A surgical instrument and method for implantation of follicular units into the scalp of a patient, including a generally cylindrical handle; a cannula disposed at one end of the cylindrical handle, the cannula having an open port constructed to load and to hold a follicular unit, and the cannula further having a tip end constructed for insertion into an implantation incision at an implantation site; a flap for at least partially closing the open port; a movable lever hinged at one end thereof relative to the cylindrical handle and connected at another end thereof to the flap; and a plunger extending through the cannula and constructed to displace a loaded follicular unit out from the cannula into the implantation incision.