Method and apparatus for extraction of folicular units

Abstract

A punch for drilling around a follicular unit may be provided. The punch may include an elongated cylindrical tubing having a proximal end, a distal end and a central lumen therebetween. The punch may further include a bulging body with an elongated cylindrical portion at a distal end and an about 45 degree sloping conical portion at a proximal end. The punch may further include an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A punch for drilling around a follicular unit comprising:
 an elongated cylindrical tubing having a proximal end, a distal end and a central lumen therebetween;   a bulging body comprising an elongated cylindrical portion at a distal end and a 45 degree sloping conical portion at a proximal end; and   an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end.   
     
     
         2 . A punch for drilling according to  claim 1 , wherein a sharp cutting edge is located at the proximal end of the cylindrical tubing, having an internal diameter less than the outer diameter, defined as a tip, wherein the tip is capable of punching a hole around a follicular unit for extraction. 
     
     
         3 . A punch for drilling according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated cylindrical portion comprises a transverse bore of 3.16 mm diameter therethrough for removing any occluded skin tissue. 
     
     
         4 . A punch for drilling according to  claim 3 , wherein the central lumen is extended into the transverse bore in the elongated cylindrical portion. 
     
     
         5 . A punch for drilling according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of sloping conical portion is connected to the distal end of the elongated cylindrical tubing, and wherein the sloping conical portion limits the drilling depth. 
     
     
         6 . A punch for drilling according to  claim 5 , wherein the sloping conical portion generally conforms to an angle of emergence of a hair protruding out of an epidermis layer and further the sloping portion of the punch resting on the skin stabilizes the movement of hand while drilling. 
     
     
         7 . A punch for drilling according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the elongated handle is connected to the distal end of the elongated cylindrical portion, and wherein the distal end of the elongated handle is connected to a micromotor for manipulation of drilling. 
     
     
         8 . A punch for drilling according to  claim 5 , wherein the drilling depth is limited to a sebaceous gland thickness.