Dermal punches are designed to remove tissue for biopsy procedures. Some piercers and the Association of Professional Piercers
http://www.piercing.org/app/ feel that dermal punches are inappropriate for performing piercings. Their use constitutes a medical procedure which could be considered medical malpractice.
Shannon Larratt of the Body Modification Ezine
http://www.bme.freeq.com comments on the dermal punch procedure:
"
The piercing is made with a dermal punch, usually 2-3.5mm depending on the lobe and the desired effect. A taper is used to stretch the hole. Since the surface tension is relieved by using a dermal punch, the stretch is an easy (and large) one. The final piercing size is usually between 6 and 2 gauge. It is important to use light (often titanium) jewelry for healing. Healing time is the same or slightly faster than a standard lobe piercing."