Equipment brand

Candela Aesthetic Equipment: Devices, Specs and Buying Notes

Candela GentleMax Pro Plus laser system
GentleMax Pro Plus, one of Candela’s current systems. Image: Candela.

Candela systems for practice owners: GentleMax Pro Plus, GentleMax Pro, Nordlys, PicoWay and Matrix. Compare cleared uses, evidence and running costs, then use the buying checks below before you request quotes.

Darryl H.Updated November 7, 2026Brand overview

Sourced from FDA records and manufacturer documents. NuWays MD is independent and reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Candela systems at a glance

Who each system suits, its newest FDA record and the published studies we found, labeled by what they tested. Open a system for specs, costs and quote questions.

SystemShortlist it ifNewest FDA recordEvidence
GentleMax Pro PlusFull profileHair removal across skin types is a core service, with 755 and 1064 nm on one console.K201111 (2020)None on this system
1 on an earlier model
GentleMax Pro · earlier generationFull profileYou want the same two wavelengths at a lower price and accept the earlier generation.K140122 (2014)1 on this system
NordlysFull profileYou want IPL, 1550 and 1940 nm fractional lasers and an Nd:YAG on one console.K212492 (2021)+ 2 more on the profileNone on this system
2 on earlier models
PicoWayFull profileTattoo removal is a core service and you need four picosecond wavelengths.K220853 (2022)+ 1 more on the profile2 on this system
MatrixFull profileYou want RF microneedling, Sublative resurfacing and Sublime on one console.K240070 (2024)+ 1 more on the profileNone on this system
1 on an earlier model
1 on related technology
GentleMax Pro PlusFull profile

Shortlist it ifHair removal across skin types is a core service, with 755 and 1064 nm on one console.

Technology, FDA record and evidence
Technology
755 nm alexandrite / 1064 nm Nd:YAG
Newest FDA record
K201111 (2020)
Evidence
None on this system
1 on an earlier model
GentleMax Pro · earlier generationFull profile

Shortlist it ifYou want the same two wavelengths at a lower price and accept the earlier generation.

Technology, FDA record and evidence
Technology
755 nm alexandrite / 1064 nm Nd:YAG
Newest FDA record
K140122 (2014)
Evidence
1 on this system
NordlysFull profile

Shortlist it ifYou want IPL, 1550 and 1940 nm fractional lasers and an Nd:YAG on one console.

Technology, FDA record and evidence
Technology
SWT pulsed light and laser platform
Newest FDA record
K212492 (2021)+ 2 more on the profile
Evidence
None on this system
2 on earlier models
PicoWayFull profile

Shortlist it ifTattoo removal is a core service and you need four picosecond wavelengths.

Technology, FDA record and evidence
Technology
Picosecond laser
Newest FDA record
K220853 (2022)+ 1 more on the profile
Evidence
2 on this system
MatrixFull profile

Shortlist it ifYou want RF microneedling, Sublative resurfacing and Sublime on one console.

Technology, FDA record and evidence
Technology
RF platform
Newest FDA record
K240070 (2024)+ 1 more on the profile
Evidence
None on this system
1 on an earlier model
1 on related technology

See them side by sideSpecs, cleared uses and ownership questions in one table.

GentleMax Pro PlusGentleMax ProNordlys
Compare side by side ⁠→

Candela equipment: what to know before you buy

Our catalog covers five Candela systems, and all five have full profiles. For laser hair removal, compare the GentleMax Pro Plus and GentleMax Pro; for RF microneedling and resurfacing, Matrix; for IPL and fractional resurfacing, Nordlys; and for tattoo and pigment work, PicoWay. Start with the service you plan to offer, then the generation and handpieces. Matrix, Nordlys and PicoWay are priced by applicator or handpiece, so compare quotes on the same configuration.

Three checks before you buy

  1. Confirm the generationGentleMax Pro and Pro Plus look alike in listings, as do Nordlys and older Ellipse-branded units. Confirm model, serial number and software before you compare prices.
  2. Price by applicator and handpieceMatrix applicators and Nordlys and PicoWay handpieces are separate line items with their own disposables. Compare quotes on the same configuration.
  3. Ask about transfer termsOn a used system, ask Candela what it charges to inspect and transfer it, and whether service and parts continue after the sale.

Candela devices by service

5Systems in our catalog
4Services covered
5With a full page

Pigment, vascular & IPL

Distinguish pulsed light from lasers and confirm the modules included in each offer.

Tattoo & picosecond lasers

A platform name does not tell you which wavelengths or fractional handpieces are included.

RF microneedling

Compare the exact workstation, tips and clinical support behind each RF microneedling offer.

Common questions about Candela equipment

Which Candela laser is best for hair removal?

The GentleMax Pro Plus is Candela’s current 755 nm and 1064 nm hair removal system; the GentleMax Pro is the earlier model with less energy and smaller spots. Compare them on the GentleMax Pro Plus and GentleMax Pro profiles.

What is the difference between Matrix and Nordlys?

Matrix is an RF platform for microneedling, Sublative resurfacing and non-invasive wrinkle treatment. Nordlys is an IPL platform with 1550 nm and 1940 nm fractional lasers and an Nd:YAG. See Matrix and Nordlys.

Does Candela publish prices?

No. Candela quotes through its sales team, and one dealer listed a used 2019 GentleMax Pro at $65,000 in September 2026. Line up itemized quotes in our free quote checker.

Plan the purchase

Plan your Candela purchase.

  1. Compare Candela systems side by side, or against other brands.
  2. Check what each quote includes: configuration, supplies, service and financing.
  3. Model the monthly payment against realistic treatment volume in the ROI calculator.
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