Laser technology has revolutionized aesthetic medicine, giving patients more options—and better outcomes—than ever before. Whether your goal is smoother texture, improved tone, more youthful firmness, or a dramatic reduction in wrinkles and scars, today’s lasers offer solutions for nearly every concern.

At Soma MD, two of the most advanced resurfacing options are ClearLift and Opus Colibri. While both treatments rejuvenate the skin, they operate very differently. ClearLift is a non-ablative laser, meaning it works beneath the surface without damaging the outer layer. Opus Colibri is an ablative resurfacing treatment, which means it removes micro-layers of skin to trigger deeper renewal.

Knowing the difference is essential for choosing the right treatment—and achieving the results you want. Below, we break down exactly how each works, what they treat, and who they’re best suited for.

What Is Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing?

Non-ablative laser treatments improve the skin without injuring or removing the epidermis, the outermost layer. Instead, they heat targeted areas beneath the surface to stimulate collagen remodeling and cellular renewal.

Because the top layer of skin remains intact, non-ablative lasers typically involve:

• Minimal to no downtime
• Gentle, gradual improvement
• Very low risk for post-treatment irritation
• High safety for many different skin tones

Non-ablative treatments are ideal for individuals seeking subtle rejuvenation or addressing early signs of aging without taking time off work or social activities.

ClearLift: A Non-Ablative Laser With Powerful Benefits

ClearLift is one of the top non-ablative lasers on the market, often referred to as the “lunchtime facelift” because it delivers real results with virtually zero downtime. Using Q-Switched Nd:YAG technology, ClearLift sends precise bursts of energy into deeper layers of the skin while leaving the surface untouched.

How ClearLift Works

The laser energy penetrates below the surface to encourage collagen and elastin production. Over time, this process strengthens the skin’s internal structure, improving tone, firmness, and texture from the inside out.

What ClearLift Helps Improve

ClearLift is especially effective for:

• Mild to moderate fine lines
• Uneven tone
• Early loss of elasticity
• Mild texture irregularities
• Pigmentation from sun exposure
• Under-eye crepiness

Because the treatment is gentle and surface-safe, it is often recommended for delicate areas such as the neck, chest, and around the eyes—areas that are traditionally harder to treat.

Who ClearLift Is Best For

ClearLift is ideal for anyone who:

• Wants a no-downtime treatment
• Prefers a subtle, natural improvement
• Is new to laser treatments
• Wants preventative anti-aging support
• Needs a treatment safe for sensitive or darker skin types

ClearLift works beautifully as a stand-alone treatment and as part of a long-term skin maintenance plan.

What Is Ablative Resurfacing?

Ablative treatments remove a controlled portion of the outer skin layer while also heating the deeper layer beneath it. Because the skin surface is resurfaced, this type of treatment delivers more dramatic improvements for concerns that require deeper correction.

Ablative resurfacing generally offers:

• Smoother texture
• Reduction of deep lines
• Improvement of significant sun damage
• Softening of scars
• Stronger tightening effect

While ablative treatments involve more aftercare and downtime, the results are often more transformative and may require fewer sessions.

Opus Colibri: Precision Ablative Resurfacing for Transformative Change

Opus Colibri is a highly advanced fractional ablative device that uses fractional plasma energy rather than traditional light alone. This allows for extremely controlled, precise resurfacing with less downtime compared to fully ablative lasers of the past.

How Opus Colibri Works

The device creates micro-injuries on the surface of the skin while delivering heat deeper into the dermis. This dual action triggers rapid exfoliation and intensive collagen remodeling. As the skin heals, it becomes smoother, tighter, and more even.

What Opus Colibri Helps Improve

This treatment is ideal for:

• Deep or etched wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Rough or uneven texture
• Advanced sun damage
• Large pores
• Crepey or lax skin
• Stretch marks

Who Opus Colibri Is Best For

Opus Colibri is a strong option for individuals who:

• Want more dramatic, corrective improvement
• Have deeper wrinkles or scarring
• Don’t mind a few days of social downtime
• Want long-lasting resurfacing results
• Prefer a modern alternative to traditional CO₂ lasers

Most people experience 3–7 days of downtime, depending on treatment intensity.

ClearLift vs. Opus Colibri: How to Choose

Choosing between the two depends on your goals and the condition of your skin:

• If you want subtle improvement, no downtime, and a gentle boost in collagen → ClearLift is your best match.
• If you want to visibly smooth scars, deeper lines, or rough texture → Opus Colibri delivers more dramatic resurfacing.
• If you’re seeking both preventative and corrective care → A combination of ClearLift and Opus Colibri often produces the most balanced, long-lasting rejuvenation.

Your provider at Soma MD will evaluate your skin and help you create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

Begin Your Skin Renewal Journey

Choosing the right resurfacing treatment makes all the difference in achieving results you’ll love. Whether you’re seeking gentle rejuvenation or a more corrective approach, our team is here to design a custom plan that fits your unique skin needs.

Schedule your ClearLift or Opus Colibri consultation at Soma MD in Lakeway, TX today, and take the first step toward smoother, brighter, more confident skin.