The Belly Bandit Silicone Skin Defense sheets are designed to indulge and treat scarring—particularly after having a C-section. With two latex-free, self-adhesive silicone strips, you can give your belly the soothing moisture it needs to help reduce the size, hardness, redness, swelling, itching, or stiffness of your scar. It can even support overall skin health and recovery by trapping nutrients and moisture on your skin.

After a C-section, you can start wearing a belly band as soon as your doctor gives you the okay and it feels comfortable. With a C-section, you might want to consult with your OBGYN before you leave the hospital, so you can start wearing it as soon as they give you the go-ahead. Generally speaking, starting belly compression soon after delivery is deemed best; you can also start by wearing your wrap for a few hours at a time to get used to it.

Two weeks after delivery, your scar should look and feel so much better! It shouldn’t be as painful, and you should be feeling more like yourself. That being said, it can often take several months before you’re completely healed.

The best C-section scar treatment? Keep it moist, but not soaking wet. That’s why a silicone sheet can be so helpful: It keeps the area moist in a clean, hygienic way. Our Belly Bandit Silicone Skin Defense sheets provide just the right amount of protection from drying out without having to constantly slather on lotions, creams, and oils.

Treatment will look different depending on the person, but here are six general rules to keep in mind as you treat your C-section scar:

1. 1. Keep it clean
2. 2. Keep it moist
3. 3. Air it out occasionally
4. 4. Make sure you keep your postnatal appointments to have it checked
5. 5. Wait to exercise until you’re cleared by your doctor, and start slow
6. 6. Make sure you’re moving—walks are the best!

If you scar badly—for example, if you have a keloid scar—your cesarean scar tissue can cause numbness, pain, and tightness in your lower abdomen. When you move or stretch, you may feel a lot of discomfort, which can lead to back pain and muscle weakness, mostly because you don’t want to move and cause more pain! Do your best to care for your wound and reduce scarring early on.

When you’re ready, a belly band can be your best friend! You can also dress for success. Try different styles of tops and see which one gives you the figure you’re looking for. If you’re really self-conscious about your postpartum body, just remind yourself: That pooch made a baby! You’re doing great and, eventually, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself again.

Most scars will not go away completely. You’ll likely have that mama badge of honor for the rest of your life, but often they fade to just a tiny visible line. Taking care of your scar from the very beginning will help it fade more effectively over time.