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Short answer
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) takes a small amount of your own blood, concentrates the platelets by centrifuge, and injects them into the knee, skin, or scalp. No cell culture is needed, so preparation and injection are usually done the same day. In Japan, PRP must be registered with the MHLW as a regenerative medicine plan.
01
What PRP is
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets carry a range of growth factors; PRP concentrates them and injects them where they are needed.
Because it uses your own blood and needs no culture, it can be prepared and injected in one day. That is the main difference from stem cell therapy, which requires fat collection and several weeks of culture.
In Japan, PRP falls under the Regenerative Medicine Act and clinics must register a plan. At Ginza YR Clinic, for example, joint PRP is registered as Class II and skin and scalp PRP as Class III.
02
Common reasons people ask
The purpose differs by site. These are common areas of interest; results vary and suitability is the physician's decision.
Knees
Pain and limited movement from knee osteoarthritis or sports injuries are the most common. The focus is pain and function, not regrowing cartilage.
Skin
Fine lines, texture, and elasticity, often combined with mesotherapy or light-based treatments.
Scalp
Thinning hair. The type of hair loss needs diagnosing first, and several sessions are usual.
03
The process
Consultation and tests
The physician reviews symptoms, imaging (joints), or skin and scalp condition to confirm suitability.
Blood draw
A small amount of blood is taken.
Centrifuge preparation
Platelets are concentrated in the clinic the same day.
Injection
Injected into the joint, skin, or scalp, followed by rest and observation as advised.
Review
Changes are assessed over weeks to months; the physician decides whether to repeat.
04
Who it suits, and who needs assessment first
Generally suited
- Want treatment in one day without waiting for culture
- Want to try a non-surgical option for a joint first (based on imaging)
- Have less time or budget than stem cell therapy requires
Physician assessment needed first
- Low platelets or clotting disorders
- Taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication
- Infection or skin disease at the injection site
- Active cancer
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
05
Reference cost
PRP costs vary widely by site, preparation method, and number of sessions. We confirm a written quote with the clinic before you travel.
Whether tax and tests are included is confirmed in the clinic's written quote. Coordination fees are explained separately.
06
Questions to ask at your consultation
- 01Which preparation method is used, and at roughly what concentration?
- 02What is the registration number for this treatment?
- 03How many injections for this site, and at what intervals?
- 04When can I exercise or fly after the injection?
- 05If it does not help enough, what are the next options?
07
Frequently asked questions
Can PRP regrow knee cartilage?
That cannot be promised. PRP research mainly looks at pain and function; whether cartilage structure improves varies by person. Severely deformed joints may need other treatment, as advised after imaging.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Usually assessed over several weeks to months, with wide individual variation.
PRP or stem cells?
PRP is same-day, needs no culture, and costs less; stem cells need fat collection, several weeks of culture, and usually two trips. The choice depends on joint condition, goals, time, and budget, so bring imaging for the physician to review.
How long should I stay in Japan?
PRP itself takes one day; with consultation and review, allow 2–3 days.
Can I fly right after?
In most cases you can keep your travel plans; follow the physician's advice for your injection site.
Further reading
Where to have it
GINZA YR CLINIC
At Ginza YR Clinic, joint PRP is registered as Class II and skin and scalp PRP as Class III. Registration numbers are on the clinic page.