Candela Announces Dr. James C. Hsia Returns as Chief Technology Officer.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

WAYLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2004

Candela Corporation (NASDAQ: CLZR) announced today that Dr. James Hsia is returning to the Company as Chief Technology Officer.

Gerard E. Puorro, Candela's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are delighted that Jim has agreed to return to Candela. Jim brings over twenty-five years of applying photonic technologies in product development and medical devices. Jim holds a B.S. in Physics from M.I.T., and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering specializing in plasma physics and controlled fusion, also from M.I.T. He has fourteen issued and two pending patents, and over thirty publications. For fifteen years, he held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Research Officer at Candela. Most recently, he was Founder and President of Lasersharp Corporation." Puorro added: "Jim will head our Research and Development teams as we pursue light technologies of the future."

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 60 countries from offices in the United States, Europe, Japan and other Asian locations. Candela established the aesthetic laser market 15 years ago, and currently has an installed base of over 6,500 lasers worldwide. Candela is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/H/V. Visit Candela on the Web at http://www.candelalaser.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: the cancellation or deferral of customer orders, 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 for the year ended June 28, 2003, 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 circumstances on which any such statement is based.