Best Over-the-Counter Scar Products After a C-Section

My newest granddaughter was born in June. My daughter-in-law unexpectedly had a C-section and was very worried about the long-term scarring the surgery would leave. So many new moms ask me for advice about scar treatments because they don’t know where to start. As a dermatologist, I see patients with scars all over their bodies, both new and old. For new moms who are dealing with so much after the birth of a child AND a major surgery, having great information about the best c-section scar products will take one thing off their plates and make a huge difference in recovery. 

In my 35+ years of practicing, I’ve learned that when it comes to scars, starting early, being consistent, and finding the right products can really impact results. 

Stats on C-Sections & Scarring 

• 32% of all births in the US are C-sections according to the CDC. 
• Over 1 million women deal with scars from their C-section each year. 
• Medical-grade silicone treatments can reduce scar thickness by up to 86% when used consistently – but timing matters. Make sure you start your treatment once your incision is fully healed and your doctor gives clearance. 
• Many women wait months or even years to address their scars, missing the prime window for treatment.

A few things that every mom should know about treating their c-section scars:

• Wait for your wound to heal – Don’t start your scar treatment until your incision is completely closed and you get the go-ahead from your doctor.
• Start once you’re cleared – The earlier you start treatment once the incision is healed, the better.
• Consistency is key – Apply your scar product daily. Don’t use it sporadically. 

Top 9 C-Section Scar Products:

We went through thousands of customer reviews on our website and on Amazon to get overall product sentiment, allowing you to pick and choose which c-section scar product to use. Not all products are created equal, and while all of these products are rated highly and top sellers, the sentiment isn’t always great. The information below should really help you sort through the noise. 

• Skinuva Scar 
  • Customer Sentiment: Overwhelmingly positive. Most customers had great results, and the majority of reviews praise effectiveness, and note significant scar reduction within weeks. Several also mentioned that their surgeons specifically recommended the product. There are complaints about the high price point compared to the small amount of product, making it cost-prohibitive for larger scars or extended use, but it seems to be worth the cost based on effectiveness.
• Biocorneum Advanced Scar Treatment  
  • Customer Sentiment: Biocorneum seems to be genuinely effective at reducing scars. Most customers see noticeable improvements within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. The main complaints are that it’s expensive and the bottles are small, but people consistently say “you get what you pay for” and that it outperforms cheaper alternatives. It’s clearly the go-to recommendation from plastic surgeons and dermatologists. It needs to be applied twice daily, but the results seem to justify the cost for most users.
• Strataderm Scar Therapy Gel 
  • Customer Sentiment: Mostly positive. Many customers say that this works very effectively when using the product consistently, and it receives praise from doctors who recommend it. There are complaints about the high price and small tube size. There are also some technical issues reported, including the product not drying properly and occasional tube defects that cause leaks during shipping.
• ScarAway C-Section Scar Treatment Strips 
  • Customer Sentiment: Moderately positive. Customers are overall happy with the results and say the comfortable, thin design works well, specifically for C-section scars. There is a big issue with the product sticking properly – multiple customers report that the strips don’t stick well, fall off easily, or lose their stickiness quickly.
• NUVADERMIS Silicone Scar Sheets – Top-rated product on Amazon for C-section scars.
  • Customer Sentiment: Generally positive. Many customers are happy with the scar reduction and like the thick, comfortable material that provides good coverage and support for C-section scars. Like other scar sheets, there are issues with the products sticking properly. Customers also note that newer versions of the product seem thinner and less durable than previous versions. There are also occasional allergic reactions in sensitive users.
• Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream 
  • Customer Sentiment: Generally positive with many users saying that the products work well for scar treatment and has quick absorption. There are complaints about a strong, unpleasant smell. Customers also report a high price for a small 1 oz tube and mixed results –  Some users see dramatic improvements while others report no change at all, particularly on older or deeper scars.
• Frida Mom C-Section Silicone Strips 
  • Customer Sentiment: Mostly positive. Many customers say that these are comfortable and a good size for C-section scars. They also say that they are effective in preventing keloid formation and reducing itching. Customers say the strips don’t stay on well, fall off easily, or lose their stickiness after the first use. Some customers have side effects, including infections, rashes, or skin sensitivity.
• Forces of Nature Scar Treatment – An organic product for moms who want natural ingredients. 
  • Customer Sentiment: Mixed but leans toward positive, with many users reporting visible scar reduction and liking the organic/natural formulation and convenient rollerball applicator. People don’t love the product packaging and shipping, as multiple customers received bottles that were half-empty or completely leaked out during transit. Some also report mixed results where the product either works well or shows no improvement at all, suggesting effectiveness may vary a lot between individuals and scar types.
• NewGel+E Advanced Silicone Scar Sheet Strips for C-Section 
  • Customer Sentiment: Highly polarized. Some users report”miraculous” results for keloid scars and significant reduction in scar appearance, while others have major issues with the adhesive not sticking properly or falling off within minutes. 

Key Takeaways:

• Gels/creams outperform sheets/strips. The top three products are all topical applications, while most of the problematic products are adhesive strips.
• There are price complaints across the board, but customers feel high prices are worth it for products that work well. 
• Doctors frequently recommend products like Skinuva, Biocorneum, and Strataderm, which seem to correlate with better results.
• Nearly every silicone sheet product has recurring complaints about not sticking properly, which is a fundamental issue with the product type.

With the right product and consistent application, most women see great results in the overall appearance of their c-section scar. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any scar treatment, and remember that patience and consistency is key for long-term results. Just like I advised my daughter-in-law after my granddaughter’s birth, the key is starting early with the right product and staying consistent with your routine.