Silicone Strips for C-Section Scar Recovery

If you’ve found yourself down a late-night Google rabbit hole about C-section scar healing, you've probably come across silicone strips.

They sound a bit simple to really make a difference, right?

How does a small little rubbery strip help your scar to heal flatter, softer, and lighter over time?

Honestly? Here’s the truth: when used properly, silicon strips really do work!

After helping hundreds of women recover from Caesarian birth, I can confidently tell you - silicone is one of the easiest, most effective tools to support your scar's healing.

What Are Silicone Strips?

Silicone strips (or sheets) are soft, flexible pieces of medical-grade silicone that you place directly over your healed scar.

They create a protective barrier that helps your skin stay hydrated, reduces redness, and supports healthy collagen production underneath.

Think of them as like a smart cover for your scar - protecting it from rubbing, while quietly working 'behind the scenes' to improve the look and feel of your scar.

When Can You Start Using Them?

This is important - only start silicone strips once your incision is completely healed.

That means no 'open bits', no scabs, and definitely no discharge.

For many women, that can be around 3–4 weeks after birth, but it varies a lot from person to person. Because of this variation, I usually recommend waiting til around the 6 week mark, to ensure the scar has fully closed.

If you’re not sure, check with your physio, midwife, or doctor.

How to Use Silicone Strips

Silicon strips are really simple to use:

1. Clean and pat dry your scar before applying.

2. You might need to cut the strip to size, so the strip fits neatly over your scar.

3. Apply over your scar - start with wearing for just a few hours on the first day, to ensure your body tolerates the silicon, then build up to wearing most of the day (and even overnight).

4. Reuse - depending on the brand you choose, many silicon strips last up to a week or two, before needing to be replaced.

5. Store on the plastic backing when not in use to keep them clean.

That’s it. Nothing fancy. 

The important thing is to keep using them consistently, to really allow the strips to make a difference.

Most evidence tells us that 3 - 6 months is ideal.

Which Kind Should You Buy?

You’ll find a growing number of options out there these days, and like most things, the quality can really vary. 

Look for:

• Medical-grade silicone

• Reusable/washable if possible

• Comfortable, flexible texture

• Good adhesion without irritation

If you’re unsure, ask your women’s health physio. We’ve usually tested half of them ourselves!

Real Talk: Why I Love Them

I started using silicon strips on my scar when my youngest, and 4th C-section baby, was 4 years old. And the biggest difference I noticed in my own scar, was how much flatter my scar became, in only a short space of time. On a 4 year old scar!

I’ve seen women use silicone strips and be amazed by the difference. Not just in how their scar looks, but how it feels.

When your scar feels softer, moves more freely, and doesn’t pull, it can change the way you move and connect with your body.

Because here’s the thing:

Your C-section scar is a part or your body, and or your story. 

It deserves care, not neglect.

Final Thoughts

Silicone strips aren’t a magic fix, but they are a simple, evidence-based tool that can make a big difference to your recovery.

And when your scar feels good, you feel more confident moving, exercising, and trusting your body again.

If you’d like more guidance on scar care, massage, movement, and C-section preparation, you’ll find it all inside my C-Ready: Prepare For Your C-Section  my online program designed to help you prepare for a wonderful Caesarian birth. 

You can find out more about C-Ready by clicking here