Candela Announces Expanded FDA Clearance for Smoothbeam.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

WAYLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2003

Candela Corporation (NASDQ: CLZR) announced today it has received expanded wrinkle clearance from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its Smoothbeam(TM) diode laser for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles on the face.

Gerard E. Puorro, Candela's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are very pleased to gain this additional clearance from the FDA. The treatment of wrinkles and other cosmetic procedures is growing at a tremendous rate. Our involvement in these markets outlines our path for growth in the coming years. This represents our fourth FDA approval for Smoothbeam. Adding multiple indications to our lasers makes purchasing a laser an attractive financial investment for physicians."

Smoothbeam remodels collagen in the upper layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars using its proprietary LASR(TM) process. Smoothbeam creates a mild thermal injury just below the skin's surface. The body's natural healing response stimulates the deposition of new collagen, smoothing out wrinkles and softening the appearance of acne scars. Smoothbeam is also cleared for the treatment of acne on the back.

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 14 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 29, 2002, 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.