Robotic FUE is an advanced form of hair transplant that uses robotic precision to harvest and place follicular units with minimal trauma. At Bernstein Medical, we use the ARTAS® iX Robotic System to assist with the most complex parts of the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure, follicular unit harvesting, and recipient site creation.
This robotic system uses advanced digital imaging and algorithms to enhance the accuracy and speed of each step. It’s a significant advancement over manual FUE, offering better consistency, less discomfort, and no linear scar.
Pioneered at Bernstein Medical
Bernstein Medical was among the first practices in the world to use robotic technology for hair transplantation. Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Rassman collaborated with Restoration Robotics to bring the ARTAS system into clinical practice. They developed many of the initial protocols that shaped robotic hair restoration as we know it today and continue to consult on software and hardware improvements.
We were the first to perform FUE using the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant System and the first to upgrade to the ARTAS iX. We are proud to be recognized as an ARTAS Clinical Center of Excellence, serving as a beta testing site for advancements in robotic hair transplant technology.
How the ARTAS Robot Works
The procedure begins with local anesthesia and placement of a skin tensioner, a device that stabilizes the scalp and optimizes access to the donor area. The robot then scans the area to identify individual follicular units for harvesting.
Using advanced AI, the ARTAS system evaluates the angle, depth, and density of each follicle in real time. It then uses a two-step, sharp–blunt punch technique to isolate grafts without damaging surrounding tissue. Once grafts are dissected, they’re removed manually by a trained technician.
When recipient sites are created, the physician programs the design into the robot based on the patient’s natural growth pattern. The robot then makes incisions according to that custom plan.The result is precise, natural-looking placement with uniform spacing, direction, and depth, far beyond what’s possible through manual techniques alone.
For a more in-depth review of how the robotic hair transplant system works, visit the page on ARTAS Robotics.
Advantages of Robotic FUE
Compared to traditional FUE, robotic harvesting offers greater speed and consistency. The ARTAS robot eliminates the variability caused by human fatigue or manual errors, particularly during extended sessions. This helps ensure uniform graft quality, shorter procedure time, and better healing.
Robotic site creation also protects existing hairs in thinning areas, allowing us to enhance density without compromising natural hair. It’s particularly beneficial in complex cases such as hairline refinement and crown restoration.
Graft Harvesting
In traditional FUE, surgeons manually align the punch tool with the direction of hair growth, which varies from follicle to follicle.
The ARTAS system automatically calculates these variables and adjusts its dissection path to match each follicle’s natural angle. This reduces transection rates and improves the survival of each graft.
Recipient Site Creation
Using a physician-defined pattern, the robot creates recipient sites with consistent spacing, direction, and angle, mimicking the patient’s native hair flow. The system can generate over 1,000 recipient sites per hour, making it far more efficient than manual site creation.
The physician programs the hairline design into the system, and the robot carries it out precisely, preserving aesthetics while protecting existing hair.
Benefits of Robotic FUE
- Minimally invasive procedure
- No scalpel, no stitches, no linear scar
- Quick recovery, minimal downtime
- High graft survival rate
- Natural-looking, permanent results
What sets Robotic FUE apart is its ability to deliver consistent results with minimal disruption to the surrounding scalp tissue. The system’s precision means less trauma, less bleeding, and a smoother healing process. By combining surgeon oversight with robotic execution, patients benefit from personalized care and the accuracy of advanced technology.
Ideal Candidates for Robotic FUE
Patients who are good candidates for Robotic FUE typically:
- Prefer to wear short hairstyles
- Want to avoid a linear scar
- Are in good general health
- Have sufficient donor hair in the back and sides of the scalp
- Are looking for a more comfortable and efficient procedure with predictable results
Robotic FUE is also ideal for patients who have already had a strip procedure and are looking to improve density without additional scarring.
What Makes the ARTAS iX Unique?
The ARTAS iX is the most advanced version of the ARTAS robot to date. It includes both follicular unit harvesting and site creation in one system—streamlining the procedure and improving precision throughout.
Features of the ARTAS iX include:
- Real-time 3D analysis and tracking
- Artificial intelligence that adjusts to subtle changes in scalp positioning
- A robotic arm that performs thousands of precise movements without fatigue
- A high-definition stereoscopic vision system
- Faster graft dissection and placement, reducing the overall time in surgery
Robotic Hair Transplants at Bernstein Medical
Bernstein Medical continues to lead in robotic hair transplant surgery by adopting the latest ARTAS system updates and refining robotic hair restoration techniques. Our experienced surgical team leverages the ARTAS robot’s capabilities to deliver consistently excellent results tailored to each patient’s unique hair characteristics and restoration goals.
Custom Punch Sizes for Personalized Results
Bernstein Medical was among the first to refine follicular unit extraction with individualized punch sizes tailored to each patient’s hair type and scalp characteristics. Instead of relying on the industry-standard 1.0mm punch, we use smaller options—like 0.8mm and 0.9mm—to minimize scarring, shorten healing time, and preserve more follicular units during harvesting. These smaller punches produce grafts with less surrounding tissue, simplifying placement and improving overall efficiency.
Some patients, especially African-Americans, have less transection with the larger punch, so selecting the appropriate tool for each patient is an important decision that the physician must make, as this can have a significant effect on the outcome of the transplant.
Discreet Coverage with Long-Hair Robotic FUE
Our long-hair technique allows patients to maintain coverage in the donor area immediately after surgery. By lifting and trimming a narrow band of hair at the back or sides of the scalp, we extract follicular units without shaving the entire area. Afterward, the longer surrounding hair is combed down to conceal the donor zone.
Long-hair robotic hair transplant procedures are generally performed through one long band or through two separate parallel bands above and below a linear donor scar. Corners are generally rounded and the edges are feathered using the ARTAS system so the harvested area blends in with the surrounding hair.
Smarter Harvesting with the Graft Selection Algorithm
Earlier versions of robotic FUE selected grafts at random, but our system now uses a graft selection algorithm to prioritize multi-hair follicular units. By skipping smaller grafts—like those with just one hair—we can increase the number of hairs harvested per session while reducing the number of incisions in the donor area.
When smaller units are needed, such as to create a natural-looking hairline, the robotic graft selection algorithm is placed on OFF. Alternatively, robotically-extracted units of three or more hairs can be dissected into smaller units by a technician.Our team’s extensive experience with stereo-microscopic dissection—gained through years of FUT procedures—allows us to reshape larger grafts into refined units that enhance the look of cosmetically sensitive areas.
Pre-Made Recipient Sites for Better Graft Survival
At Bernstein Medical, we often create recipient sites in advance—before harvesting even begins. This strategy ensures grafts are placed as soon as they’re ready, reducing time outside the body and boosting survival. Pre-making sites also improves visibility, minimizes bleeding, and accelerates healing.
The technique minimizes the time grafts are outside the body, increases visibility when placing the grafts (due to less bleeding), minimizes graft popping, and allows the recipient area to start the healing process earlier.
Advanced Techniques with the ARTAS Robot
From enhanced donor site blending to targeted graft harvesting, our approach goes beyond standard robotic extraction. Each technique is designed to improve precision, reduce scarring, and optimize aesthetic outcomes tailored to the individual.
Feathering
To ensure a seamless transition between the harvested area and the surrounding scalp, we use the ARTAS system to gradually taper the edges—a technique known as feathering. This is particularly important on the sides, where thinning hair may offer less natural coverage.
Focal Harvesting
Focal harvesting allows us to target untouched zones or supplement areas from a prior session. The ARTAS robot can focus on specific regions to increase yield without compromising the overall appearance of the donor area.
The lower area of the picture shows the Robot focusing on areas that had been missed in the previous FUE session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robotic FUE Hair Transplants
How long does a Robotic FUE procedure take?
It typically takes 6 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts. Because the robot increases speed and precision, large sessions can be completed more efficiently than traditional FUE.
Does Robotic FUE hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the surgery. Most patients experience only mild soreness or swelling afterward, which subsides within a few days.
Will people be able to tell I had a transplant?
Robotic FUE leaves tiny, round scars that are nearly invisible, even with short haircuts. The results look completely natural.
Is Robotic FUE better than manual FUE?
While both techniques can produce excellent results, Robotic FUE offers greater precision, consistency, and speed—especially for patients requiring a large number of grafts or those concerned with minimizing scarring.
How soon can I return to work?
Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within 2-3 days. Any redness in the donor area typically fades within a week.
Robotic FUE at Bernstein Medical
At Bernstein Medical, robotic hair restoration procedures are performed using the ARTAS system, combining advanced technology with expert clinical oversight. Each session is carefully planned to match your unique hair pattern, ensuring natural, lasting results.While the ARTAS robot handles graft harvesting and site creation with remarkable precision, your surgeon directs the overall plan, including graft placement and hairline design.
Our experienced medical team monitors every step of the process, so you benefit from both cutting-edge robotics and personalized care. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a more confident you.
