Candela's Vascular Lesion Laser-SPTL-1b evolves into 'all-purpose' laser; New applications and expanded capabilities make laser the 'obvious choice for physicians'.

WAYLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 1996--Physicians across the country, and in a diversity of specialties, are using Candela Corp.'s Vascular Lesion Laser SPTL-1b to treat a growing array of dermatological conditions.

According to Gerard E. Puorro, Candela's president and CEO, "The SPTL-1b has proven to be an all-purpose dermatological laser."

The newest group of conditions which physicians are using the SPTL-1b laser to treat, along with their estimated annual markets, includes: warts ($80M); scars, including acne, burn and surgical ($80M); stretch marks ($100M); rosacea -- red facial lesions, usually concentrated on the nose and cheeks -- ($40M); and vulvodynia ($1M). These conditions are in addition to port wine stains, hemangiomas, facial spider veins and other vascular abnormalities, which the SPTL-1b was originally designed to treat, and which represent a combined estimated annual market of $250 million.

"The SPTL-1b's versatilities and efficiency make it the obvious choice for physicians -- economically, as well as medically," Puorro explains. "Doctors have seen great success in treating a wide range of conditions, from stubborn warts on the feet, to stretch marks after pregnancy, to extensive port wine stains on the delicate facial skin of infants. We're delighted to know that dermatologists, pediatricians, gynecologists, plastic surgeons, podiatrists and cosmetic surgeons are maximizing the range of treatments. They purchase or rent the system expressly to treat a certain condition or conditions, but quickly discover other applications that utilize the SPTL-1b."

The Candela Vascular Lesion Laser is a flashlamp-excited dye laser, a device that produces an intense, but gentle, burst of laser light, especially optimized to treat vascular lesions. It features a wavelength of 585 nm, providing the optimal setting for selective photothermolysis. The light from the laser is absorbed only by the vessels of the lesion and passes harmlessly through surrounding tissue, thus allowing it to be used on even the most sensitive skin areas.

Candela Corp. (NASDAQ:CLZR) is an increasingly diversified, international company that provides clinical solutions to the urology, dermatology, gynecology and plastic surgery markets through medical laser products and services, as well as cryogenic surgery products for urology and surgical oncology. Founded in 1970, the company recently changed its name from Candela Laser Corp. For more information, visit Candela's Web site at http://www.clzr.com.

CONTACT: Candela Corp.

Gerard E. Puorro, 508/358-7400, x488

or

Richard J. Olsen, 508/358-7400, x244