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。

プラセンタ注射の効果は?ラエンネックとメルスモンの違い・回数・献血への影響

Placenta Injections for Whitening and Anti-Aging—A Doctor Explains Effects, Frequency, and Cost

Placenta InjectionsWhitening, Antioxidant, Anti-Aging
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

QI heard that if you get placenta injections, you can't donate blood. Is that true?
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