This varies greatly depending on who you listen to. I had an abdominoplasty and a Lateral Thigh Lift (where they cut around my entire body) and throughout the entire experience I HAD NO PAIN and little if any discomfort. I was provided with enough pain medications for only 2 days, but I doubt that I even needed that. For the typical Tummy Tuck they say that you would most likely have some discomfort and some pain (controllable with medications) for the first few days. Some patients just take regular non-prescription Tylenol for comfort after surgery. Valium is sometimes given to some patients for relaxation and as a sleep aid. Unless there are some other type of problems or complications that should be about it.