Patent ID: 8298246

Claim:
A follicular unit removal tool, comprising: an elongated body having a lumen and distal end with a tip configured to penetrate a body surface, the lumen of the elongated body being configured and having a capacity to receive one or more follicular units; a retention member positioned proximal to the tip of the elongated body and configured to be accommodated by the elongated body and to be pivotally movable relative to the elongated body from a retracted position to a retention position about a depression in the elongated body which provides a pivotal axis for the retention member, wherein in the retention position at least a portion of the retention member projects into the lumen of the elongated body; and an actuator configured to cause the retention member to pivot from the retracted to the retention position and/or from the retention to the retracted position; wherein, when the retention member is in the retracted position, a size of an outer and an inner cross-sectional profile of a portion of the removal tool comprising the retention member is substantially the same as if the retention member was not present.