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2026.07.16

Filler Treatments That “Grow from Your Own Blood” Using PRF and ezGEL—Differences from PRP and Radiesse, and the Concept of Collagen Regeneration

池田 雪太郎
Supervising Physician
Yukitaro Ikeda

Driven by the belief of “bringing happiness to more people,” I pursued a career in aesthetic medicine after gaining experience in general internal medicine and emergency surgery, along with overseas training. As an internationally oriented doctor holding a UN English Proficiency Test Special Grade A, I treat a diverse range of patients. My goal is to become a true all-rounder, spanning cosmetic surgery, cosmetic medicine, and cosmetic dermatology. With a deep understanding of global beauty standards, I serve as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for TargetCool, NEAUVIA®, and CORETOX®. Known for my gentle manner, I provide accessible consultations in both Japanese and English. I pursue aesthetic medicine that transforms not just appearance, but also enhances overall happiness.

PRFとezGELでかなえる“自分の血液で育てる”フィラー治療──PRP・レディエッセとの違いとコラーゲン再生の考え方

 

Clarifying the Often Confusing Concept of “Skin Rejuvenation” from a Longevity Perspective

As you get older, do you find yourself thinking more often, “My skin seems to get tired easily these days” or “I’m concerned about fine lines and pores”? In addition to quick-acting injections, the concept of “longevity”—which focuses on nurturing the skin itself—is gaining attention. Even among those looking for cosmetic dermatology clinics in Tokyo or Ginza, interest is growing not only in Botox and hyaluronic acid but also in skin treatments made from one’s own blood, making it easy to feel unsure about where to turn for advice. Let’s start by getting a clear picture of the big picture: whether it’s better to consult a cosmetic medicine specialist or a cosmetic surgeon.

 

In this article, we’ll carefully explain the concept of ezGEL—a gel formed by temperature-controlling blood-derived components such as PRP and PRF—from both a professional perspective and in everyday language. Since it’s made entirely from your own blood, it’s easy to avoid additives; it helps lay the foundation for collagen production and can serve as a skincare option aimed at rejuvenating skin texture.

 

On the other hand, previous methods that combined PRP with FGF are now viewed with caution, as the extent of tissue growth can become uncontrollable. PRF contains absolutely no impurities, and ezGEL is created by gelatinizing PRF through heat treatment. Although it is used similarly to a filler, its purpose differs from that of conventional hyaluronic acid injections—understanding this difference will help you make a well-informed choice.

 

Individuals may experience skin treatments differently, and there can be variations in how they feel, the duration of downtime, the onset of results, and how long the effects last. Let’s work together to develop a plan that fits your lifestyle, taking things one step at a time at a comfortable pace and combining treatments with Botox, hyaluronic acid, lasers, and other options as needed.

 

The Basics of ezGEL, PRP, and PRF: Nourishing Your Skin with a “Gel” Made from Your Own Blood

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) are both liquids (or semi-solids) rich in growth factors, obtained by centrifuging the patient’s own blood. The main difference is that PRP is fluid, while PRF contains a natural scaffold called fibrin. Since PRF can be prepared without the use of impure additives, it is a popular choice for those who wish to avoid unnecessary components.

 

ezGEL is a product developed by adjusting the temperature of PRF to form a gel, allowing it to be used much like a filler. Since it is made entirely from the patient’s own blood, it eliminates the need to rely on external preparations and facilitates an approach that gently supports the skin’s foundation. As the gel slowly integrates into the skin, it is expected to help balance structural proteins such as collagen and elastin.

 

It should be noted that the method previously used of “adding FGF (fibroblast growth factor) to PRP” raises concerns because it is difficult to control the extent of the local reaction, which could become uncontrollable. From a safety perspective, there is a growing consensus that one should not readily adopt such additive-based approaches, but rather prioritize designs that avoid impurities, such as the PRF-based ezGEL.

 

Differences from Hyaluronic Acid and Conventional Fillers, and Considerations for Combination Use

Hyaluronic acid excels at shaping the face; it’s well-suited for “sculpting” roles such as supporting wrinkle creases and adding roundness to facial contours. ezGEL is a gel derived from the patient’s own blood; it focuses on “skin nurturing” by optimizing the environment for collagen, aiming to improve overall skin quality and restore a youthful firmness. The two are not mutually exclusive; it’s practical to use them separately or in combination depending on the goal. For example, a typical treatment plan might involve using Botox for fine expression lines, hyaluronic acid for volume restoration, and ezGEL to improve skin texture.

 

Fine-tune the order and intervals of treatment combinations to fit your daily schedule and tolerance for downtime. Sharing your goals and priorities with your doctor will make it easier to create a treatment plan that is neither excessive nor insufficient.

 

The Concept of “Skin Nurturing” with a Focus on Longevity

Longevity is not simply about rushing to achieve a youthful appearance, but rather a philosophy focused on maintaining healthy skin for the long term. We start by establishing the fundamentals of daily life—such as sleep, nutrition, and UV protection—and then layer in aesthetic dermatological support (such as ezGEL, PRF, and laser treatments) as needed. Rather than simply adding more treatments, this approach is designed to draw out the body’s inherent restorative power, leading to a gentle and sustainable skincare regimen.

 

The Benefits of Consulting a Cosmetic Dermatologist or Cosmetic Internist in Ginza, Tokyo

The Tokyo and Ginza areas are home to many outpatient clinics specializing in cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic internal medicine, offering a range of options tailored to skin type and downtime considerations. For approaches that use the patient’s own blood—such as ezGEL and PRF—it is desirable to have a setting where patients can consult with providers about pre-treatment health management and blood test results, as this makes it easier to evaluate the options from multiple perspectives.

 

Furthermore, in areas where clinics are concentrated—such as Ginza in Tokyo—there is a practical advantage: it’s easier to create a step-by-step plan tailored to one’s lifestyle and budget, including related treatments like Botox, hyaluronic acid, and laser treatments. Being able to continue these treatments at a manageable pace while comparing and evaluating your options is crucial to practicing longevity.

 

On the other hand, the more information you have, the more uncertain you may feel. While there is no “right” answer as to whether you should start with cosmetic dermatology or cosmetic internal medicine, if your goal for skin treatment is to “improve your skin’s overall condition,” it’s practical to begin with a consultation that takes the time to assess your skin and discuss your lifestyle.

 

Situations Where the Cosmetic Surgery Perspective Comes into Play

When issues with the underlying bone structure or deep tissue volume are the primary cause, surface-level skin care alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, a cosmetic surgery perspective can be helpful. For example, if you want to significantly alter the three-dimensional contours of your face, you might consider hyaluronic acid injections or fat grafting; if you’re looking to refine your body’s contours, liposuction may be an option to consider.

 

Breast augmentation is another option for those who wish to enhance the volume of their breasts. ezGEL excels at “improving skin texture,” and its role differs from that of major cosmetic surgical procedures.

 

Therefore, when seeking a consultation in Tokyo or Ginza, it’s a good idea to confirm whether you can discuss your concerns with both cosmetic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists. Simply distinguishing between issues related to skin “texture” and “shape” will help clarify the priority of your treatments.

 

How to Choose Between Botox and Hyaluronic Acid

Since expression lines are caused by muscle movement, using Botox to first adjust the “intensity of movement” makes it easier to predict the results of ezGEL and hyaluronic acid treatments. The forehead, between the eyebrows, and the outer corners of the eyes are areas where Botox excels, but it’s important to make subtle adjustments without relaxing the muscles too much. For texture-related concerns (firmness, pores, and fine lines), skin rejuvenation treatments using ezGEL or PRF may be appropriate in certain cases.

 

On the other hand, fillers such as hyaluronic acid are suitable for deep creases and obvious loss of volume. ezGEL is ideal for those who value the fact that it is “made from their own blood” or who wish to improve their collagen environment. At cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic internal medicine clinics in Ginza, Tokyo, it is common practice to recommend a phased combination of Botox, hyaluronic acid, and ezGEL.

 

Please note that whether Botox, hyaluronic acid, and ezGEL can be administered on the same day depends on the injection sites and the planned downtime. If you have an event or plans to go out, please share your schedule with our clinics in Tokyo or Ginza so we can discuss the best order of treatments.

 

How Is It Different from Liposuction or Breast Augmentation? “Contouring Surgery” vs. “Skin Texture Treatment”

Liposuction and breast augmentation are cosmetic surgical procedures designed to surgically reshape the body and enhance breast volume. While they are highly effective for achieving significant changes, they also involve a corresponding level of invasiveness and downtime. Since ezGEL focuses on skin texture, its purpose and goals are entirely different. Rather than asking which is better, it’s wise to choose based on “what you want to change.”

 

For example, if you want to achieve a clearly defined, toned appearance in your upper arms, liposuction may be an option to consider. On the other hand, if you want to improve the “skin texture and firmness” in the same area, skin-rejuvenation approaches such as PRF or ezGEL are viable options. If your goal is to improve the shape or size of your breasts, breast augmentation is the primary treatment option, while ezGEL is used as a supplementary treatment to enhance texture.

 

In Tokyo and Ginza, cosmetic surgery clinics—which offer procedures such as liposuction and breast augmentation—coexist with cosmetic dermatology and internal medicine clinics that specialize in skin treatments. If you start by clearly articulating your desired outcome and, if necessary, work with these specialists to develop a plan, you’ll avoid unnecessary detours.

 

Guidelines for Suitability, and Who It’s Best Suited For vs. Who Should Consider It Carefully

ezGEL is a rejuvenation approach focused primarily on “improving skin texture.” The following is a general guideline.

 

  • Ideal for: Those looking to improve their overall skin condition—such as fine lines, loss of firmness, enlarged pores, and crepey skin. Those who are drawn to treatments that use their own blood. Those who prefer methods with minimal additives.
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  • People who should consider their options carefully: Those who prioritize deep furrows or significant volume changes (in which case, options such as hyaluronic acid injections, cosmetic surgery, liposuction, or breast augmentation may be realistic). Individual assessment is required for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with serious underlying medical conditions, and those for whom blood draws are difficult.
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Effects, Pain, Downtime, and Estimated Duration

ezGEL may feel slightly plump immediately after injection, but it will settle into its final shape over the course of days to weeks. Discomfort is primarily limited to a localized prickling sensation and a feeling of pressure; bruising and swelling typically subside within a few days to about a week (though this varies from person to person). The total amount of downtime will vary depending on the number of areas treated with Botox or hyaluronic acid in combination with ezGEL.

 

When it comes to consistency, many people seem to view it as a process where changes in skin texture accumulate gradually over time, so they tend to plan their maintenance routines over a period of several months to half a year. To make it easier to stick with your routine, plan it around the seasons and your schedule—for example, by scaling back before events and increasing the intensity during periods when you have more time—to fit your lifestyle in Tokyo or Ginza.

 

Risks and Precautions

Possible side effects at the injection site include bruising, swelling, pain, and temporary unevenness; in rare cases, infection or changes in skin tone may occur. Even when using the patient’s own blood, it cannot be said to be “absolutely safe.” Please share your allergy history, current medications, and medical history so we can proceed while carefully assessing the safety margin. The perceived effectiveness varies from person to person; it is important to avoid excessive expectations and adopt an approach that involves evaluating results step by step.

 

How to Interpret "Before & After" Images and How to Conduct Consultations

The “Before & After” photos are merely examples that reflect differences in shooting conditions, skin condition, and lifestyle. Even with the same treatment, results vary from person to person. When reviewing “Before & After” photos at a clinic in Ginza, Tokyo, it’s helpful to ask for an explanation that includes details such as when the photos were taken, the lighting conditions, and any skincare products used in conjunction with the treatment—this will make it easier to visualize realistic results.

 

During the initial consultation, the key is to articulate your concerns by breaking them down into “form” and “substance.” Once you’ve categorized “form” as areas such as hyaluronic acid and cosmetic surgery, and “substance” as areas such as ezGEL and PRF—which fall under cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic internal medicine—you’ll be able to establish a concrete plan for the order and frequency of treatments, as well as how to allocate your budget.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How do ezGEL and PRP/PRF differ?

Both PRP and PRF are derived from a person’s own blood, but PRF contains a fibrin scaffold. ezGEL is PRF that has been temperature-treated to form a gel, and its key feature is that it can be used like a filler.

 

Q2. Can I have this treatment on the same day as Botox or hyaluronic acid injections?

It depends on the treatment area, the volume injected, and the planned downtime. We may prioritize safety and divide the treatments to fit your schedule. Let’s discuss the specific order during your consultation.

 

Q3. What is the approximate cost in Tokyo and Ginza?

Fees vary depending on the clinic’s policies and scope of services. There are many options in Ginza, Tokyo, so it’s a good idea to confirm the estimate and treatment plan during your consultation for peace of mind.

 

Q4. Which type of clinic should I consult—a cosmetic internal medicine clinic, a cosmetic dermatology clinic, or a cosmetic surgery clinic?

If your primary goal is to improve your skin texture, start with a cosmetic dermatology or cosmetic internal medicine clinic. If you’re looking for significant changes to your facial contours or volume, reviews of cosmetic surgery clinics can also be helpful. We’ll coordinate with these specialists as needed to move forward.

 

Q5. Can I still undergo ezGEL treatment even if I’m considering liposuction or breast augmentation?

While it may be possible to carry out these tasks simultaneously, it is important to balance priorities with downtime. Let’s clearly define each task’s role within the overall plan.

 

About Our Consultation Services in Ginza and Tokyo

The Ginza and Tokyo areas are home to numerous cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic internal medicine, and cosmetic surgery clinics. By leveraging the strengths of each specialty and combining options such as Botox, hyaluronic acid, ezGEL, and PRF, it becomes easier to create a treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle and values. Please make use of these specialties based on your specific goals—for example, choose liposuction if your main goal is body contouring, or breast augmentation if your main goal is to enhance your bust.

 

This article does not mention specific clinic names or provide detailed information on their track records. If you value accurate information and want to proceed in a welcoming atmosphere where you feel comfortable asking questions, start by scheduling an initial consultation at a clinic that interests you. Take this opportunity to see if the clinic is a good fit for you, considering factors such as how they handle “Before & After” photos, the convenience of getting there, and the clarity of their explanations.

 

Summary

ezGEL is a “skin-nurturing” approach that utilizes a gel derived from PRF through temperature control, with the unique feature that it is made entirely from the patient’s own blood. While it aims to rejuvenate skin texture by optimizing the collagen environment, its role differs from that of hyaluronic acid, which is used for “shaping,” and Botox, which is used for “movement correction.”

 

Ginza, Tokyo offers a wide range of options for cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic internal medicine, and cosmetic surgery, creating an environment where it’s easy to choose the right service for your needs and coordinate care. Since results and downtime vary from person to person, it’s important to create a realistic plan that fits your lifestyle and values. If you’d like to find out if a treatment is right for you, please feel free to schedule a consultation.

 

▷ PRF(ezGEL) Treatment Page

▷ Counseling Appointment Page

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