Patent ID: 7261721

Claim:
A method of extracting follicular units comprising the steps of: utilizing an apparatus with a generally elongated handle ( 12 ), which comprises a tapering portion ( 14 ) at an end thereof, partially inserting a generally cylindrical biopsy punch ( 16 ), which is removably attached to the tapering portion of the handle ( 14 ), around a target follicular unit, inserting a perforator ( 18 ) around the target follicular unit, the perforator affixed to the punch ( 16 ), comprising an annular portion ( 18 A), which comprises an open end to allow the same to fit around the punch ( 16 ), the perforator further comprising a plurality of spike members ( 18 B), which extend along the vertical axis of the punch, generally parallel thereto, the perforator also comprising an extended member ( 18 C), which is of a shape corresponding to the tapering portion of the handle ( 14 ) and lower portion of the handle ( 12 ) and abutting same, the end of the extended member ( 18 C) extending outwardly from the handle to allow a user to engage the same and slide the perforator down the punch, to engage a patient's scalp, providing a series of small apertures resulting in a perforation thereon, and utilizing a suction means affixed to a butt end of the handle ( 12 ), which functions to vacuum extracted follicular units towards a guard member ( 24 ), which contains follicular units and prevents same from entering an aperture ( 22 ) into the handle.