Skip to content
The Skin Doctor

Doctor-led Frac3 (FRAC3) at our Ivanhoe clinic — a non-ablative fractional mode of the Fotona Nd:YAG laser. It targets the deeper dermis to improve texture, acne, acne scarring and early ageing while sparing surrounding tissue for fast recovery. Minimal downtime, delivered as a course of sessions. Also a step within the Fotona 4D facelift.

Fractional Nd:YAG laser

Frac3 Fractional Laser

Doctor-led Frac3 (FRAC3) at our Ivanhoe clinic — a non-ablative fractional mode of the Fotona Nd:YAG laser. It targets the deeper dermis to improve texture, acne, acne scarring and early ageing while sparing surrounding tissue for fast recovery. Minimal downtime, delivered as a course of sessions. Also a step within the Fotona 4D facelift.

Portrait of Dr Christopher Irwin

By Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, ASCD

Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy

Quick definition

Frac3 (FRAC3®) is a non-ablative fractional mode of the Fotona Nd:YAG laser. It delivers a fractional pattern of micro-zones that reaches into the deeper dermis to target uneven texture, acne, acne scarring, sun damage and early ageing, while sparing the surrounding tissue so the skin recovers quickly. Because it is non-ablative, it works beneath the surface without removing the top layer of skin, so downtime is usually limited to mild redness and warmth for a few hours to a day. Results are cumulative over a course of sessions. FRAC3 is also used as one of the steps within the Fotona 4D facelift.

Frac3 (FRAC3®) is a doctor-led, non-ablative fractional laser treatment using the Nd:YAG wavelength. It reaches into the deeper dermis to target imperfections and stimulate a collagen-rebuilding response, with minimal downtime.

At The Skin Doctor, FRAC3 is assessed and planned by Dr Chris, with honest advice about where laser fits in a wider plan — particularly for acne scarring, where it is usually one part of a combined approach rather than a stand-alone cure.

Best for

  • uneven texture, enlarged pores and dullness
  • active acne and acne-related skin changes
  • atrophic (depressed) acne scarring, as part of a scar-revision plan
  • sun damage, fine lines and early photoageing

How FRAC3 works

FRAC3 is a fractional mode — it treats the skin in a pattern of micro-zones rather than the whole surface at once, leaving healthy tissue in between to drive fast recovery. The Nd:YAG wavelength reaches the deeper dermis, targeting imperfections and stimulating collagen remodelling over the following weeks.

Because it is non-ablative, FRAC3 works beneath the surface without removing the top layer of skin — which is why downtime is usually short.

An honest word on acne scarring

Fractional and non-ablative lasers are an established part of acne-scar management, but results vary by scar type and individual, and laser is usually one part of a combined plan rather than a stand-alone cure. We will give you a realistic, honest assessment of what FRAC3 can achieve for your skin and how it fits with other steps such as resurfacing or scar revision.

For a fuller scar-revision plan, see scarring treatments →.

Results and course

  • early improvement in texture and tone over weeks
  • fuller collagen remodelling after a course of sessions
  • maintenance plus daily SPF preserves the result

See the Results timeline below for typical milestones.

Downtime

Most people have only mild redness and warmth for a few hours up to a day. Daily SPF 50+ afterwards protects the treated skin and your result.

How FRAC3 fits with Fotona 4D

FRAC3 is also used as one of the four steps within the Fotona 4D non-surgical facelift. As a stand-alone treatment it focuses that fractional rejuvenation step on texture, acne and scarring rather than the full multi-depth facelift sequence.

Why choose The Skin Doctor

  • doctor-led laser assessment and planning
  • honest positioning of laser within a combined plan
  • settings tailored to skin type and pigmentation risk
  • care for melanin-rich skin via the Skin of Colour Clinic

What to expect

  1. Consultation and skin assessment

    A consultation with Dr Chris to assess your skin, review medical history, medications (including photosensitisers and isotretinoin) and goals. The plan, number of sessions and realistic expectations are set before treatment.

  2. Cleansing, photography and eye protection

    Skin is cleansed, baseline photographs are taken and protective eyewear is fitted. Comfort options are discussed.

  3. FRAC3 Nd:YAG laser pass

    FRAC3 is a non-ablative fractional mode of the Nd:YAG laser. It creates a fractional pattern of micro-zones that reaches into the deeper dermis, targeting imperfections and stimulating a collagen-rebuilding response while leaving surrounding tissue intact for fast recovery.

  4. Cooling and aftercare

    Cooling, SPF and written aftercare. Most people have only mild redness and warmth afterwards.

  5. Follow-up and course planning

    FRAC3 is typically delivered as a course of sessions a few weeks apart for cumulative texture, tone and scar improvement, with maintenance discussed based on your result.

Results timeline

  • Immediately Mild redness and warmth, similar to a brief sunburn, usually settling within hours to a day.
  • 2–4 weeks Early improvement in texture, tone and clarity as the collagen response begins.
  • 3 months Fuller collagen remodelling becomes apparent after a course of sessions — smoother texture and improved scar appearance.
  • 6–12 months Maintenance phase. Results build cumulatively with a course; periodic maintenance plus daily SPF preserves them.

Ideal candidate

  • Uneven skin texture, enlarged pores and dullness
  • Active acne and acne-related skin changes
  • Atrophic (depressed) acne scarring, often as part of a scar-revision plan
  • Sun damage, fine lines and early photoageing
  • Patients who want a non-ablative fractional laser with minimal downtime
  • Suitable for a range of Fitzpatrick skin types when carefully planned — melanin-rich skin via the Skin of Colour Clinic
  • Patients comfortable with a course of sessions for cumulative results

Frequently asked questions

  • What is FRAC3?
    FRAC3 is a non-ablative fractional mode of the Nd:YAG laser. It creates a fractional pattern of micro-treatment zones that reach into the deeper dermis to target imperfections and stimulate collagen, while leaving surrounding tissue intact so the skin recovers quickly. It is also used as one of the steps within the Fotona 4D facelift.
  • Is it ablative — will it remove a layer of skin?
    No. FRAC3 is non-ablative, meaning it works beneath the surface without removing the top layer of skin. That is why downtime is usually limited to mild redness and warmth for a few hours to a day, rather than the longer recovery of fully ablative resurfacing.
  • What does the evidence show for acne and scarring?
    Fractional and non-ablative laser approaches are an established part of acne-scar management, though results vary by scar type and individual, and laser is usually one part of a combined plan rather than a stand-alone cure. We will give you an honest, realistic assessment of what FRAC3 can achieve for your skin rather than over-promise.
  • How many sessions will I need?
    FRAC3 results are cumulative, so it is usually delivered as a course of sessions spaced a few weeks apart, with maintenance thereafter. The exact number depends on your concern and is set at consultation.
  • Is FRAC3 safe for darker skin?
    Nd:YAG wavelengths are relatively well-suited to melanin-rich skin because they bypass surface melanin, but careful settings and sometimes pre-conditioning are still important to reduce pigment risk. Care for darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) is delivered via our Skin of Colour Clinic with appropriate planning.
  • What's the downtime?
    Minimal for most people — mild redness and warmth for a few hours up to a day. Daily SPF 50+ afterwards is important to protect the treated skin and your result.

Related

Related conditions

Related treatments

Medically reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, ASCD · Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy