of the frontal area and density goals
Frontal and mid-scalp ~2,000–3,000 Extent of thinning and available donor supply
Larger areas of thinning ~3,000+ Treatment area, donor density and long-term planning

*These are illustrative ranges only. Actual graft numbers are determined individually following assessment by our surgical team.


A patient with 1,500 grafts may have a very different treatment plan from another patient receiving the same number.

For example, a smaller number of grafts concentrated carefully through a receding hairline is not directly comparable with the same number spread over a much larger area.

The surgeon will assess your scalp and donor area before determining whether transplantation is appropriate and, if so, how many grafts should be considered.

What are the limitations of ARTAS?


One of the most important things to understand about robotic hair transplantation is that the technology has limitations.

The donor area needs to be trimmed
The ARTAS system needs to be able to identify and track the hairs being harvested. This means the donor area generally needs to be trimmed before the procedure.

The extent of trimming depends on the treatment plan, but patients should understand that this is not a completely “no-shave” procedure.

The existing PSQ process notes that patients will be advised where to trim their hair before the procedure.

This can be particularly important for people who wear their hair long or who do not want a visible change in their hairstyle during recovery.

ARTAS is better suited to some hair characteristics than others
The system relies on optical imaging to identify the hair against the scalp.

ARTAS iX's regulatory indications have historically specified men with androgenetic alopecia and black or brown straight hair. In clinical practice, ARTAS may be used with other hair colours and characteristics in appropriately selected patients, but lighter hair and more complex curl patterns can make robotic identification and extraction more challenging.

In general, darker, straighter hair with sufficient contrast between the hair and scalp is more straightforward for the technology to identify.

Very light, white or grey hair and tightly curled hair may require additional assessment and may make manual FUE a more appropriate option in some cases.

This is one reason why having the technology available does not mean that every patient should have a robotic procedure.

ARTAS does not create unlimited donor hair
Robotic harvesting does not change the amount of hair you have available.

A transplant moves existing follicles from one area to another. Once a graft has been harvested, it cannot simply be replaced.

Good donor management is therefore essential.

ARTAS does not stop future hair loss
A transplant does not prevent untreated native hair from continuing to thin.
The transplanted follicles may continue to grow according to their characteristics, but the surrounding non-transplanted hair can remain susceptible to future hair loss.

This is why treatment planning needs to consider your likely future pattern of hair loss, not just the appearance of your scalp on the day of surgery.

What happens during an ARTAS hair transplant?


The process at Plastic Surgery Queensland involves several stages.

1. Initial enquiry and assessment
The first step is to contact the hair restoration team and discuss the area you would like to treat.

Photographs may be reviewed initially to determine whether a consultation is appropriate. This is not a substitute for a surgical assessment.

2. Consultation with the surgeon
Patients seeking hair restoration have consultations with the surgical team before proceeding.

At this stage, the surgeon can assess your hair loss, donor area, scalp and treatment goals and discuss whether a transplant is appropriate.

PSQ's current process requires two consultations before booking a hair transplant, with at least one consultation taking place in person.

3. Treatment planning
If transplantation is considered appropriate, your surgeon will develop an individual treatment plan.

This includes deciding which areas should be treated, the proposed hairline and the approximate number and distribution of grafts.

4. Preparation
You will be given instructions about preparing the donor area, including where and when your hair should be trimmed.

5. The procedure
ARTAS hair transplantation is performed using local anaesthetic.

The procedure generally takes several hours. PSQ currently advises that an ARTAS procedure may take approximately four to eight hours, depending on the treatment required.

During the procedure, the donor area is prepared, grafts are harvested with robotic assistance and the recipient area is prepared for transplantation according to the treatment plan.

6. Going home
Hair transplantation is generally performed as a day procedure.

Your surgical team will provide instructions for caring for your scalp after the procedure and advise you about activity, washing and follow-up.

7. Follow-up
Follow-up appointments form an important part of the treatment process.

PSQ currently advises that postoperative appointments are required at the Noosa practice where the initial consultations take place.

Is an ARTAS hair transplant painful?



ARTAS hair transplantation is performed under local anaesthetic, so the scalp is numbed during the procedure.

You may experience pressure or sensations during parts of the procedure, and some patients experience discomfort, swelling or tightness afterwards.

Pain and recovery vary between individuals.

It is important not to describe the procedure as completely painless or risk-free. Like any surgical procedure, hair transplantation has potential complications and your surgeon will discuss these with you before you consent.

What is recovery like?


Recovery varies, but many patients can return to normal activities relatively quickly.

Plastic Surgery Queensland currently advises that some patients experience minor discomfort and swelling for up to three days and that many can return to work and normal activities within one to two days. Your individual instructions may differ depending on your procedure and recovery.

The visible appearance of the scalp can change during the early recovery period. Redness, swelling, scabbing and shedding can occur.

The transplanted hairs do not immediately grow to their final appearance.

PSQ currently advises that new hair growth begins at approximately three months and continues developing over the following 12 months.

What are the risks of an ARTAS hair transplant?



Hair transplantation is surgery and carries risks.

Potential complications can include:
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Swelling
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Scalp tightness
  • Temporary or persistent numbness
  • Nerve injury
  • Folliculitis
  • Shock loss
  • Poor graft survival
  • Unnatural hairline design
  • Uneven density
  • Visible donor-area changes
  • Over-harvesting of the donor area
  • Scarring
  • Need for additional treatment or revision surgery
The risk of complications varies between patients and procedures.

A robotic system does not eliminate surgical risk. It is intended to assist the surgeon with parts of the procedure; it does not remove the need for medical judgement, appropriate patient selection or careful surgical planning.

Your surgeon will discuss the relevant risks and benefits with you before you decide whether to proceed.

Will an ARTAS hair transplant look natural?


The aim of hair transplantation is to create a result that integrates with your existing hair.

Natural appearance depends on several factors, including:
  • Hairline design
  • Graft selection
  • Graft density
  • Hair direction and angle
  • Donor hair characteristics
  • The distribution of existing hair
  • The amount of hair available for transplantation
  • The surgeon's treatment plan
  • How your hair continues to change over time
The ARTAS system can assist with the technical aspects of harvesting and recipient site creation, but technology alone does not determine the final appearance.

A good treatment plan must account for both the hair you have now and the hair you may lose in the future.

ARTAS hair transplant at Plastic Surgery Queensland

Plastic Surgery Queensland offers ARTAS robotic hair restoration at its Noosa practice.

The clinic's current hair restoration process involves an initial assessment, surgical consultation, treatment planning, the procedure and postoperative follow-up. At least one consultation is conducted in person before proceeding.

Plastic Surgery Queensland's specialist surgical team includes Dr Theo Birch, a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and Dr Ryan Livingston, a Queensland-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who also holds FRACS (Plast).

Hair restoration is currently conducted at the Noosa location:
197 Weyba Road,
Noosaville
QLD 4566

(07) 5437 9333
hair@psqsc.com.au

The clinic's hair restoration team can be contacted to discuss whether an assessment is appropriate.

Before and after

Interested in finding out more?

FAQs

We believe in finding the best treatment option to match a patient’s requirements. Costs will depend on the amount of new hair you desire. Please make an appointment to discuss costs in detail.

There are many low-cost options both in Australia and overseas and great care should be taken when dealing with a surgeon who is not an ASPS / AHPRA / FRACS recognised Plastic Surgeon. Unfortunately, many patients confuse plastic surgeons with cosmetic surgeons (as recently mentioned in the ABC Four Corners report) and the training varies significantly.

All patients seeking a hair restoration treatment must have a consultation with our surgeons prior to consenting to the procedure, this can either be in-person or by video. In this consultation we will discuss your the results you’re trying to achieve and your reasons for seeking this procedure. Please note that our surgeons and practitioners are required by regulations to refuse to consent to a procedure if they believe it is not in the best interests of the patient.

If you are under the age of 18 years, please contact us directly to discuss your consultation process as it will differ to the process for adult patients.

Recovery time with the ARTAS Robotic Procedure is less than with most surgical cosmetic procedures. As there is no surgical incision or stitches required with the ARTAS Robotic Procedure, healing time is short, and you can usually go back to your daily activities after a day or two. Some doctors schedule a follow up visit the morning after the procedure to examine your scalp and to teach you how to take care of your newly implanted hair.

The ARTAS Robotic Procedure is a minimally invasive hair restoration solution

that leverages digital imaging and precision robotics to harvest healthy grafts for transplantation. Unlike the earlier methods of hair restoration, there is no need for the surgical removal of a strip of scalp from the back and sides of the head, no linear scar left after surgery and no need for stitches or staples to close the wound. The benefit is a quick recovery time and the ability to return to normal activities and work sooner.

The results are extremely natural looking. After the procedure, you are able to wear yourhair any length or style with confidence.

The ARTAS Robotic Procedure usually takes from four to eight hours as determined by your doctor to achieve your hair restoration goals. You are comfortably seated during the process, and the doctor and staff are there with you to maximise your comfort throughout the procedure.

ARTAS is a robotic-assisted system used as part of an FUE hair transplant. FUE refers to the method of harvesting individual follicular units rather than removing a strip of scalp. ARTAS adds robotic and imaging assistance to parts of that process.

ARTAS does not create the linear scar associated with FUT strip harvesting. However, FUE involves individual follicle extraction and can leave small marks or scars in the donor area. Their visibility varies between patients.

The donor area generally needs to be trimmed so the system can identify, track and harvest the follicles. The exact area and extent of trimming will depend on your treatment plan.

Plastic Surgery Queensland currently advises that an ARTAS procedure usually takes approximately four to eight hours, depending on the treatment required.

There is no fixed number of grafts that is appropriate for every patient. The number depends on the size of the treatment area, donor density, hair characteristics and long-term treatment plan.

Hair transplantation can be appropriate for some women, but suitability needs to be assessed individually. Robotic harvesting may be less suitable for some women because of the need to trim the donor area and because certain patterns and causes of female hair loss are not appropriate for transplantation.

ARTAS is generally easier to use when there is clear visual contrast between the hair and scalp and the hair is relatively straight. Very light hair and more complex curl patterns can make robotic identification and extraction more challenging. Your surgeon can determine whether ARTAS or another FUE approach is more suitable for your hair characteristics.

The transplanted hairs do not immediately grow to their final appearance. Early growth may become visible after several months, with further maturation continuing over the following year or longer. PSQ currently advises that new hairs begin to grow at around three months and continue growing for approximately 12 months.

Transplanted hair can provide long-term restoration, but a transplant does not stop the natural progression of hair loss in other areas. Future hair loss may therefore affect the overall appearance over time, which is why long-term planning is important.

No. A receding hairline does not automatically make someone a suitable candidate. The surgeon needs to assess the cause and stability of the hair loss, donor supply, hair characteristics, age and likely future progression before recommending surgery.

Plastic Surgery Queensland currently lists hair restoration as available at its Noosa location at 197 Weyba Road, Noosaville. Consultations and postoperative appointments are also part of the treatment pathway.

How it works

1. GET In touch

The first step is to get in touch!

Via phone or email, our highly skilled Registered Nurse, Emily, will get an understanding of what you're wanting to achieve. We can review your photos and quote for a treatment if it's appropriate. If you're then happy to go the next step, we can help you secure a GP referral and book you in for a more in depth consultation.

2. CONSULTATION

After referral, you will have two consultations with our team prior to booking in your hair transplant procedure. The first consultation will be in-person with the surgeon who will be performing your procedure. This is a great time to discuss the specifics of your situation, the outcomes you are hoping to achieve, your personal health and lifestyle concerns and attributes. You can also discuss all possible treatment options, the recovery process and any risks involved. Your second consultation may be with your surgeon again, or could be with another of our team who is qualified to consult on your treatment. At least one consultation must be in-person at one of our practices.

The cost of your hair transplant will depend on the amount of new hair you require. This will all be explained simply and clearly during your first consultation.

After your two consultations, you can provide signed consent for the chosen treatment and your procedure will be booked in. There is a 7 day cooling off period from the day of your signed consent.

If you are under the age of 18 years, please contact us directly to discuss your consultation process as it will differ to the process for adult patients.

3. THE PROCEDURE

You will be advised where to trim your hair ahead of the procedure. Your procedure will be undertaken by Plastic Surgery Queensland at the Noosa practice. A local anaesthetic will be required so you will feel virtually no pain during the procedure.

The ARTAS Robotic Procedure usually takes from four to eight hours as determined by your doctor to achieve your hair restoration goals. You are comfortably seated during the process, and the doctor and staff are there with you to maximise your comfort throughout the procedure.

4. POST
PROCEDURE
CARE

Some patients experience minor discomfort and swelling in the area for up to 3 days. You can normally return to work and normal activities within 1 - 2 days post procedure.

Post Operative Appointments will be required at the Noosa practice where you had your initial consultations. We may schedule a follow up visit the morning after the procedure to examine your scalp and to teach you how to take care of your newly implanted hair.

New hairs will start to grow about 3 months after the procedure and will continue to grow for 12 months, offering a natural head of hair.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

All procedures come with risks and these will be clearly outlined during the consultations. Side effects may include scalp tightness that can linger after your procedure, as well as the potential for nerve injury.

Is ARTAS right for you?


ARTAS iX can be a useful option for appropriately selected patients seeking FUE hair transplantation, but the technology should be considered as part of a broader surgical plan rather than as the treatment itself.
The most important questions are whether you have enough suitable donor hair, whether your hair loss is appropriate for transplantation, whether your hair characteristics are compatible with robotic harvesting, and what can realistically be achieved with your available grafts.

A consultation allows your surgeon to assess these factors and discuss whether ARTAS, another hair transplant technique or a non-surgical approach is more appropriate for you.

If you are considering hair restoration, contact Plastic Surgery Queensland to arrange an assessment and discuss your options.

More Hair Restoration Resources


We are developing a comprehensive series of resources to help you understand hair loss, hair transplantation, ARTAS robotic hair restoration and the different treatment options available.


BRISBANE
Suite 2.02
550 Stanley St
Mater Private Clinic
South Brisbane
QLD 4101
(07) 3844 6069
reception@psqld.com
SUNSHINE COAST
19/5 Innovation Parkway,
Birtinya
QLD 4575
(07) 5437 9333
admin@psqsc.com.au
NOOSA
197 Weyba Road,
Noosaville
QLD 4566
(07) 5437 9333
admin@psqsc.com.au
GOLD COAST
Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Rd
Burleigh Waters,
QLD 4220
(07) 3844 6069
reception@psqld.com
Plastic Surgery Queensland advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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