Columbia, SC, native Dr. Ralph Cozart knew he wanted to become a surgeon at the age of 12, when, as a paperboy delivering to the veterans' hospital, he observed patients with traumatic facial deformities. Those daily visits were the catalyst that propelled him toward a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
A few years later, after carefully charting his career plan, he completed advanced degrees from The Medical University of South Carolina and The University of Tennessee before eventually settling in Myrtle Beach.
These days, Dr. Cozart is the Senior Plastic Surgeon at Inlet Plastic Surgery in Murrells Inlet. He’s been practicing his particular set of surgical skills for 27 years, 26 of which have been spent helping patients along the Grand Strand.
“I chose the Grand Strand because
I have always loved the coast. I spent
many summers on the Grand Strand
growing up,” he recalls.
He maintains continuing education
and accreditation with The American
Board of Plastic Surgery, the only
board recognized by the American
Board of Medical Specialties to certify surgeons in cosmetic surgery of
the entire body, thanks to the extensive training required during plastic
surgery residency.
“My philosophy and approach to
wellness include counseling patients
with body contour issues and planning surgical procedures to assist with
the patient’s needs in an individualized approach,” Dr. Cozart states. “I
like to spend a lot of time with patient
counseling and education about benefits of surgery with the least invasive
procedures.”
His medical staff at Inlet Plastic Surgery includes Dr. Ann Didelot, anesthesiologist, and Kristi Rose, surgical
coordinator.
“I am using local anesthetics in surgery to assist in longer pain control
in breast and body contouring procedures,” he explains.
His practice offers cosmetic surgery
of the face and body, including rhinoplasty, lip augmentation, blepharoplasty, liposuction, tummy tucks, breast
augmentation or lifts, chemical peels,
laser resurfacing, and more.
“I think that my individual approach
and time spent educating patients
sets me apart, spending a significant
amount of time with patients in consultation. I also do post-operative house
calls for complex procedures,” says
Dr. Cozart.
In his free time, he does another type
of restoration: Restoring antique cars.
“My grandfather drove a 1962 VW
Beetle on his rural postal route, and
I loved riding with him during my visits,” he remembers. “To this day, I’m a
big fan of air-cooled Volkswagens, and
restoring these classic cars brings back
fond memories.”
