Candela Laser Models Explained: Understanding the Differences
When investing in aesthetic technology, choosing the right platform is just as important as choosing the right brand. Candela laser models are recognised worldwide for their clinical performance, reliability and versatility, but each system is designed with different treatment goals and clinic needs in mind.
Some devices specialise in laser hair removal, while others expand into pigmentation, vascular treatments, tattoo removal or skin rejuvenation. Understanding these differences helps clinics invest in equipment that matches both their patients’ needs and their long-term business goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main Candela laser systems available through Crystal Medical and explain what each one is designed to do best.
GentleLase Mini
The GentleLase Mini is the most compact laser in the Candela portfolio, making it an excellent choice for clinics looking to introduce professional laser hair removal without investing in a larger platform.
Using a 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength, it delivers excellent absorption by melanin, making it particularly effective for treating dark hair on lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I–III). In addition to hair removal, it can also be used to treat selected benign pigmented lesions.
Although compact, the GentleLase Mini delivers the same high-quality beam technology that Candela is known for, offering consistent treatment results and patient comfort.
Best suited for
- Clinics introducing laser hair removal
- Smaller aesthetic practices
- Clinics with limited treatment space
- Patients with lighter skin tones
- Hair removal and selected pigmentation treatments
GentleLase Pro-U
The GentleLase Pro-U builds on the success of previous GentleLase systems by offering higher performance, greater flexibility and faster treatments.
Like the GentleLase Mini, it uses the 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength, but adds variable pulse durations, larger spot sizes and faster repetition rates, allowing practitioners to treat everything from very fine facial hair to thicker body hair with greater efficiency. It is also suitable for treating pigmented lesions, making it more versatile than a hair-removal-only platform.
This system is particularly popular among clinics where laser hair removal is a core service and patient throughput is high.
Best suited for
- Clinics specialising in laser hair removal
- High patient volumes
- Fine, medium and coarse hair
- Pigmented lesion treatments
- Clinics looking for faster treatment sessions
GentleMax Pro Plus
The GentleMax Pro Plus is Candela’s most versatile multi-application platform and is often considered the flagship of the Gentle Pro family.
Unlike Alexandrite-only systems, the GentleMax Pro Plus combines 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelengths in one device. This dual-wavelength technology allows practitioners to safely treat patients across all Fitzpatrick skin types while significantly expanding the range of available treatments.
In addition to laser hair removal, the platform can be used for vascular lesions, pigmented lesions and skin rejuvenation. Larger spot sizes, shorter pulse durations and increased power also help reduce treatment times, making it ideal for busy clinics.
Best suited for
- Multi-speciality aesthetic clinics
- Dermatology and plastic surgery practices
- Clinics treating all skin types (I–VI)
- Practices offering a broad range of aesthetic procedures
- Clinics wanting one platform for multiple indications
PicoWay
While the Gentle series focuses primarily on hair removal and vascular or pigmented lesions, PicoWay is designed for entirely different applications.
PicoWay uses ultra-short picosecond laser pulses rather than longer pulse durations. These extremely short pulses break pigment into tiny particles while minimising heat transfer to surrounding tissue, allowing for effective treatments with less thermal damage.
The platform is widely used for tattoo removal, pigmentation correction, acne scar treatments and skin revitalisation, making it an excellent addition for clinics looking to expand beyond laser hair removal.
Best suited for
- Tattoo removal clinics
- Pigmentation specialists
- Acne scar treatments
- Skin rejuvenation procedures
- Clinics offering advanced aesthetic treatments
Comparing Candela Laser Models
| Device | Primary Strength | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| GentleLase Mini | Compact Alexandrite platform | Clinics introducing laser hair removal |
| GentleLase Pro-U | Advanced Alexandrite laser | High-volume hair removal clinics |
| GentleMax Pro Plus | Dual-wavelength versatility | Clinics treating all skin types and multiple indications |
| PicoWay | Picosecond technology | Tattoo removal, pigmentation and skin rejuvenation |
Which Candela Laser Should You Choose?
The right system depends on the services your clinic provides today—and where you want your business to grow tomorrow.
If your primary focus is laser hair removal for lighter skin types, the GentleLase range offers exceptional speed and clinical performance. Clinics looking for greater flexibility across different skin types and treatment indications often choose the GentleMax Pro Plus, while practices specialising in tattoo removal or pigmentation benefit from PicoWay’s advanced picosecond technology.
Rather than asking which laser is the “best,” the more important question is which platform best supports your patients, treatment portfolio and long-term goals.
At Crystal Medical, we’ve been supplying Candela laser systems to clinics across Cyprus since 1999. Whether you’re opening your first aesthetic practice or expanding an established clinic, our team can help you select the platform that best fits your clinical needs and business objectives.