Notice of Data Incident

August 1, 2023

Dear Patients:
We post this Notice pursuant to the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) to inform you about a data incident involving an unauthorized release of patient Protected Health Information (“PHI”), as that is defined by HIPAA, at Gary Motykie, M.D., a Medical Corporation and Gary Motykie, M.D. (“Practice”), a covered entity under HIPAA.

PHI, as defined by HIPAA, is information that is “created, received, maintained, or transmitted by or on behalf of the health care component of the Covered Entity.” § 164.105 (a)(2)(i)(D). Information that is created or received by a Covered Entity and that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of healthcare to an individual is considered PHI. PHI is required to be protected when transmitted or maintained in any form by a Covered Entity. Individual identifiers (including but not limited to name, address, telephone number, fax, email address, social security number, medical record number, etc.) maintained in a designated record set along with health information (including but not limited to x-rays, images, scans, physician notes, diagnoses, treatment, eligibility approvals, claims, remittances, etc.) are collectively considered PHI.

Event Description:
On or about June 6, 2023, an initial technical analysis of the Practice’s information technology network determined an unauthorized release of PHI occurred to an unknown third party. The initial analysis determined that the unknown third party accessed the Practice’s network. It was further determined that the unknown third party acquired some of the Practice’s patient’s unencrypted PHI and that party was not authorized to do so and did so in an unlawful manner.

The information that may have been accessed or acquired during this unauthorized access included:

First and last name 
Social Security Number (if provided)
Address
Driver’s license or identification card number
Financial account or payment card number, in combination with any required CVV code
Intake forms, which may include medical information and history
Images taken in connection with the services rendered at our office
Health insurance information (if provided)

Steps Taken to Address:
Upon discovery, the Practice took the following immediate steps to address the situation:

Computers and servers replaced
Network passwords changed
Endpoint detection, virus, and malware detection tools and software installed on workstations and server
Limitations concerning Internet access
Access controls put in place for users based on role and responsibility
Server policies in place
Device locking mechanisms
Multi factor authentication enabled
Network segregation efforts
Encryption of devices
Additional workforce training

Risk Assessment:

The Practice conducted a risk assessment to evaluate the potential harm to potentially impacted individuals. Based on that assessment, it is determined that there is a high risk of harm. It is essential for potentially impacted individuals to remain vigilant in monitoring their personal accounts and data and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or their financial institutions.

Assistance and Resources:
Starting on or about June 22, 2023, letters were mailed to patients providing the following resources to assist the potentially impacted individuals, offering at no cost:

two (2) years of no cost Triple Bureau Credit Monitoring/Triple Bureau Credit Report/Triple Bureau Credit Score/Cyber Monitoring services.
the services also include reviewing whether Information appears on the dark web and alert the individual if such Information is found online.
proactive fraud assistance to help with any questions in event a potentially impacted persons becomes a victim of fraud.

Steps to Prevent Future Incidents: We deeply regret any inconvenience or concern this Incident may cause. The Practice is taking numerous steps to help prevent similar Incidents in the future. We will continue to review and enhance our security measures, policies, and employee training.

If you failed to receive your letter in the mail, and/or if there is a concern your mailing address has changed since you were a patient at the Practice, please contact 1-800-405-6108 or call our office immediately at 310-246-2355 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time, Monday through Friday.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty Eye Surgery

Aging signs typically become more visible in the eye area. Puffiness in the lower eyelids and droopiness in the upper lids can make a person look tired, older, or angry.

Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift plastic surgery can be used to eliminate lax skin and excess fat deposits around the eyelids. This procedure can create a fresher, more youthful appearance for the eyes.

In addition to the aesthetic advantages, Blepharoplasty can also provide functional benefits such as correction of partial vision obstruction in the upper lids (which may occur due to droopy eyelids.) Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Benefits

Blepharoplasty offers both cosmetic and functional benefits. This type of surgery can effectively treat:

Surplus or lax skin in the upper eyelids that can lead to a hooded appearance and alter the eye contour. This can even lead to partial vision obstruction.
Fatty deposits on tissues can cause puffiness in the lower lids, under eye bags, and heaviness around the eyes.
Droopiness in the lower lids

High precision blepharoplasty plastic surgery procedures can address form as well as function of the upper and lower eyelids.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Natural skin elasticity may be lost in the eyelids as the muscles become weaker and the eyelid tissue stretches because of aging and other reasons. Consequently, the eyelids may start looking puffy, making a person appear tired or angry. Blepharoplasty surgery can correct this issue successfully. This outpatient surgery procedure can provide the eyes with a more relaxed and youthful appearance.

During an upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, the surgeon places an incision along the eyelid contour so that the subsequent scarring remains discreet. Then the surgeon will remove surplus skin through the incision to make the upper eyelid appear smoother. The incision will be closed using fine sutures.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

In some instances, weak eyelid muscles and loose tissue can cause the lower eyelids to appear puffy and tired. The eyelid skin can look wrinkled and rough. This problem can be corrected with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure.

During this surgery, the surgeon will place an incision either inside the eyelid or on the skin to eliminate the surplus skin. The objective is to remove the puffy bags under the eyes. The surgeon places incisions just beneath the eyelid margin to make any scarring inconspicuous.

Recovery

The surgeon will provide the patient with comprehensive instructions for post-op care. The patient should get adequate rest, use cold compresses to reduce the swelling and bruising, ensure the head remains elevated, and use an ointment prescribed by the surgeon to decrease irritation. A majority of the patients can resume work after a week as the bruising improves. However, the swelling may require more time to subside.

In about two weeks, the patient will be able to notice vibrant and more youthful outcomes as the redness and swelling resolves. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other cities and towns in this part of the southwest for eyelid surgery.

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To see more services and treatments provided by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | West Hollywood and his team please visit:

Cellulite Removal Treatment Before And After Photos

Appearance of unsightly cellulite can be bothersome for many women. Venus Freeze is a safe and effective treatment, which can help a patient get rid of cellulite without going through plastic surgery.

At the time of initial consultation, the treatment provider will explain all aspects of the procedure and may also present cellulite removal before and after photographs.

This will enable the patient to understand the procedure better and make an informed decision. During the first consultation, the patient should clarify any concerns they may have and freely ask questions from the provider. Considerate cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides cellulite removal treatment to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

What are Cellulite Removal Before and After Images?

Cellulite removal treatment ‘before and after’ images refer to a pair or group of pictures pertaining to a previous patient who has received the same procedure with good results. The pictures include images taken prior to the procedure and after the procedure at a stage when full effects of this non plastic surgery treatment are visible.

The treatment provider will obtain the photos with the consent of the patient and present them before new patients in an appropriate manner. Their sole purpose behind this exercise is to use these photos as a visual aid to educate new patients about different aspects of the cellulite removal treatment and help them make a well-considered choice.

The main difference maker here is digital technology. Everyone knows the power of the Internet has been awe inspiring and pervasive for a variety of reasons. Now the plastic surgery industry has utilized the power of digital technology. Website pictures are years old but the clarity and reach of the Internet grows every year.

In this day and age patients can see amazing pictures with their smartphones which they own anyway. They can see these pictures without driving anywhere. In fact, they don’t even have to make a phone call. With these stellar pictures seen on their screens they can make a critical decision without anyone even knowing.

Benefits

When an individual who is concerned about the appearance of stubborn cellulite is considering Venus Freeze or another cellulite removal treatment, they may be unsure about its results. The patient may not know how the procedure can smooth their skin and whether it can meet their personal aesthetic goals. The location, surface area and severity of cellulite can differ between patients.

Some patients may need additional procedures or a higher number of treatment sessions with Venus Freeze in order to achieve more harmonious looking results. In each case, the treatment provider can make use of cellulite removal treatment before and after photos to ensure that the patient makes the best decisions.

Reasonable Expectations

While Venus Freeze is a proven and effective procedure to eliminate cellulite from targeted sites, it is important to ensure that the patient forms reasonable expectations from it. Patients who clearly understand the results and have a realistic perspective will typically enjoy greater satisfaction levels in the end.

Therefore, an experienced provider may prefer to show cellulite removal treatment before and after photos at the first appointment. This will also mitigate the risk of any disappointment or misunderstanding occurring at a later stage for the patient.

Online Image Gallery

The treatment provider has the option to present cellulite removal before and after photos on their practice website which has not been the case for this specific surgery but other related plastic surgery treatment before and after pictures are on the site so anyone can grasp the outstanding skill of this clinic and Dr. Motykie. The photos can be included in a dedicated Image Gallery section on the site for free access to all.

New patients can conveniently review the photos online and then choose whether to visit the surgeon for a cellulite removal consultation. Accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other towns and communities in this region of the nation for cellulite removal treatments.

Click here for Virtual Consultation

To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | West Hollywood and his team please visit:

How Much Does Cellulite Removal Treatment Cost?

Cellulite Removal Treatment

Venus Freeze is an innovative non-surgical RF based treatment that helps in the targeted reduction of cellulite and skin tightening. Individuals considering enhancing their appearance without plastic surgery may choose Venus Freeze as an effective and safe option.

The provider will discuss various aspects of the treatment, including its estimated costs, during the initial consultation.

The first concern of a committed treatment provider will be to assist the patient in making a well-informed decision. The cost of the procedure is a part of this decision, particularly for elective aesthetic procedures that are not covered by health insurance.

Cordial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides cellulite removal treatments to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Comparison of Costs with Surgery

Health insurance usually does not cover an elective procedure such as cellulite removal. Therefore, the cost becomes a vital consideration for a patient. Surgery will cost more as it includes costs such as the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and surgical venue costs as the procedure may have to be performed at a hospital or a surgery center.

Furthermore, surgical procedures also involve post-operative costs, for instance, post-surgical appointments with the surgeon, lab tests, prescription medications, and surgical accessories costs. A non-surgical treatment such as Venus Freeze will not involve such cost elements, making the procedure more affordable than plastic surgery.

Dollar Amount Components

The cost of a cellulite removal treatment varies between practices due to their geographical location. The cost of living index is typically different between two diverse regions. This will have an impact on the total cost of the procedure. The costs in major cities and coastal areas will usually be more in comparison to smaller towns situated in interior regions.

Factors such as technological capabilities, standard of care, expertise of the treatment provider, personalized services and attention to the patients at a particular practice will impact the overall costs. Patients must evaluate all factors while considering the cost of their cellulite removal treatment.

Average Cost

Venus Freeze treatment costs may be determined by the treatment location, number of areas to be treated, or the number of treatment sessions that a patient may require.

The procedure may be offered as a package of six to eight sessions with treatment duration of about one hour per session. If the patient only requires the face and neck area to be treated, it may involve six treatment sessions of 45 minutes each. This could lower the treatment costs to some extent.

Individual patients may also choose to undergo touch ups within a few months for sustained benefits. Patients should account for such additional costs while considering Venus Freeze. In some cases, a practice may be able to offer a rebate if the Venus Freeze treatment is combined with another cosmetic procedure.

Patients who choose not to make the entire payment upfront may seek financing options such as family borrowings, personal loans, credit cards, or financing from a medical care financing company. Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other towns and suburbs in this part of The Golden State for cellulite removal treatments.

Click here for Virtual Consultation

To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | West Hollywood and his team please visit: