What is Donor in Hair Restoration
Although follicles are technically tiny organs which grow hair, they are not treated like other forms of organ structures.
For example, the heart, kidneys and liver can be replaced by donor organs from other people. This does not work for operations performed to transplant hair.
Follicles are small in size and carry different protein signatures from person to person. This makes them susceptible to immune system attacks. And due to their size, they would not be able to survive.
Although immune-suppressant drugs can be used, this would compromise the patient’s own natural defense system.
Donor Grafts Sharing by identical twins
Although the general rule is that follicles cannot be transplanted from another person, one exception would be identical twins.
These siblings have the exact same DNA code. This occurs when a single fertilized egg divides into two. Fraternal twins have different DNA due to two different eggs being fertilized by two different sperm cells.
Having identical sets of DNA , means that each twin will have the exact same protein structures, even on their hair follicles. Therefore, donor graft sharing by identical twins should not theoretically incur attacks from the immune system.
Phenotypes and Surgery to Restore Hair in Identical Twins
Although identical twins have the same genotype (i.e.. DNA codes), they won’t necessarily have the exact same phenotype (physical characteristics) in every single area possible, including degree of baldness.
It is quite possible for one identical twin to have a more severe state of baldness compared to the other.
Observational twin studies have in fact been conducted to observe the patterns of genetic hair loss in siblings who are supposed to have identical genes.
If one of the twins has developed less than healthy lifestyle habits, it is likely that they will display a greater degree of baldness compared to the other.
Environmental factors can speed up the rate of hair loss. Examples include:
(1) High and ongoing exposure to sunlight. This often occurs when individuals are very active outdoors, even during peak hours. UV rays can age the skin and deeper structures like the hair follicles by creating free radicals from oxygen molecules on the skin
(2) heavy and regular smoking and drinking
Smoking constricts the blood vessels, which can deplete normal supplies of oxygen and nutrients from the follicles. Alcohol increases levels of estrogen. It also lowers the body’s store of nutrients such as zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamins B and C.
Therefore, if one of they have healthy head of hair and concedes to donating follicles to their sibling, it is quite possible for donor grafts sharing by identical twins to be a viable operation involving the transplantation of hair into the depleted areas of the scalp. But there is a caveat. Both twins are going to be identically bald and perhaps identically selfish about their hair. o the questions is, which of the twins would be generous enough to donate to his twin?
Person to Person Hair Transplant ; Is it Possible
Severely bald? Read this article on severe baldness treatment