ARTAS iX Robotic Hair Transplant Melbourne

Why choose ARTAS iX

Once the monumental decision to go ahead with a hair transplant is made, choosing the best technique for your individual needs comes next. Understanding the planning and execution of each available method governs what you can expect from both the procedure itself and the results in hair restoration.

The ARTAS iX System was developed by hair transplant experts to eliminate human variables like physician fatigue and the guesswork associated with manual follicle harvesting and grafting.

The ARTAS iX is incision, staple and stitch-free, unlike other hair transplant techniques. Your scalp remains intact, there are no visible scars, with natural-looking results seen in as little as 4 months.

With precision robotics and an intelligent algorithm, the intricate work is undertaken delicately, efficiently and with mathematical precision by the robotic arm. That means more hair where you want it, faster, with the ARTAS iX.

The ARTAS iX system has made light work of a dizzying, labour-intensive task. You can now experience the most advanced hair restoration treatment in the world at The Derm Lab in Melbourne.
The exceptional benefits of the ARTAS iX System include:

Incredible precision: The ARTAS iX will optically identify the best hair follicles for extraction. The robot surveys and tracks each hair 60 times per second.

Accuracy: Rapid, micron-level targeting provides accuracy to 44 microns.

Consistency: There is no fatigue of the technology over the duration of a case. The thousandth graft is the same quality as the first graft.

Speed: The ARTAS iX is on average 2x faster than an expert human hand. The ARTAS iX is also much faster than prior versions of the technology.

Digital Algorithmic Mapping: Provides superior and consistent distribution of harvest reducing risks of overharvesting.

Graft quality: Hair follicle grafts are very consistent.

Virtually pain-free
Quick recovery
Permanent results
No linear scar

What to expect

What to expect on the day

You will be in our clinic from morning until the afternoon so make sure you have a good breakfast and dress for comfort. We will provide you with lunch and refreshments throughout the day. As your comfort is our highest priority, you’ll be able to take breaks, watch Netflix and nap during the day. Because you remain awake for the procedure, you can talk with us anytime.

Your physician will administer local anaesthetic to the scalp before the commencement of the procedure. Because of the anaesthetic, most patients report the experience as pain-free.

Your physician will be with you throughout the day as you journey through the process, operating the ARTAS iX where required and ensuring everything is going exactly to plan.

Post-procedure, you can return home immediately. Your physician will provide you with clear verbal and written instructions for how to care for your hair and scalp, and you can call us for advice anytime. Most people have a comfortable sleep and can return to regular activities within a few days. You can care for your hair as usual once your scalp heals.
What to expect in the following months

The hair in the transplanted grafts will fall out – this is normal and expected. Once the initial healing of your scalp has occurred, you will look like you did pre-procedure. Hair starts to grow from the transplanted follicles after a few months.

At six months, you will notice more lustrous growth, with further growth expected. You’ll see the best results at about nine to twelve months post-procedure.

ARTAS iX vs Manual FUE vs FUT ('Strip Grafting')

There are three main techniques used in hair transplants:

ARTAS iX – robotic follicular unit extraction and transplantation
Manual follicular unit transplantation (FUT), also known as strip grafting or strip surgery
Manual follicular unit extraction (FUE) using handheld devices

- ARTAS IX
- Fastest hair transplant system available
- No practitioner fatigue or low skill level during procedure
- Patented blunt punch technique results in more viable grafts
- ARTAS® 3D Vision Guided Robotic System
- Algorithms select optimal locations for harvesting and placement of grafts
- Multiple follicles punched at once
- Vacuum suction used judiciously
- Digital mapping
- Simulation technology – see 3D modelled results before the procedure
- Unique topographical map of follicles made using advanced technology
- Up to 1000 grafts harvested per hour
- No visible scarring
- MANUAL FUE
- Slower, manual procedure
- Room for doctor and technician error in placement due to fatigue or low skill level
- Sharp punch excision can cause damage to the target and neighbouring follicles
- Handheld motorised tool
- No automated safeguards against repeating donor or grafting sites
- One follicle punched at once
- Follicles suctioned into a vial, which may cause drying of follicle
- No digital mapping
- No simulation technology
- No topographical follicle map
- Up to 800 grafts harvested per hour
- No visible scarring however overharvesting can lead to low density/sparse appearance
- STRIP (FUT)
- Slower, manual procedure
- Room for doctor and technician error in placement due to fatigue or low skill level
- Lower transection rate
- Large strip excised from back of scalp
- Not applicable to donor site however relies heavily on surgeons experience for grafting site
- Large strip excised from back of scalp
- Not applicable
- No digital mapping
- No simulation technology
- No topographical follicle map
- Number depends on the teams ability and the laxitiy of the patients scalp
- Permanent linear scar

Our ARTAS iX team

Staff Profile

Dr. Sam Clark

Hair Transplant Physician & Cosmetic Doctor

Dr Sam is New Zealand trained, having obtained his medical degree from the University of Otago. After working in a range of hospital specialties, he made the move to Melbourne to pursue his passion of aesthetic medicine.

Over this time, he has gained significant experience with cosmetic injectables and has completed a wide range of training, in both Australia and Europe. This experience has provided him with the aesthetic acumen, expertise, and know-how to deliver life changing, natural, results from hair transplant procedures. Dr. Sam firmly believes that while an aesthetic sense is innate; years of training in an aesthetic field is paramount to delivering superior hair transplant results.

Dr Sam proudly leads our ARTAS iX hair transplant team. He is a fully accredited ARTAS iX surgeon and is excited to be working with the first ARTAS iX in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dr Sam places a strong focus on understanding the needs of each individual, developing strong interpersonal connections, and working with patients to achieve their cosmetic goals. He is proud to be working with The Derm Lab, knowing that here, he has access to the best technology and techniques available to assist his patients in achieving their cosmetic goals.

Registration number: MED0002315077

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Staff Profile

Christian Compain

Founder & Co-Director

Since graduating from the University of Sydney in 2010, Christian has worked alongside some of Australia's leading Plastic & Cosmetic surgeons and Cosmetic Dermatologists. After developing a passion for cosmetic medicine and extensive clinical experience this led him to establish The Derm Lab.

Christian is a specialist in non-surgical modalities and has a strong following for his warmth and expert patient results. His artistic ability and attention to detail have contributed to his success in cosmetic medicine. Christian has completed training in a number of dermal therapies, as well as Trichology which includes his specialty focus, FUE hair transplantation. Alongside Dr Sam Clark, he leads our ARTAS iX hair transplant team. His detailed knowledge of anatomy enables him to produce safe and reliable outcomes. Christian is passionate about natural, undetectable results for all his patients.

He is an active member of a number of professional groups and continues to upskill and attend conferences to ensure he follows best and safe practice guidelines. Christian is proud to be an Ambassador for BTL Aesthetics Australia.

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Staff Profile

Casey

Senior Hair Transplant Technician

As a dedicated Hair Transplant Technician, Casey has experience working with leading industry members since 2016. Casey is highly driven by results and the health and wellness of patients and takes great pride in maintaining her high level of service and care to every patient.

Casey always dreamed of working in a surgical environment, loves to gain knowledge and skills, and desires to be at the top of her craft in all areas. Casey is a proud member of The Derm Lab Team.

Certified ARTASⓇ Technician

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Staff Profile

Emily

Registered Nurse & Senior Hair Transplant Technician

Emily, a dedicated registered nurse with expertise in hair restoration.

She started her hair restoration career in 2010, few of year later she finished her bachelor’s degree in nursing and stared performing cosmetic injectables after 2 years she returned to hair restoration full time, once again work with Australias best doctors in hair.

Emily’s commitment is to deliver exceptional hair restoration surgery, ensuring each patient receives top-quality care and results.

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Staff Profile

Nina

Registered Nurse & Senior Hair Transplant Technician

Nina is a highly skilled and experienced registered nurse specializing in the field of hair restoration.

With a privileged history of collaborating closely with renowned surgeons in the industry, she has earned a reputation for her expertise, meticulousness, and dedication to excellence. Nina brings a wealth of knowledge in various hair restoration techniques, ensuring that patients receive optimal outcomes. Her commitment surpasses expectations as she tirelessly works to assist patients in achieving their hair goals.

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Staff Profile

Ly

Registered Nurse & Hair Transplant Technician

Ly is a Registered Nurse with more than 9 years experience in aged care, completing GNP at an aged care facility.

Ly started doing FUE and FUT hair transplants in 2019.

Ly has always had a passion for hair restoration, which led her into FUE hair transplant.

Certified ARTASⓇ Technician

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Staff Profile

Diem

Registered Nurse & Senior Hair Transplant Technician

Diem has significant experience in both FUT and FUE hair restoration since 2006

Diem has earned a reputation for her expertise, meticulousness, and dedication to excellence. She brings a wealth of knowledge in various hair restoration techniques, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients at The Derm Lab.

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Staff Profile

Chris

Hair Transplant Technician

With a background in precision medical equipment manufacturing, Chris brings exceptional handiwork skills to our medical theatre.

Trained under a renowned theatre technician, Kris adeptly handles delicate instruments and supports surgeries, ensuring smooth operations with their precision and expertise.

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Understanding hair loss

To understand hair loss, we must understand hair growth.

Hair grows out of a follicle, a tube-like pouch sitting just below the skin’s surface. The hair attaches to the follicle base via its root, with the root providing access to a blood supply that delivers nutrients and oxygen.

The part of the hair we can see is known as the shaft. The hair shaft develops from a tower of cells. The new cells build-up from the root, one on top of the other, with the tip eventually pushed out of the skin’s surface and becoming a lengthening hair. The cells closest to the root are living; meanwhile, the cells that make up the hair shaft are not.

The cells that make up a hair shaft are ‘keratinised’ cells, meaning they are tough, have no blood supply and are not ‘alive’ as we know it. Nails grow in a similar process, with keratinised cells making up the hard surface. The living follicle root is the critical part of a hair, with hair thickness dependent on the size follicle from which it grows.

Hair doesn’t grow continuously; a hair’s life cycle occurs in three main stages.
1. ANAGEN PHASE — GROWING STAGE
  In this first stage, hair grows at a rate of around 1 cm per month, though hair growth rates are variable depending on the season and the person. The anagen phase can last 2-5 years, which is why hair can grow so long.
2. CATAGEN PHASE — HAIR DISENGAGES (BUT DOES NOT FALL OUT)
  In this second stage, the bulb detaches from the blood supply, and the hair shaft is pushed up but remains attached to the scalp. The catagen phase lasts a few weeks.
1. TELOGEN PHASE — FOLLICLE RESTS (HAIR STILL IN PLACE)
  During this final stage, the hair follicle rests, and there is no further growth since the hair is disengaged from the root at this point. The hair takes about five months to fall out of the head.About 90 per cent of the follicles on the scalp are in the growing (anagen) phase, with the remainder in the resting (telogen) phase.Once the resting phase is complete and the old hair has fallen out, a new hair will start to grow. If a hair follicle is damaged severely enough, a hair is unable to be produced.

How hair loss develops

When one of the stages of hair growth is interrupted, hair loss and balding can occur. If a follicle remains in its resting phase, shedding the old hair without growing a new one, then the hair will, over time, start to thin. Strands may be very fragile and break when they emerge from the follicle, also leading to thinning.

Cellular interruptions to a new hair may also occur at the root, possibly due to tissue damage (burns, skin loss, scar tissue) causing the area to be hairless.

Genetic and hormonal influences play a significant role in the most common forms of hair loss, particularly in androgenic alopecia, more commonly known as male and female pattern hair loss. In androgen-driven pattern hair loss, the growing phase may be shortened, with each hair prematurely shed. Regrowth becomes shorter and finer, until the area may reach a stage of complete baldness.
Androgenic alopecia

Genes determine whether hair follicles can tolerate certain types of androgens, in particular, dihydrotestosterone. Follicles may be more sensitive to this hormone in some people, resulting in the slow decline of the performance of follicles, with the slowing and halting of hair growth over time in a specific pattern.

Androgenic alopecia is genetic, creating a distinctive pattern of hair loss on the scalp, hence the name. Men’s hair loss patterns are more distinctive than women’s, and hair loss tends to be progressive with increasing loss of healthy follicles.

Male pattern baldness

Hormones – androgens – can negatively affect some follicles, resulting in some hair follicles becoming smaller, reducing hair-producing capacities. Eventually, when the follicle can no longer support hair growth, the hair falls out, and a replacement doesn’t materialise. The follicles affected by androgens appear in a predictable pattern in men, which is genetically determined.

The fringe of hair at the back of the head isn’t affected by male pattern baldness and will last a lifetime as dictated by genes. That’s why ARTAS iX hair transplants are permanent; we use only hair from the back of the head, which is genetically programmed to keep growing.

There are seven patterns to male pattern balding, known as the Norwood Scale.

STAGE 1

Those with male pattern baldness in stage one still have a full head of hair with very few signs of balding or receding. This stage is known as the control stage.

STAGE 2

There is slight evidence of a receding hairline, typically around the temples.

STAGE 3 AND 3A

Hair loss is becoming more noticeable, with the hairline pulling back from the temples, curving into an ‘M’ shape when looking from the top down.

In stage 3A, less defined curves in the hairline may be present.

STAGE 3 VERTEX

Hair loss is less drastic than in stage 3, though hair will start being lost from the crown of the head, being the first area to lose hair.

STAGE 4 AND 4A

We see significant hair loss in stage four as the hairline recedes to resemble a ‘U’ shape when looking from the top down.

STAGE 5 AND 5A

Stage 5 is similar to Stage 4, but with further progression of hair loss. The section of hair sitting between the receding hairline and the balding crown will be smaller.

Stage 5A sees the hairline creeping towards the back of the head.
STAGE 6

A person is bald on the top and front of the head, with the two bald areas joining. Hair may remain on the sides and back of the head.

STAGE 7

Baldness appears on the sides of the head, with hair that does grow in this area becoming thin and weak.

FEMALE PATTERN BALDNESS

Women may also develop androgenic alopecia, but the pattern of hair loss differs from men’s. After menopause, oestrogen levels drop off, leaving androgens to impact hair follicles in the same way they affect men’s follicles.

In women, we use the Ludwig scale to grade hair loss on a scale from one to three. Stage I of the Ludwig scale begins with thinning at the top of the head; Stage II means the scalp has started to show, and Stage III means all the hair on the crown is lost.

Many women’s hair loss patterns do not fit into the Ludwig scale, and hair is often lost evenly across the head, resulting in thinning rather than balding. A receding hairline is not as common in women and the crown of the head may be affected more than other areas.

Other causes of hair loss include:

Shocking physical or emotional trauma, for example, a car accident or family death.
Pregnancy and giving birth
Vitamin A excess
Certain medications or supplements
Low B vitamin levels
Family history
Iron deficiency anaemia
Hypothyroidism
Autoimmune disease (alopecia areata)
Sudden weight loss
Over-styling and some hair products (tight braids, weaves, chemical relaxants, hot oil)
Anabolic steroids
Chemotherapy
Hair pulling disorders (Trichotillomania)

The psychological impact of balding

Hair loss can have profound impacts on self-image. Research reveals there is a perception that balding men are older, weaker and less physically attractive than non-balding men. Women’s balding is talked about far less, but the impacts on self-image are no less significant.

Negative stereotypes about hair loss don’t do our self-esteem any favours and can impact quality of life. Many balding men report emotional distress regarding the loss of hair, feeling less physically attractive, and having greater body dissatisfaction than their non-balding peers. Many men are, therefore, very motivated to have successful hair restoration procedures.

Restoration procedures may include preventing further hair loss, maintaining existing hair, regrowing hair or a combination of strategies.

The ARTAS iX System works to maintain existing hair, but because we relocate follicles, the procedure gives the impression of regrowing hair. The same amount of hair is present on the head; it is simply rearranged to offer a more lustrous-looking hairline.

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Frequently asked questions

Why ARTAS iX at The Derm Lab?

The ARTAS iX at The Derm Lab is the only device of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Derm Lab is a state-of-the-art clinic in Malvern, catering to Melbourne metro, regional Victoria, and interstate patients. The Derm Lab is a leading provider of proven cosmetic and medical treatments, with experienced doctors and nurses providing effective treatments using the latest technology.

The ARTAS iX system doesn’t require any incisions, staples or stitching, no removal of scalp skin and no visible scarring, unlike other hair transplant techniques. The treatments are fast, use artificial intelligence and a robotic arm, all with the oversight and artistic skill of an experienced hair restoration doctor.

If you’ve been battling with losing your hair for a while, maybe it’s time to book in a consultation with The Derm Lab hair restoration experts and see how we can help you.

How does the ARTAS iX robotic procedure work?

The ARTAS iX System is a minimally invasive hair restoration technique utilising 3D imaging and precision robotics to harvest healthy hair follicles to be transplanted in areas of the scalp experiencing thinning or balding. There are no stitches or visible scarring.

Are results permanent?

The ARTAS iX system is a permanent hair restoration treatment. The donor grafts are from the follicles found in the back of the head not susceptible to the same pattern baldness as the previous follicles.

As with any aesthetic treatment, individual results vary. Talk to us about your hair restoration goals, and we’ll see how we can help you.

Am I a suitable candidate for the ARTAS iX procedure?

Hair transplants require consideration of several factors, for example, how advanced is your hair loss, hair colour, hair type, facial structure, age, and your expectations for hair restoration treatments.

We can perform the ARTAS iX procedure on almost anyone with hair loss that has black or brown, relatively straight hair. Most people who experience hair loss in Australia are good candidates, in particular, those experiencing male or female pattern baldness.

Hair loss should have stabilised before treatments are undertaken, as losing further hair after treatments will negatively affect the hairline.

During your complimentary consultation, we will complete a full analysis of your prospects for success, with pre-procedure 3D imaging so we can see if the ARTAS iX is right for you. We are very clear about our capacity for hair restoration in each individual, so talk to us. Having realistic expectations is important.

Once confirmed to be a suitable candidate, you will be required to have a full blood assessment and a consultation with the physician

How long is recovery from a robotic hair transplant?

Because the procedure is minimally invasive – there are no surgical incisions, staples or stitches – you can look forward to a quick recovery. You’ll most likely be back enjoying your regular activities within 48 hours.

Will people know I’ve had a hair transplant?

You will undoubtedly get comments that you are looking well, but unless you tell, nobody will know you’ve had a hair transplant. The results from the ARTAS iX System are seamless and natural.

Will my hair look natural?

Yes, your hair will grow and fall naturally after hair restoration procedures with the ARTAS iX. You can grow it long or cut short as you wish.

Why is the ARTAS iX different from hair plugs?

Hair plugs are large swathes of hair follicles taken from healthy growing areas, then moved to areas where the hair is thinning. Hair plugs can result in an unnatural appearance of the hair since the angle of hair growth makes a considerable difference to outcomes. Hair plugs may result in hair growth appearing awkward

ARTAS iX uses algorithm-driven follicle extraction. Single follicular units (groups of 1-4 hairs) in their natural groupings are then transplanted according to the advanced algorithm, resulting in natural-looking hair and a rejuvenated hairline.

Does Robotic Follicular Unit Extraction (FUT) hurt?

We use a local anaesthetic before your procedure to minimise. You can expect to feel a little tender afterwards, but this will dissipate within a day or two. We will be on hand to ensure you are very comfortable during your procedure and have everything you need for a successful recovery.

How long does robotic hair restoration take?

You can expect to be in our Melbourne clinic for several hours, up to a full day. Robotic hair restoration takes far less time than traditional hair transplant techniques when you consider the number of follicles able to be transplanted.

Does follicle removal leave scars?

Unlike strip grafting, you do not have any visible scarring after ARTAS iX treatments. However, a shaved head may reveal tiny pinhole scars in the donor area.

With ARTAS iX hair restoration procedures you can wear your hair however you like, including very short cuts, without worrying about visible scars.

If you are a darker skin type there may be a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This consideration and also a history of keloid scarring are not contraindications yet can be discussed at the time of Consultation.

Does the ARTAS iX procedure hurt?

Because we use a local anaesthetic on your scalp before treatment starts, you’ll feel virtually no pain. Some people may experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but this will dissipate across a few days. We are on hand to ensure you are very comfortable during your procedure and have everything you need for a successful recovery.

What is the cost of hair restoration using the ARTAS iX?

Because each of you has unique needs, consultation and assessment is a necessary part of the quotation process. Contact us for more information and a ballpark of what to expect based on your hair growth patterns.

Do I need to shave my head before ARTAS iX treatments?

Yes, this is important as it enables the 3D robotic cameras to accurately assess each potential graft. We shave the whole head to approximately 1mm on the day of the procedure to keep things simple and easy to manage post operatively.

What is the aftercare of the ARTAS iX hair restoration procedure?

We recommend you avoid heavy lifting for two weeks, and saunas and steam rooms for three weeks. Leave your head uncovered for at least three days – no hats, helmets or wigs. Do not use a hairdryer for at least two weeks.

In the week after your procedure, avoid putting pressure on your delicate follicles, for example, when washing hair, scratching your head or styling hair. When the flakes around the roots have completely fallen off, you can then dye, cut or curl your hair. Avoid styling for three months.

There is likely to be some tightness and possibly some discomfort around the donor area for a while. Be gentle.

Please note: Detailed post-operative care instructions will be provided following your ARTAS iX hair transplant.

How long after treatment can I wash my hair?

You can wash your hair very gently the day after treatments, and as usual after about five days. The ARTAS iX team will show you how to wash both the donor and recipient site. You will also be given a take-home care kit following your treatment.

We can transplant up to 5,000 follicles in a day’s work. By contrast, other manual methods can only transplant 2,000 follicles in six hours. ARTAS iX has a clear advantage.

When will the new hair start growing?

You’ll start to see new hair growth within three months, with more significant improvements in thickness seen within six months. Your full results reveal themselves after 9-12 months when the follicles are settled in their new locations and are producing healthy hair.

How does HypoThermosol assist during a hair transplant?

HypoThermosol is an innovative solution to temporarily store hair grafts prior to implantation. It has been shown to improve the preservation and functionality of the harvested hair follicles. We will discuss the importance of the use of HypoThermosol during your consultation. The Derm Lab is committed to providing the very best results so invest heavily in cutting edge research and technology.

Section

What to expect on the day

What to expect in the following months

There are three main techniques used in hair transplants: