Abstract: Surgical retractor elements and assemblies are described for holding open a surgical incision to expose the surgical area and to keep uninvolved tissues away from the surgical area without causing undue trauma to the engaged tissues. A self-retaining form includes a ring frame and a plurality of paddle assemblies angularly spaced about the ring for engaging and holding back uninvolved tissues. The paddle assemblies have arms that slide radially through a slot in the ring frame. Each of the retractor assemblies includes a paddle of a soft, resilient flexible material for flexing to prevent stress concentrations. The paddle members have a flexural modulus of elasticity between 1,000 psi and 75,000 psi. One form of paddle is provided to slidably fit over the existing blade of a hand-held retractor. Another form of assembly includes a soft, resilient paddle mounted to a hand-held handle frame.