Placenta Injections for Whitening and Anti-Aging: A Doctor Explains Effects, Frequency, and Costs
疲れやすさや更年期の不調、肌のハリが気になるときの選択肢のひとつがプラセンタ注射です。ラエンネックとメルスモンの違い、期待できる効果と回数の目安、副作用、そして2026年10月から変わった献血の基準まで、受ける前に知っておきたいポイントをまとめました。
目次
July 19, 2026
Placenta Injections for Whitening and Anti-Aging—A Doctor Explains Effects, Frequency, and Cost
Effects, frequency, and cost honestly explained
"Do placenta injections really work?" "How many treatments does it take to see a difference?" "What's the difference between Laennec and Melsmon?"—While there's high interest in placenta injections, many people feel that the information available is not well-organized.
Placenta (placental extract) injections are an effective medication, also used for menopausal symptoms under insurance, with a wide range of reported benefits including whitening, antioxidant effects, improved skin metabolism, and fatigue recovery. Our clinic offers placenta injections for cosmetic purposes through in-person consultations (Tokyo, Aoyama).
- Placenta injections are available for in-person treatment (Tokyo, Aoyama)
- Treatments for whitening and anti-aging purposes are available
- Combination plans with oral tranexamic acid are also available for consultation
What is Placenta?
Placenta is an extract derived from the placenta, containing many physiologically active substances such as amino acids, nucleic acids, growth factors, vitamins, and minerals. In Japan, two types are approved as pharmaceuticals: "Laennec" (pig-derived) and "Melsmon" (human-derived).
| Product | Origin | Main Uses/Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Laennec | Pig placenta | Widely used for improving liver function, beauty, and fatigue recovery. Commonly used in beauty clinics. |
| Melsmon | Human placenta | Approved for menopausal symptoms under insurance. Self-pay for cosmetic purposes. |
Main Effects of Placenta Injections
| Effect | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Whitening/Spot Improvement | Auxiliary suppression of melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase activity |
| Antioxidant/Dullness Improvement | Removes reactive oxygen species and reduces oxidative damage. Improves skin tone. |
| Skin Metabolism Promotion/Turnover Normalization | Growth factors and nucleic acids activate cellular metabolism |
| Improved Firmness/Elasticity | Promotes collagen synthesis and activates fibroblasts |
| Fatigue Recovery/Improved Stamina | Improved liver function and enhanced systemic metabolism |
| Relief of Menopausal Symptoms | Auxiliary action on hormone balance (Melsmon is covered by insurance) |
💡 The whitening and cosmetic effects of placenta injections are "supplementary." For strong effects on spots and melasma, a combination with oral tranexamic acid and topical hydroquinone is most effective. Our clinic can offer combination plans with online prescriptions.
How Many Treatments Are Needed? Recommended Schedule
| Phase | Frequency | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Phase (to achieve effects) | 1-2 times/week | 1-2 months |
| Maintenance Phase (to sustain effects) | 1-2 times/month | Ongoing |
There are individual differences in when effects begin to be felt; some people notice "improved skin tone" or "less fatigue" after 3-5 treatments. For whitening and spot treatment, 2-3 months of continuous treatment is recommended.
Side Effects and Precautions
- Pain/swelling at injection site: Rare. Usually improves within a few days.
- Allergic reaction: Very rare. Laennec (pig-derived) should be used with caution by those with allergies.
- Ineligibility for blood donation: If you receive placenta injections, you will be permanently ineligible to donate blood. Please confirm this before treatment.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Avoid use as safety has not been established.
