Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing the retraction of the edges (4.1) of an opened fascia (4) of a patient (1) having an open soft tissue defect, in particular having an open abdominal wall (2) or an open soft tissue defect on the back, via which a tensile force (A, B) can be applied to the edges (4.1) of the fascia (4) by a force component (A1, B1) directed away from the body of the patient (1), such that the device (11) holds the edges (4.1) of the fascia (4) under tension and spaced apart from each other and that furthermore there is an open soft tissue defect, in particular an opened abdominal wall (2), or an open soft tissue defect on the back.