WAYLAND, Mass., April 23 -- Candela Corp.'s new GentleYAG Nd:YAG long-pulse laser has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for hair reduction and the treatment of vascular lesions. The GentleYAG facilitates hair removal in darker skinned patients, including skin types V and VI. "FDA clearance for the GentleYAG laser is very significant for the laser hair removal market," said Gerard E. Puorro, Candela's president and CEO. "This is our first laser that completely meets the hair removal needs of darker skinned persons, while being entirely suitable for all skin types. The laser is smaller, lighter, more affordable and easier to use than what was previously available. It will improve the in-office hair removal capabilities of physicians and other practitioners."