A tummy tuck has a reputation as one of the more painful cosmetic procedures to recover from, but most of our patients describe soreness, tightness, and discomfort in the first days of recovery, rather than pain. We believe that’s due both to Dr. Lachica’s surgical technique and to the careful use of pain medication. A long-lasting anesthetic can help reduce discomfort for the first two or three days, then prescription and over-the-counter pain medications can be used under Dr. Lachica’s guidance.