Cynosure Elite iQ

Name: Cynosure Elite iQ
Brand: Cynosure

Dual-wavelength platform · 755/1064nm + Skintel melanin reader

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The Cynosure Elite iQ typically sells new in the $85k–$115k range in the US, with used and refurbished systems around $45k–$70k. Cynosure Elite iQ holds FDA 510(k) clearance for its marketed indication. Figures are market estimates verified August 6, 2026.

What it's actually cleared for: 755nm alexandrite / 1064nm Nd:YAG cleared for hair removal, permanent hair reduction, benign vascular and pigmented lesions, all skin types

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $85k–$115k|Used: $45k–$70kmarket estimate, no email required

Key facts
Manufacturer	Cynosure
Company	Owner: Hahn & Company (South Korean private equity) (private equity owned, since 2024) · Distribution: direct
Category	Hair Removal & IPL
Technology	755/1064nm + Skintel melanin reader
FDA status	FDA Cleared
New price range	$85k–$115k
Used price range	$45k–$70k
Consumables	Not published
Launch year	2020
Last verified	August 6, 2026

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Bottom line

The sensible mid-market dual-wavelength hair removal workhorse — 755nm Alexandrite plus 1064nm Nd:YAG in one box, with the Skintel melanin reader as its genuine differentiator. SEV Laser runs it alongside Candela at scale, which tells you it holds up under chain-level volume. Less powerful per-area than a Splendor X and lacks Candela's DCD comfort story, but costs meaningfully less with no cryogen bill. Note Cynosure's corporate turbulence (2024 Cynosure Lutronic merger) — put support continuity in writing.

Overview

Current Cynosure HR flagship

How it works

The science

Two lasers share one delivery system: 755nm Alexandrite that melanin absorbs aggressively (lighter skin, finer hair) and 1064nm Nd:YAG that penetrates deeper with less epidermal melanin absorption (the safe choice for Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Light heats follicle pigment enough to disable it — hence 6-8 sessions timed to growth cycles. Same wavelengths treat pigmented lesions, facial and leg veins; Nd:YAG does wrinkles and onychomycosis. Cooling is forced chilled air, not cryogen.

Patented tech

Skintel — an FDA-cleared handheld melanin reader that measures actual melanin density and recommends starting settings; genuinely useful for reducing operator guesswork and burns with rotating techs. iQ added Skintel integration to the Elite dual-wavelength lineage.

Origin

US-built (Westford, Massachusetts area); post-merger supply chain varies — verify.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA ClearedAuthorized via 510(k)

What it's actually cleared for:

755nm alexandrite / 1064nm Nd:YAG cleared for hair removal, permanent hair reduction, benign vascular and pigmented lesions, all skin types

510(k) numbers

K193426; K240396

Regulatory data is compiled from public FDA 510(k) records and may lag recent clearances. Always confirm status with the manufacturer before purchase.

Recent industry events

How we source company data

Ownership and corporate changes at Cynosure that can affect warranty, service and parts availability.

Jan 2024
Cynosure and Lutronic merge under Hahn & Company
Merger
Cynosure and Lutronic announced their merger on January 19, 2024, closing later that year to form Cynosure Lutronic, Inc. under South Korean private equity firm Hahn & Company; terms undisclosed. This followed CD&R's 2019 purchase of Cynosure from Hologic for $205M and Hahn's 2023 acquisition of Lutronic.
Source: PR Newswire (Jan 19, 2024); Hologic filings

Treatment economics

What practices charge

~$75-150 lip/face zones, ~$100-250 underarms, ~$200-500 Brazilian, ~$300-700 legs/back per session; 6-session packages discounted 30-50%. Vein and pigment treatments ~$200-600. Full-body six-session packages ~$2,000-5,000.

Consumables & recurring cost

Effectively none — air cooling means no cryogen; gel and Skintel sensor stickers are trivial. Annual consumable spend realistically under ~$1k; budget chiller maintenance and eventual rod/lamp service instead.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

A medspa building a hair removal membership base across a diverse population — dual wavelength plus Skintel covers Fitzpatrick I-VI with a lower operator skill floor. Good first serious laser for a nurse-owned practice; earns its keep as overflow room in a chain.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II prescription laser — practice of medicine in most states requiring a supervising physician/medical director with delegation; who may fire it (laser tech vs RN/NP vs MD-only) varies heavily by state.

Contraindications & screening

Pregnancy, recent tanning (especially before Alexandrite work), photosensitizing meds, recent isotretinoin, active infection/herpes in the area, tattoos in the field, suspicious pigmented lesions. Skintel reduces but does not replace assessment and test spots.

Ownership

Warranty & service

~1-year factory warranty; post-warranty ~$8k-14k/year, and Cynosure's service reputation has been uneven through restructuring — negotiate response-time terms and loaners up front.

Resale & used market

Solid liquidity — Elite-family lasers are a used-market staple; used iQ ~$30k-60k depending on year and Skintel; values drifting down as merger-era discounting compresses the spread.

Chains using this device

SEV Laser
Hair removal chain · 50+ US locations · Company machine page (dual-vendor standard)
Confirmed

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