Linked X form with point controller to selected verts ?

I'm animating a scalpel cutting into skin, and I need the skin to part realistically... spreading out as the scalpel cuts further along the skin surface.

I'm trying to add a linked x form modifier with a point controller to verts along the edges of the skin so I can keyframe the cut with precision and add the delayed parting of the skin.

I can add them manually but I have an object that needs 244 of them and was looking for an automated way to do it.

Like this script but having the object controlling the vertex position instead.

http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/attach-object-to-vertices

I've tried modifying it but nothing works:/

Animated booleans are far to simplistic and limited for this task.

Appreciate any help, or any suggestions for a better approach.