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2026.08.10

What Is a PRP Injection? An Easy-to-Understand Explanation of Expected Effects, Benefits, and Drawbacks

雜賀 俊行
Supervising Physician
Director of Ginza Clinic / Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon, Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (JSAS) Toshiyuki Saiga

Under the philosophy of 'Science & Art,' our cosmetic surgeons always prioritize what is best for the patient in their practice. Drawing from experience as a cardiovascular surgeon, we apply advanced techniques grounded in deep anatomical understanding to aesthetic medicine. We also pursue artistic sensibility to enhance each individual's unique features. Renowned for calm, reassuring consultations, we specialize in liposuction, breast augmentation, double eyelid surgery, and anti-aging treatments. With scientific evidence and proven techniques, we guide patients toward realizing their ideals.

PRP注入とは?期待できる効果・メリット・デメリットをBIANCA CLINICが分かりやすく解説

 

A PRP injection is a procedure in which platelet-rich plasma is extracted from the patient’s own blood and injected into the skin to support tissue repair.
 

PRP injections are a form of regenerative medicine in which platelets from the patient’s own blood are concentrated and injected into areas of concern, such as wrinkles and indentations. Unlike treatments that use artificial materials, this procedure harnesses the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, so changes typically appear gradually.

 

Based on the methods used at BIANCA CLINIC, a doctor will explain the procedure, expected results, benefits, and precautions in an easy-to-understand manner.

What is a PRP injection?

PRP injection is a regenerative medicine treatment in which platelet-rich plasma is extracted from the patient’s own blood and injected into areas of the skin of concern.

A procedure to produce PRP from one's own blood

PRP stands for “Platelet-Rich Plasma.” In Japanese, it is called “platelet-rich plasma.” PRP is produced by centrifuging a blood sample to extract the plasma fraction, which is rich in platelets.

 

PRPとは、自身の血液を利用し、肌質改善を目指す注入施術であることの解説図

 

Platelets not only stop bleeding but also release growth factors that support the repair of damaged tissue. PRP injections apply this function to cosmetic medicine by injecting small amounts of extracted PRP into the skin.

Medical Fields Where PRP Is Used

PRP is also used in fields other than cosmetic medicine. Examples include orthopedics (such as sports injuries and osteoarthritis of the knee), ophthalmology (such as dry eye), and gynecology (as an adjunct to fertility treatment).

 

I personally believe that the field of regenerative medicine—including PRP injections—is a promising area with great potential for future growth.

Aiming for Natural Changes Over Time

Unlike hyaluronic acid, PRP injections are not a procedure that reshapes the skin using the volume of the filler itself. Instead, they aim to improve skin firmness and elasticity by stimulating fibroblasts and other cells through the action of growth factors, thereby supporting the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

 

The results are not immediately apparent after the procedure; generally, they appear gradually over a period of several weeks to several months. This injectable treatment is designed to produce natural-looking changes that are less likely to be noticed by others, rather than dramatically altering your appearance.

The Examination and Injection Plan Prioritized by Bianca Clinic

At Bianca Clinic, we use “Prestige PRP” as our PRP collection system, which enables the extraction of high-purity PRP at a concentration approximately 6 to 10 times higher than standard.

 

When it comes to PRP injections, more isn’t necessarily better. Therefore, during the consultation, we work closely with each patient to discuss not only the specific concerns they wish to address but also the condition of their skin, as well as the desired timeline and extent of improvement, before recommending the most appropriate treatment.

 

If you would like to learn more about the PRP collection method and the procedure,PRP Injection Treatment PagePlease check the following.

What results can I expect from PRP injections?

PRP injections are expected to improve fine lines, indentations, loss of firmness, and dark circles under the eyes by supporting skin repair.

 

The main changes you can expect from PRP injections are as follows:

  • Makes fine lines and shallow indentations on the face less noticeable
  • Corrects dark circles, hollows, and sagging under the eyes
  • Make nasolabial folds less noticeable
  • Improve skin firmness and elasticity
  • Makes uneven skin texture, such as pores and acne scars, less noticeable

Treating Fine Lines, Indentations, and Nasolabial Folds

The growth factors contained in PRP support tissue repair, which may improve skin firmness and elasticity and make fine lines and shallow indentations less noticeable. Improvement can also be expected for nasolabial folds if they are caused by a lack of skin firmness.

 

However, if deep wrinkles, bone structure, the distribution of fat, or significant sagging are the primary causes, PRP injections alone may not produce the desired results. Depending on the condition of your skin, other treatments—such as hyaluronic acid injections or device-based therapies—may be considered.

Treating Dark Circles and Wrinkles Under the Eyes

PRP injections are also used to treat fine lines, hollows, and dark circles under the eyes caused by a loss of firmness. Because the skin around the eyes is thin, even slight unevenness can easily cast shadows, so it is necessary to carefully determine the injection depth and volume.

There are several causes of dark circles under the eyes, including pigmentation, poor blood circulation, thin skin, and protruding fat. Since PRP injections are not suitable for all types of dark circles, it is essential to identify the cause during a medical examination.

Changes in skin texture and firmness

By stimulating collagen production within the skin, this treatment is expected to improve firmness, elasticity, and skin smoothness. As for pores and acne scars, they may become less noticeable as the skin’s texture and surface become more even.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of PRP injections?

While PRP injections offer the advantage of using the patient’s own blood to achieve natural-looking results, some people may view the gradual nature of the effects as a drawback.

Benefits of PRP Injections

  • Use components derived from the patient's own blood
  • It makes it easy to achieve a look with subtle, natural transitions
  • It addresses multiple skin concerns, such as fine lines and indentations.
  • The effects may last for a relatively long time

 

Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, it offers the advantage of reducing the risk of allergic reactions and rejection compared to synthetic materials or components derived from animals or other people. However, just because it is derived from the patient’s own blood does not mean that all side effects can be avoided.

 

In addition, because it boosts the body’s natural healing abilities, its effects are said to last for a relatively long time—about two years.

Disadvantages and Risks of PRP Injections

  • It takes time to really feel the change.
  • Pain, redness, swelling, and bruising may occur.
  • A blood draw is required.
  • In some cases, multiple treatment sessions may be necessary.

 

Since PRP injections involve drawing blood and administering an injection, you may experience some pain when the needle is inserted. After the procedure, redness, swelling, and bruising may occur and could last for a few days. If these symptoms are severe or persistent, please consult the medical facility where you received the treatment.

 

Results generally appear gradually over a period of about two weeks to three months, but you may not see sufficient improvement after just one session. Depending on your symptoms and the treatment area, we may recommend multiple sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When considering PRP injections, be sure to check the procedure time, pain levels, downtime, post-procedure care, and how long the results last.

 

BIANCA CLINIC 日本美容外科学会(JSAS)認定 美容外科専門医雜賀 俊行医師のカウンセリング

Q. Please tell me about the procedure and how long it takes for a PRP injection.

A. After the consultation, we’ll remove any makeup from the injection site, draw blood, extract PRP through centrifugation, and then proceed with the injection. The procedure time varies depending on the treatment, but it typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Q. How much does a PRP injection hurt, and how long is the downtime?

A. You will feel pain from the needle prick when blood is drawn and when the solution is injected. After the procedure, you may experience redness, swelling, pain, or bruising, which may last for a few days. The severity of these symptoms and the recovery time vary from person to person.

Q. Please tell me about the precautions and aftercare following a PRP injection.

A. As a general guideline, you can apply makeup on the same day as long as you avoid the injection site; you can take a shower on the same day, and you can take a bath starting the next day. On the day of the procedure, please refrain from activities that increase blood flow, such as strenuous exercise, drinking alcohol, and using a sauna.

Q. How long do the effects of PRP therapy typically last?

A. The general guideline is about two years. However, this varies depending on factors such as physical constitution, age, the treatment area, and lifestyle habits, so the duration of the effects differs from person to person.

Q. For what symptoms and body areas is PRP therapy used?

A. It is used to treat fine lines on the face, dark circles and hollows under the eyes, nasolabial folds, enlarged pores, and acne scars.

 

Make Your Own Blood Work for You: PRP Injections Are a Treatment That Promotes “Natural Changes”

PRP injections are a procedure that involves injecting platelet-rich plasma derived from the patient’s own blood to improve fine lines, depressions, dark circles under the eyes, and loss of firmness. While this treatment tends to produce natural-looking results, it’s important to note that it may take some time for the effects to become apparent.

 

If you are considering PRP injections, please share your concerns and preferences during your consultation at BIANCA CLINIC. A doctor will assess your skin condition and recommend whether the procedure is appropriate for you, as well as propose a treatment plan.

 

PRP Injection Treatment Page
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