FUT v FUE v Artas FUE? What's the best option for me? (photos)

Greetings,
Artas versus Neograft is a common question in hair transplantation.  Neograft is a handheld manual FUE with suction attached to it.  Based on this design there are several flaws in harvesting hairs including human error, suction injury leading to trauma to the harvested hairs and a host of other potential issues.  Artas is a state of the art robotic system used to help eliminate human mistakes by using stereoscopic cameras, computer algorithms, and continual updates.  The Artas can actually detect which hairs are in the anagen phase of growth while it is extraordinarily difficult with the naked eye.  While there a host nuances to hair transplantation, harvesting issues are nearly eliminated with an Artas.  We have abandoned the use of manual FUEs and other devices due to consistently lower hair graft rates.  Even a 10% difference, which seems slight, can make a huge impact on your final result.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

FUE is a method of harvesting hair follicles. It stands for Follicular Unit Extraction.  Artas and Neograft are just instruments that help doctors perform FUE.  PRP will not necessarily give you better results.Neograft harvesting is sometimes performed by techs (not doctors) which may be illegal in certain states.
In general, most doctors will state STRIP surgery will give you slightly better results.

Our problem using the NeoGraft machine is the suction used by the machine can damage the grafts and cause inconsistent growth. The ARTAS machine does not use the suction that can damage grafts, but the punches used with the ARTAS machine are large compared to manual FUE, which can cause punctate scarring in the donor area. If you are to go with FUE, it is best not to use these two systems.

You don't give your age.  It is prudent to avoid work in the crown until at least age 30, preferably longer, to assure that the pattern has stabilized.  Regardless, given the amount of loss 2500 grafts will not cover the entire front, top and crown.  I agree with starting with front and top (perhaps 2000-2400 grafts) and then reassessing after growth for a second procedure.
There are several FUE techniques, ARTAS being one of them.  Someone well trained and proficient with the FUE technique will do as well or better than the ARTAS, someone who is not may do worse.  FUT is also a good option if done well.  Be sure you are working with an experienced, reputable surgeon.  Results from FUT and FUE as far as growth is concerned are comparable.
You should also discuss with your surgeon methods to maintain your hair and prevent further loss, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), finasteride (Propecia), laser and minoxidil (Rogaine).

First, you'd need more than 2500 grafts to get full coverage. It's reasonable to do about 2000 grafts in one session then plan for a second session assuming that you density in the back is good enough. The ARTAS will insure that the back of your head looks good. Not all manual FUE folks are the same. Many are good - some are bad. The ARTAS insures that the harvest is random and even. I just did a repeat case last week and you could hardly tell that the back of his head had already been harvested once! Good luck. 

I have written extensively on the choices between FUE and FUT.  The ARTAS is just another instrument for FUE.  Real the material below and I believe you will understand the differences. The final decision should be based upon the skill of the doctor and his/her experience.  Never use a doctor who delegates the surgery to an outside team.