BOSTON -- It seems every week there's some new laser designed to make us look younger by zapping wrinkles and erasing age spots.

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Heather Unruh Reports On Laser Resources www.FRAXEL.com

Now, NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported, dermatologists say a new treatment called "fractional resurfacing" really is revolutionary. But is it worth the discomfort and expense?

The "Fraxel Laser," developed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, treats fractions of the skin with tiny dots of heat destroying discolored areas and stimulating collagen growth deep beneath the skin's surface. Dr. Sandy Tsao, of MGH, said it offers a huge advantage over the original laser skin resurfacing technique and it doesn't leave skin red for weeks.

"It allows us to effectively eliminate fine lines and wrinkles but also allow for a short healing time of a day or two," said Tsao.

The laser was recently approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration to zap away wrinkles and sunspots.

That sounds good to Eileen Feathery, 33. She is already worried about the signs of aging.

"I realize I made a lot of mistakes over the years and if I took some initiative to treat this, the damage, that would be the incentive I needed to prevent any more damage in the future," she said.

Patients require three to four 45-minute treatments. The downside? It can sting some patients like a Novocain-like injection.

Other experts agree the technique shows promise.

"It's interesting, it's exciting. But I think it needs a bit of work," said dermatologist Jeffrey Dover.

In part, Dover said, because it's expensive. Each full-face treatment costs about $6,000.

"And the biggest issue is how well does it work? Will it make people that much better that they're willing to have six treatments at a cost of several thousand dollars? And I think that's what we need to have answered," said Dover.

Tsao said the laser may have other uses, including stretch marks and reducing acne scarring. It can also be used on people with darker skin tones.