UPDATE 1-Syneron Q2 profit rises; shares up

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Aug 14 (Reuters) - Laser device maker Syneron Medical Ltd (ELOS.O) reported a higher quarterly profit, helped by strong international sales and lower expenses, sending its shares up 7 percent before the bell.

Net income for the second quarter was $11.0 million, or 40 cents per share, compared with $10.3 million, or 37 cents per share, a year earlier. Excluding stock-based compensation, it earned 50 cents a share.

Revenue rose 2 percent to $38.2 million. International sales rose 17 percent to $19.1 million.

Analysts were expecting the company to earn 32 cents a share, excluding special items but including stock-based compensation, on revenue of $37.6 million, according to Reuters Estimates.

Selling and marketing expenses fell 10 percent to $14.3 million during the quarter.

The company, which makes aesthetic laser devices, launched its laser-assisted body-sculpting and fat-reduction device, LipoLite, at the end of the second quarter and expects to start selling significantly during the third quarter, Chief Executive Doron Gerstel said in a statement.

Aesthetic laser device makers are expected to face tough challenges in a difficult economic environment unless they diversify from traditional procedures and tap newer areas like liposuction and body contouring.

Shares of the Israel-based company were trading at $16.91 before the bell. They closed at $15.78 Wednesday on Nasdaq. (Reporting by Esha Dey in Bangalore; Editing by Himani Sarkar)