Best options for a flat stomach
The best surgery to get a flat stomach is an abdominoplasty, if you have abdominal wall muscle laxity causing the bulging appearance. This is likely the cause in women that have had children.
In some women, we see intra-abdominal adiposity which is only treatable by diet and exercise.
You should consult with an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeon to discuss your options and what their postoperative recovery requires, especially in regards to lifting your son. (Todd C. Case, MD, Tucson Plastic Surgeon)
You would be a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction. Removal of excess skin, tightening your abdominal wall, recreating a belly button are all necessary for the best results. (Shim Ching, MD, Honolulu Plastic Surgeon)
What treatment would you recommend to get a flatter stomach?
I think that you will do best with a tummy tuck operation. As you mentioned, planning enough recovery time/help will be especially important in your case. Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Based on these two photos alone, it appears you have a weakened abdominal wall that would benefit from a tummy tuck. Consult with an experienced plastic surgeon in person for a more complete evaluation. (William Bruno, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Best result but limited lifting
I agree – your photo strongly suggests you need a tummy tuck. I don’t think anything else will giveyou the improvement you need.
You wont’ be able to lift your son (depending on his weight) for 4 – 6 weeks.Is there any way to get help at home with him, e.g. friends, family, neighbors, home health aides during your recovery?
You will be too tired to look after him for at least 3 full weeks and as I said, no lifting for at least 4. (Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Flatter Abdomen
I would recommend a Tummy Tuck to give you the best result as you have excess skin below and above the umbilicus along with significant protrusion of your abdominal wall that can be addressed with fascial tightening. Liposuction will not address the protrusion and will leave looser crinkly skin on you abdomen that will be less attractive than the tighter smooth skin left with a Tummy Tuck. (David Liland, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Flatter stomach
I think a tummy tuck would be recommending by any surgeon you see. The problem will be the recovery. You will need to avoid lifting for six weeks, so you will need a lot of help. (Jourdan Gottlieb, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Abdominoplasty with Mesh Reinforcement
I recommend Abdominoplasty with Mesh Reinforcement.The mesh increases the mechanical strength of the abdominal wall resulting in a hourglass figure, early satiety, weight loss and maintains the reduced weight.You will be unable to lift over 10 lbs for approximately one month. (Gary M. Horndeski, MD, Texas Plastic Surgeon)