Device and method for improved surgical incisions

A disposable scalpel, comprising:

• a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a scalpel blade receiving slot formed in the distal end;
• and a first elongated member extending from the distal end;
• a second elongated member extending from the distal end;
• wherein the first and second elongated members are disposed parallel to each other;
• wherein the slot is positioned between the first and second parallel elongated members, such that a scalpel blade received in and extending from the slot would be flanked by the first and second parallel elongated members;
• wherein a respective one of first and second generally rectangular parallel sidewalls extends from a respective one of the first and second elongated members;
• wherein the scalpel blade extends from the slot;
• wherein the slot is positioned between the respective sidewalls;
• wherein the respective sidewalls are connected by a digitally engageable retraction wedge extending therebetween;
• wherein the sidewalls are urged away from the distal end by respective biasing members operationally connected to the respective sidewalls and to the body portion;
• wherein urging the retraction wedge toward the distal end slides the sidewalls towards the distal end, exposing the scalpel blade.