Half of Americans Regret Tattoos Candela's AlexLAZR Provides Solution to Increased Demand for Tattoo Removal WAYLAND, Mass., March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 40 million Americans sport tattoos and almost half end up regretting it. As a result, laser surgery for tattoo removal is becoming one of the fastest growing areas of the dermatology industry. Approximately 20 percent of laser surgeries performed over the past two years were for tattoo removal. Candela's AlexLAZR(TM) is ideal for treating black, blue and green tattoo pigments as well as pigmented lesions such as age spots, sun spots and freckles. The AlexLAZR removes tattoos by penetrating the skin with light and fragmenting the tattoo pigment. Once the tattoo ink is broken up, the body's normal process of fighting infection occurs, removing the tiny particles of tattoo ink from the skin. Treatments are quick and can easily be performed during a lunch break. While multiple treatments are usually required to remove a tattoo, treatment times will vary depending on the size and color of the tattoo. "We usually see five to six patients a day for tattoo removal treatments," said Suzanne Kilmer, M.D., Director at Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Northern California. "Most patients feel their tattoo is no longer appropriate, whether that's because they have children now or they are in a different place in their life where their tattoo no longer has any significance." There are few options for people who want to get rid of their tattoos. Other techniques such as dermabrasion, cryosurgery and excision are extremely invasive and usually result in scarring. By contrast, laser tattoo removal is the most effective way to remove tattoos because of its effectiveness and low risk of scarring. The AlexLAZR's unique specifications make it a quick and comfortable treatment option. Tips on Tattoos Dr. Kilmer provides the following tips for those who are considering getting or removing a tattoo: * Consider the ramifications of getting a tattoo and make sure it is something you will want to keep the rest of your life. * Use a temporary henna or a spray on tattoo instead of permanent ink. * Get black ink. It is the easiest to remove. * Check the credentials of the office and physician before removing a tattoo. * Have a consultation with the physician -- getting a tattoo removed is a commitment of one to two years and the patient should feel comfortable with the doctor giving the treatments. About AlexLAZR AlexLAZR is Candela's fastest and most powerful Q-switched Alexandrite laser system. The 755 nm wavelength enables safe and effective treatments that are gentle to the skin. The AlexLAZR features easy maneuverability and patient access from almost any angle. It successfully treats a variety of tattoo pigments including black, blue and green, as well as age spots, sun spots and Nevus of Ota. About CANDELA: Candela Corporation 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 64 countries from offices and distributors in the United States, Europe, Japan, China and other Asian locations. Candela established the aesthetic laser market 17 years ago, and currently has an installed base of 8,500 lasers worldwide. Candela is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer (Male/Female/Handicapped/Veteran). 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. Such statements may relate to, among other things, our future revenue, gross margin, expense levels and earnings, our growth prospects, market acceptance of our products, the strength of our distribution channels, our ability to add new products, our ability to expand regulatory approvals and the liquidity of our common stock. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: 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, unanticipated increases in expenses, market developments that vary from the current public expectations concerning the growth of the laser industry, increased competitive pressures, changes in economic conditions, or difficulties in obtaining timely regulatory approvals. 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 July 2, 2005, 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. SOURCE Candela Corporation