A follicle unit extraction system includes a generally tubular follicle punch having a distal cutting edge, and an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the punch to impart rapid, incremental, distally-directed cutting force pulses to the punch during the cutting operation. The punch is being mounted at the forward end of a handpiece, and the ultrasonic transducer is resiliently mounted within the handpiece and releasably coupled to the punch for imparting ultrasonic vibration to the punch.
