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Younger, fresher appearance without facelift  Mud baths and cucumbers can't reverse premature signs of aging caused by sagging eyelids. But full facelifts aren't the only alternative to this common problem. Eyelid surgery can produce dramatic improvements for patients whose eyes make them look older and more fatigued than they feel. “Much less intrusive than a facelift, eyelid surgery addresses the underlying fat that is causing the lids to droop downward,” said Gene Howard, M.D., Storm Eye Institute. Everyone was born with a thin membrane behind the eyelids that keeps naturally occurring fatty tissue in its proper place above and below the eye. Normal aging as well as hereditary factors can cause the membrane to weaken and tear. The fat cells are then free to migrate forward, causing the eyelids to become puffy. Occasionally, drooping upper eyelids can even interfere with vision. For some individuals, this problem can develop very early in life. “Clients often asked me if I was ill or if I'd had enough sleep. My eyes did not reflect the enthusiasm I felt,” said a 49-year-old account executive. “Eyelid surgery was a good investment I made in myself.” Howard reports that many of the men and women who come to Storm Eye Institute for facial rejuvenation surgery are professionals in their 40s, 50s and even 60s who demand the highest caliber of care. “They are not willing to take chances when it comes to their eyes,” said the oculoplastic surgeon. “They want a specialist who has significant training and experience in this delicate area of the body. The results have to be perfect, because you can't hide your eyes. And every precaution must be taken to safeguard vision.” Howard often combines eyelid surgery with laser surgery. “The thin skin surrounding the eye must be approached very carefully with a laser, but the results are beautiful. It completes the rejuvenation process by addressing the outer appearance of the skin itself.” Botox injections can also be used to reduce crow's feet and forehead creases. These injections are performed using topical anesthetic creams.   For further information, contact the Storm Eye Institute at 216-2020  or visit its Web site at http://www.stormeye.musc.edu   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.