An integrated circuit product includes a FinFET device, a device isolation region that is positioned around a perimeter of the FinFET device, and an isolation protection layer that is positioned above the device isolation region. The FinFET device includes at least one fin, a gate structure, and a sidewall spacer, the device isolation region includes a first insulating material, and the isolation protection layer includes a material that is different from the first insulating material. A first portion of the isolation protection layer is positioned under a portion of the gate structure and under a portion of the sidewall spacer, wherein a second portion of the isolation protection layer is not positioned under the gate structure and is not positioned under the sidewall spacer, the first portion of the isolation protection layer having a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the second portion.