A new laser technique developed by researchers at Tel Aviv University could prove to be useful for cosmetic surgeons.

The team has created a new device which users 'laser welding' to seal wounds both inside the body and on the surface of the skin.

The technique heats the body tissue in a controlled manner so that the wound or incision can bond.

Whereas previous attempts to seal wounds using carbon dioxide lasers have been of little use due to their inability to control the heat of the laser, the latest technology automatically reduces or increases the power of the laser as required.

Professor Abraham Katzir, from the university's Applied Physics Group, commented: "In many cases, a surgeon needs great skill to perform internal stitching, or in bonding tiny blood vessels, or in mending cuts on the skin so there will be no trace left on the body.

"We think plastic surgeons will especially love this invention. Bonding tissues that heal well without scarring is a true art that few people possess," he added.