A tissue retractor is disclosed. The tissue retractor includes: a base support unit having an underside that is adapted to be conformable and to be removably attachable to a surface proximate to an incision; and a retractable member substantially inelastic in its central longitudinal axis and flexible in at least one axis deviating from said central longitudinal axis, wherein the retractable member is adapted to receive the mounting portion of an at least one tissue hook, the at least one tissue hook having a tissue engagement portion and a mounting portion, wherein the tissue engagement portion is capable of engaging tissue to be retracted, wherein said retractable member is retractable away from the incision, such that the tissue engagement portion of the tissue hook retracts tissue to which it is engaged, wherein said retractable member has a first end and a second end, wherein said retractable member is integrally formed with the base support unit via the first end, and wherein the second end of the retractable member has a securing mechanism for removably attaching the second end to a corresponding securing mechanism on the first end and/or the base support unit.