Is there a 'better' choice? Twilight vs general anesthesia for a 'skin pinch' procedure?

This type of procedure can be performed using only local anesthesia, at most twilight. We never use general anesthesia for any kind of eyelid surgery. I would prefer local if your surgeon is willing to do it this way.

While general anesthesia is considered safe, it is not perfectly safe.  Things can happen.  Intravenous sedation performed for "twilight" anesthesia is a level where you are not aware but do not require a endotracheal tube to maintain your airway.  It is generally less stressful to the body.  I agree with others that it is possible to do this type of procedure under local anesthesia.  I would caution you about a skin pinch.  These often are not a skin pinch but a skin and muscle pinch that results in a weakening of the lower eyelid with post operative compromise of the lower eyelid. 

For a simple procedure, why go the route of general or twilight anesthesia? A local anesthetic with oral sedation should do fine.

I'm not sure I'd recommend either. A skin pinch is easy to do in the office setting using local anesthetic. No need for the inconvenience or cost of going to an operating room. Sutures are usually removed in just a few days.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

the less meds the better. I often do this procedure with oral meds only. Patients  do exceptionally well and the recovery is much quicker. Hope this helps,Best of luck,DrC

Thank you for your question. The eyelid surgery pinch technique is usually performed under twilight anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. I suggest that you move forward with the procedure as you are in good hands with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

All the options are good.  This is a personal decision of preference for most patients.  For patients that do not wish to remember the injections or any part of the surgery then general or twilight is generally the way to go.  For those that aren't very pain sensitive and are okay with a few numbing shots at the beginning can go with just oral meds or local alone.  I'd say for a "pinch" tightening most of my patients just do oral meds in the outpatient setting.  Each individual is unique and you and your surgeon know you the best.  Best regards for a great outcome.  

Either option is fine. I usually do a pinch awake with just a local anesthetic as it is just a small skin removal.

You may want to reconsider the skin pinch approach. Not only can it get you into difficult by removing orbicularis oculi fibers, it can induce an abnormal contour and position of the lower lid. CO2 Laser resurfacing is an option that will gently and more diffusely tighten the skin in the preseptal area. In the right hands it is a safer and more precise alternative than skin removal by "pinching". Best wishes.