Facial Gold Stamp in Sharjah

What is a facial gold stamp?

A facial gold stamp is a form of microneedling. The practitioner uses a small handheld stamp whose head carries a cluster of very fine, short needles finished in gold. Each press of the stamp makes a grid of tiny, shallow channels in the skin, which close again quickly. The skin responds to these controlled micro-injuries by starting its natural repair process, which includes forming new collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its firmness and spring.

The stamp is pressed straight down and lifted, rather than rolled across the face. Stamping lets the practitioner treat one small area at a time and place the needles precisely around the nose, the upper lip and the fine lines at the corners of the eyes, where a roller is harder to control. Gold is used as the needle finish on this stamp; the treatment effect comes from the microneedling itself.

The facial gold stamp is performed in-house at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah by the aesthetic department, with a sterile, single-use needle head for every patient.

Who needs it

A facial gold stamp is chosen for concerns in the texture and firmness of the skin, such as:

• enlarged-looking pores, often on the nose and cheeks
• fine lines around the eyes and mouth
• shallow, rolling acne scars and small marks
• skin that has lost some firmness and looks less smooth
• rough texture from years of sun exposure

Microneedling suits a wide range of skin tones, because it works through the skin's repair process without heating the surface. It can form part of a wider plan. The team may combine it with skin tightening treatments for firmness, or with dermal fillers for volume, which work on different layers of the face. Deep or raised scars are assessed separately, and options are described on the scar revision page.

What happens

The treatment begins with a skin check and photographs, so the skin can be compared as the course progresses. Makeup is removed, and a numbing cream is applied to the face and left to take effect.

Once the skin is numb, the practitioner cleans it with an antiseptic and works across the face in small sections. A serum or hyaluronic acid gel is usually applied first so the stamp glides between presses. The stamp is then pressed down and lifted repeatedly, with more passes over areas of concern such as scarred skin. You feel pressure and a light prickling; the eye area and upper lip feel more sensitive than the cheeks.

After stamping, a soothing hydrating mask or serum is applied, followed by a calming cream. Pinpoint bleeding may appear during the treatment and stops quickly. You go home the same day, with your face looking pink, like a mild sunburn.

Preparing for it

Pause retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs for several days before a facial gold stamp, and avoid facial waxing and threading. Tell the team about any blood-thinning medicines, a tendency to keloid scars, a history of cold sores, diabetes, and any recent treatment with isotretinoin tablets for acne, since these affect planning.

Arrive with clean skin and without makeup where possible, and allow time for the numbing cream. Plan the treatment for a day when you can go straight home, and avoid booking it close to a wedding, photographs or Eid. During Ramadan, an evening appointment after iftar suits many people.

Afterwards

Redness, a warm feeling and mild swelling are normal on the day of a facial gold stamp and settle over the following days. Some people have slight flaking as the skin renews. Keep the skin clean using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, apply the soothing product you are given, and keep your hands and phone screen away from your face.

Skip makeup, sweaty exercise, saunas, steam rooms and swimming pools until the team advises they can restart, since the tiny channels are open to bacteria for the first hours. Apply sunscreen every morning and stay out of the Sharjah sun and heat while the skin is pink. The team plans the next session once the skin has fully recovered.

Contact the hospital if you develop increasing pain, swelling, spreading redness, pus, yellow crusts or a fever, or if a cold sore appears after treatment. **Go to the emergency department if you have swelling of the lips, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing.**

Cost and insurance

A facial gold stamp is a cosmetic treatment and is usually self-pay; UAE insurance plans generally exclude cosmetic microneedling. The cost depends on the number of sessions and the serums used. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can explain the costs for your plan before you book on 06 599 7777.