Candela's Smoothbeam First Diode Laser to Receive FDA Clearance for Treatment of Periorbital Wrinkles.

Business/Technology Editors & Health/Medical Writers

WAYLAND, Mass.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 19, 2002

Diode technology brings portability and affordability to

periorbital wrinkle treatment

Candela Corporation (NASDQ: CLZR) announced today that its Smoothbeam(TM) is the first diode laser to receive FDA clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles. Candela will demonstrate the Smoothbeam at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology on February 23 in New Orleans.

"Physicians have told us they need an affordable, briefcase-size laser. With Smoothbeam, we've leveraged the cost benefits and size advantages of diode technology to give physicians the ultimate affordable, portable laser for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles," said Gerard E. Puorro, President and CEO of Candela. "The Smoothbeam provides excellent efficacy while weighing just 40 pounds. This laser is already highly affordable, and when you factor in the 0% lease rate financing option Candela is currently offering, Smoothbeam is the ideal answer to physicians' needs for aesthetic lasers."

The Smoothbeam features a number of enhancements designed to optimize periorbital wrinkle treatment. Among these are: a new 6mm spot size, an increased range of fluence and new treatment parameters. The new 6mm spot on Smoothbeam can increase operator productivity by more than 2.25 times - so procedures can be performed in less than half the time of other devices.

Tina Alster, M.D., Director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Surgery, described the advantage of the new 6 mm spot size, "The 6 mm spot size permits the operator to go much more quickly. It is also more comfortable for the patient because fewer laser pulses are required to cover the treatment area."

The Smoothbeam's gentle 1450 nm laser wavelength stimulates the formation of new, organized collagen just beneath the surface of the skin. David Goldberg, M.D., Director of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey, explained, "We're trying to heat the water in the damaged collagen. We don't want especially deep penetration into the dermis because we also want greater safety. So, the 1450 nm wavelength is ideal. It's well absorbed by water, creating the necessary injury, and yet it's so well absorbed by water that it doesn't penetrate that deeply, thus ensuring safety."

The system also improves patient comfort with Candela's proprietary Dynamic Cooling Device(TM) (DCD), which sprays the upper layers of skin with a fine mist of cryogen prior to the laser pulse, cooling and protecting the epidermis. Smoothbeam treatments are gentle, non-invasive "lunchtime" procedures.

Patients and physicians alike have reported "excellent" results from the Smoothbeam, with minimal or no downtime. Dr. Alster states, "I've been impressed that there are significant improvements in wrinkles not only at three and six months, but as long as 12 months. Smoothbeam has been very easy to incorporate into my practice, simply because patients are too busy to take time off for wound healing. It is an elegant solution for the improvement of periorbital wrinkles. Patients are happy that they now have another choice besides traditional laser resurfacing."

Information, demonstrations and research on the Smoothbeam for periorbital wrinkles will be available to physicians and press at Candela's Booth #2321.

About Candela: Candela Corporation develops, manufactures, and distributes innovative clinical solutions that enable physicians, surgeons, and personal care practitioners to treat selected cosmetic and medical conditions using lasers, aesthetic laser systems, and other advanced technologies. Founded near Boston in 1970, the company markets and services its products in over 55 countries from offices in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia. Candela established the aesthetic laser market 12 years ago, and currently has an installed base of over 5,000 lasers worldwide. Candela is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/H/V. Visit Candela on the Web at www.clzr.com.

Safe Harbor Statement: Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that constitute Candela's current intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future, which are therefore inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Candela's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in Candela's forward-looking statements based on various factors, including without limitation: cancellation or deferral of customer orders, total dependence on a small number of strategic distribution relationships, difficulties in the timely development and market acceptance of new products, market developments that vary from the current public expectations concerning the growth of the laser industry, increased competitive pressures, or changes in economic conditions. Further information on factors that could affect Candela's performance is included in Candela's periodic reports filed with the SEC, including but not limited to, Candela's Annual Report on Form 10-K (or any amendment thereto) for the year ended June 30, 2001, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Candela cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Candela expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Candela's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstance on which any such statement is based.