Abstract: Apparatus and method are for extraction of follicular units. A dermal biopsy punch is utilized in combination with a suction device for extraction purposes. The use of suction to extract the follicular unit allows for distribution of the forces over a large area of the unit, helping to keep the unit intact. A perforating device, affixed to the punch, is utilized to weaken the structural integrity of the extraction area. The perforating device, having a plurality of spike members which surround the follicular unit and are inserted into the skin at a small, previously determined depth, reduces the holding tissue around the unit. The small number of relatively thin spikes of the perforating device help keep the follicular unit undamaged. Because suction is utilized to extract the follicular unit, the distal end of the apparatus may have a guard which functions to prevent the extracted follicular units from being vacuumed further therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are for extraction of follicular units. A dermal biopsy punch is utilized in combination with a suction device for extraction purposes. The use of suction to extract the follicular unit allows for distribution of the forces over a large area of the unit, helping to keep the unit intact. A perforating device, affixed to the punch, is utilized to weaken the structural integrity of the extraction area. The perforating device, having a single spike member which is inserted into the skin at a small, previously determined depth, in several locations, surrounding the follicular unit and reducing the holding tissue around the unit. The spike member of the perforating device is relatively thin and unlikely to damage the follicular unit. Because suction is utilized to extract the follicular unit, the distal end of the apparatus may have a guard which functions to prevent the extracted follicular units from being vacuumed further therein.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for extraction of follicular units from a donor area, for the purpose of transplantation into balding areas of the scalp. A first method utilizes a dermal biopsy punch in combination with a suction device for extraction purposes. The suction allows for distribution of forces over a greater area of the follicular unit than previously attained. This mitigates “crush force” upon the follicular unit, thus helping keep the unit intact. Moreover, because this method does not require repeatedly putting down the punch and picking up the forceps, the extraction process is sped up significantly. The method further utilizes a perforating device that is designed to weaken the structural integrity of the area in question, which greatly facilitates extraction of the follicular unit. The perforation device comprises a single “spike” member which is inserted into the skin at a small, previously-determined depth in several locations surrounding the follicular unit.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for extraction of follicular units from a donor area, for the purpose of transplantation into balding areas of the scalp. A first method utilizes a dermal biopsy punch in combination with a suction device for extraction purposes. The suction allows for distribution of forces over a greater area of the follicular unit than previously attained. This mitigates “crush force” upon the follicular unit, thus helping keep the unit intact. Moreover, because this method does not require repeatedly putting down the punch and picking up the forceps, the extraction process is sped up significantly. A second method utilizes a perforating device that is designed to weaken the structural integrity of the area in question, which greatly facilitates extraction of the follicular unit. The perforation device comprises a plurality of “spike” members which surround the follicular unit and are inserted into the skin at a small, previously-determined depth.