Follicular Unit Extraction System

A follicular unit extraction system comprising:

• a handpiece body extending along a generally central axis for holding a generally tubular follicle punch having a cutting edge;
• a motor-driven driveshaft mounted within the handpiece body for rotation about the axis for rotating the follicular punch when said punch is held by the handpiece;
• a fluid path carried by the handpiece for conducting a liquid from a source external to the handpiece into the lumen of a generally tubular follicle punch held by the handpiece for delivery of the fluid to the cutting edge of the follicle punch;
• and
• a flow-rate controller for conducting the liquid from the external source to the handpiece in such a way as to maintain a drip of the liquid adjacent the cutting edge sufficient to create and substantially sustain a lubricating liquid film around the follicle during cutting and follicle extraction, and for selectively increasing the liquid pressure sufficiently to discharge tissue within the lumen from the punch.