A multi-ply adhesive retraction device is provided which comprises a top layer, a backing layer and a stretchable middle layer between the top and backing layers. A middle-ply adhesive applied to substantially the entirety of the middle layer bottom surface to removably adhere the backing layer to the middle layer bottom surface. The device includes at least one bottom ply tab integral with the device which is operable to remove at least a portion of the backing layer from the middle layer to expose the adhesive of the middle layer. Additionally, the device includes at least one top ply tab which is operable to remove the top layer from the middle layer. The device can be applied pre-operatively, and then the top layer can be removed post-operatively to remain in place during healing of, for example, an incision site.