A device for reducing retraction of edges of an opened fascia of a patient having an open soft-tissue defect. The device includes a holding element and an attachment element. The holding element is configured to be fixed with respect to the patient at a first distance from the patient. The attachment element has a plurality of attachment points configured for attaching tensioning means, which is configured to be connected to an edge of the fascia. The attachment element being connected to the holding element so as to be arranged at a second distance from the patient, which is less than the first distance. The attachment element is connected to the holding element via exactly one tensile force transmission element.