Punch (Extraction Tool)

A punch extraction tool is a small hollow or circular blade used to harvest individual follicular units from the donor area during follicular unit extraction (FUE). Punch sizes typically range from about 0.7 to 1.5 millimeters and can be manual or motorized, sharp or blunt; the instrument cores around the follicle to separate it from surrounding tissue for extraction.

When used correctly, punch extraction minimizes linear scarring and allows relatively quick donor-site healing, but it carries risks such as graft transection, visible circular scarring, or pigment changes if the angle or depth is incorrect. The tool’s effectiveness depends on operator technique, hair characteristics and device choice, and it is commonly used for scalp and body-hair harvesting in hair restoration procedures.