FDA Clears Candela Smoothbeam for Acne Scars.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

WAYLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2003

Candela Corporation (NASDQ: CLZR) announced today it has received clearance from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration to market its Smoothbeam(TM) diode laser for the non-invasive treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Gerard E. Puorro, Candela's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Acne scars affect an estimated 10 million people in the United States. Existing therapies including dermabrasion, excision, ablation and chemical peels have only marginal efficacy. Smoothbeam treatment of acne scars is the first effective treatment available."

Puorro continued: "Our market studies tell us that the opportunity for this application is as large, or larger, than acne itself, particularly in the baby boomer population. The Smoothbeam now has several large and promising applications and, coupled with its table-top size, reliability and affordability, make it a formidable device in our markets."

Tina Alster, M.D., Director, Washington Institute for Dermatologic Laser Surgery, and author of the study used for Candela's FDA submission said: "I am very impressed at how well the Smoothbeam modulates collagen for atrophic acne scars. Our clinical study has shown that patients treated with Smoothbeam showed significant improvement in the appearance of their acne scars."

Based on the results of her clinical study, Dr. Alster further stated: "After a series of three monthly treatments with Smoothbeam, every patient showed significant improvement - many times exceeding our expectations, and easily outperforming other lasers." The results of Dr. Alster's study were first presented at the American Society of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (ASLMS). The full study has been accepted for publication in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.

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 5,000 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.