A temporarily implantable tissue separator comprises (a) a membrane having two substantially-smooth surfaces and (b) an extractor for withdrawing said membrane from the operation site after a healing period through a minimal surgical incision. The membrane is conformably placeable between tissues to be separated. The extractor has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the extractor is continuously connected to the membrane and the proximal end remains loose outside the tissue.
