An adjustable wound closure device includes at least one band or strip retaining element provided for attachment in the region of at least one edge of a wound. The retaining element has a multiplicity of hook elements on at least part of at least one of its two faces. The wound closure device further includes at least one gauze cover element which substantially completely covers the wound and the edge regions provided with the retaining element. The hook-like elements of the retaining element and the meshes of the cover element are designed and arranged such that the wound can be reversibly closed by a positive engagement of at least some of the hook-like elements in the meshes.