Abstract: A tool and method are provided, wherein prongs with sharpened points extend downward from lower workpiece arms, the sharpened prong points aligned into a linear spaced edge array vertically and generally along a dissection plane. Prong outer curvilinear surfaces engage and move engaged tissue outward away from the dissection plane as workpiece arms are compelled outward and away from each other. In one aspect, tapered prongs move downward vertically through a superficial tissue incision, progressively dissecting the tissue along the dissection plane; and movement of prongs horizontally outward separates the tissue into vertical wall tissue portions, separating follicular unit elements into tissue portions without transection. In another aspect, tissue located at gaps between adjacent spaced prongs is compelled to separate into the first and second vertical wall tissue portions without follicular unit element transection.