Does the ARTAS hair transplant procedure hurt?

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    Surveyed from the published FAQs of 17 hair transplant providers. The percentage on each highlighted claim is the share of surveyed providers who make that claim on their own sites — it shows how common a claim is, not that it is true. Hover to see who.

    Also asked as: “Does the ARTAS procedure hurt?” · “Does the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant procedure hurt?” · “Does ARTAS 9X robotic hair transplant cause pain?” · “Does the ARTAS iX procedure hurt?”

    The ARTAS hair transplant procedure is described by providers as using local anesthesia88%Stated by 88% of the providers we surveyed. Including Aron Nusbaum, M.D., Musk Clinic, Pacific Hair Center, Precision Hair Restoration, Rosanelli, Robotic Hair Restoration of Long Island, and 7 more. to numb the scalp, ensuring patients typically feel virtually no pain71%Stated by 71% of the providers we surveyed. Including Alpha Male Cosmetic Center, Mayer Hair, The Carney Center, The Derm Lab, Robotic Hair Rx, Nuance Medispa, and 6 more. during the procedure. However, some clinics note that patients may experience a brief, mild sting6%Stated by 6% of the providers we surveyed. Including Musk Clinic. during the anesthesia injection, indicating some variation in reported experiences.

    Most providers claim that patients may experience minor discomfort and swelling82%Stated by 82% of the providers we surveyed. Including Aesthetic Surgery Institute, Aron Nusbaum, M.D., Precision Hair Restoration, and 9 more. after the procedure, which usually subsides within 1 to 3 days71%Stated by 71% of the providers we surveyed. Including Rosanelli, Robotic Hair Restoration of Long Island, Alpha Male Cosmetic Center, and 8 more.. Clinics describe the procedure itself as causing little pain once the scalp is numb, but soreness afterwards varies from person to person.

    About half of the clinics describe the ARTAS procedure as an outpatient procedure41%Stated by 41% of the providers we surveyed. Including Pacific Hair Center, The Carney Center, Aron Nusbaum, M.D., and 3 more., performed in the doctor's office without requiring an overnight stay. This convenience is a significant factor for many considering the procedure.

    A minority of providers highlight that the ARTAS system ensures minimal tissue trauma18%Stated by 18% of the providers we surveyed. Including Musk Clinic, Pacific Hair Center, Robotic Hair Restoration of Long Island., reducing postoperative pain. They also emphasize that the procedure involves no stitches or scalpels18%Stated by 18% of the providers we surveyed. Including Nuance Medispa, Robotic Hair Restoration of Long Island., so there is no linear scar as with strip surgery. Like other FUE methods, it still leaves many small dot scars in the donor area.

    For managing post-procedure discomfort, some clinics state it is manageable with standard analgesics18%Stated by 18% of the providers we surveyed. Including Aesthetic Surgery Institute, Musk Clinic, Robotic Hair Restoration of Long Island.. Ask the clinic which painkillers to use, and contact them if pain is severe or getting worse.

    What clinics say

    Claims from clinics' own websites

    In their own words — the 13 clinics whose published guidance fed this answer.

    1. Once the scalp is numb, the patient feels no pain.
      Aron Nusbaum, M.D. Miami, US
    2. … under local anaesthesia, so patients typically feel only a brief, mild sting (comparable to tiny ant bites) during injection.
      Musk Clinic Ahmedabad, IN
    3. The patient feels virtually no pain.
      Rosanelli Campbell, US
    4. The ARTAS® robotic hair restoration system is performed under local anesthesia for your comfort.
      Pacific Hair Center San Diego, US
    5. The patient feels virtually minimal discomfort with local anesthesia.
      Precision Hair Restoration Philadelphia, US
    6. While the process isn’t without some discomfort, this is an outpatient procedure that requires only local anesthesia.
      Robotic Hair Restoration of Long Island Woodbury, US
    7. The patient typically feels no pain. Some patients can experience minor discomfort and swelling post-procedure, which subsides in …
      Alpha Male Cosmetic Center Houston, US
    8. The patient typically feels no pain.
      Mayer Hair Islandia, US
    9. It requires only a local anesthetic, and the patient feels virtually no pain.
      The Carney Center Virginia Beach, US
    10. … anaesthetic on your scalp before treatment starts, you’ll feel virtually no pain.
      The Derm Lab Melbourne, AU
    11. Rest assured, this procedure is virtually painless.
      Robotic Hair Rx Tempe, US
    12. Most patients feel no pain. The team at Aesthetic Surgery Institute will numb your scalp before the procedure.
      Aesthetic Surgery Institute Houston, US
    13. Recovery is usually mild, with most patients experiencing only minor redness or tenderness for a few days.
      Nuance Medispa Montréal, CA