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.

Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps

Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps

Eyelid Surgery Procedure StepsEyelift lift cosmetic surgery is medically known as blepharoplasty. It is an aesthetic procedure that can mitigate the signs of aging around the eyelids and create a more youthful appearance for the upper face. The surgeon will perform this surgery in multiple steps which can vary marginally as per the correction needed in the upper, lower, or both lids.

During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will explain all aspects of the blepharoplasty procedure as well as the various steps it entails. After the patient develops a thorough understanding of the surgical procedure, they will be in a better position to make an informed choice.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Anesthesia

The blepharoplasty surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation. The sedation will ensure that the patient remains comfortable during the operation. The surgeon may advise general anesthesia if the blepharoplasty cosmetic surgery is performed along with another procedure or if the patient feels excessively anxious or nervous.

A qualified anesthesiologist or anesthetic nurse will administer the general anesthesia. They will also remain in attendance during the surgery in the operating room to oversee the patient’s reaction to the anesthesia. An experienced anesthesiologist can ascertain any poor response to the anesthetic early on and will mitigate the risks.

Lower Eyelid Lift

After the anesthesia, the surgeon will place tiny incisions in strategic areas to hide any ensuing scarring. The natural creases present in the skin underneath the lower lids are ideal to place the minute and discreet incisions. The surgeon will remove surplus fat and skin through these incisions and may also tighten sagging underlying muscles.

In case the area beneath the lower eyelids appears depressed, the surgeon may transfer fat or use dermal filler injectables to address the hollows. After the surgery is over, the surgeon will close the incisions carefully using sutures.

Upper Eyelid Lift

The surgeon will create the incisions in the natural upper lid creases after the anesthesia. This will minimize the noticeable scarring from the procedure. The surgeon will trim away the surplus skin to mitigate the droopy effect of the upper lids and address partial vision hindrance if any. They will also tighten any weak underlying muscles as well.

After the saggy skin is eliminated, the surgeon will lift and reattach the remaining skin for a more youthful appearance in the upper eyelids. After the surgery is over, they will use sutures to close the incisions.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

The surgeon may advise the patient to undergo a transconjunctival blepharoplasty in case the skin in the eyelids does not have laxity though surplus fatty deposits are surrounding the eyelids. This procedure is less invasive and suitable for patients who do not have very conspicuous under eye bags.  

The surgeon will place multiple tiny incisions inside the lower lid after the anesthesia. They will eliminate surplus fat deposits through these incisions. The removal of skin and muscle tightening is not a part of this surgery. There will be no external scarring as the surgeon will place the incisions within the eyelids.

Astute plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other suburbs and communities in this area of The Golden State for eyelid surgery.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Recovery

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) RecoveryBlepharoplasty is a relatively less invasive plastic surgery. It will entail minimal risks of post-op complications as long as the procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. But the patient will need to follow certain guidelines during the recovery phase after a blepharoplasty.

The surgeon’s directions will help ensure a comfortable and speedy recovery for the patient. The surgeon will inform the patient about various aspects of the eyelid surgical procedure and the recovery process during the initial consultation.

Reliable cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities and cities in this area of the country.

Recovery Phase

The surgeon will typically perform the blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure. However, exceptional cases may warrant an overnight stay at the hospital. The correct approach to the post-operative recovery phase will be established as per the surgeon’s evaluation of the patient’s unique needs. A majority of the patients will need to remain at home for almost a week after the procedure.

Most patients can resume routine activities or return to work after a week. But the complete healing of the eyelid after the plastic surgery procedure can take many weeks. If the surgeon has used traditional sutures, they will take these out after the first week. During the initial phase, the patient should provide adequate rest to the eyes. The swelling and redness will be more prominent during the first week, but will gradually subside.

The eyes can experience exertion due to watching television, reading, or working on a computer in the initial recovery phase. Patients must avoid such exertion initially as it can increase the flow of blood to the eyes and cause a delay in the recovery process. After the swelling and bruising subside, the patient will see a more youthful upper face appearance.  

The eyes will appear rejuvenated and alert as the complete outcomes of the eyelid surgery set in. In case the patient had been experiencing partial obstruction of vision because of sagging upper eyelids, this condition will be resolved.

Temporary Side Effects

Swelling and redness in the area surrounding the incisions is a common side effect of the surgery. The patient may experience itching, dryness, and soreness in these regions and there may be excessive tearing in the eyes. The surgeon may prescribe a topical cream and pain medication so that the patient remains comfortable while these temporary side effects subside.

Certain patients may feel more sensitive to light or experience blurry vision. These side effects will resolve rapidly if the patient follows the surgeon’s post-op guidelines correctly.

Aftercare

During the initial 2 or 3 days post eyelid surgery, the patient can use cold compresses on the eyes. This will enable the swelling to subside. The surgeon may also prescribe eye drops to the patient in case they experience dry eyes. The patient will need to protect their eyes from wind and sun exposure during the initial few weeks after the blepharoplasty.

Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas across the horizon for eyelid surgery.

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Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery Before And After Photos

Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery Before And After PhotosBlepharoplasty or eyelid lift plastic surgery is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the eye appearance and make the face appear more youthful and attractive. The procedure will be customized according to the patient’s facial anatomy and specific aesthetic needs.

During the treatment planning process, the surgeon will engage closely with the patient to discuss all aspects of the procedure.

The surgeon may make use of bleopharoplasty before and after photographs during the initial consultation process. The first aim of a responsible surgeon will be to ensure that patient is able to make an informed decision. Pragmatic cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other towns and neighborhoods in this section of the country.

What are Eyelid Surgery Before and After Pictures?

Before and after pictures in case of a blepharoplasty or eyelid lift plastic surgery procedure refer to a pair or group of images pertaining to a previous patient who has received the same treatment with satisfactory results. The images include pictures taken prior to the procedure and after the procedure at a time when the post-operative bruising, swelling and redness has subsided and full effects of the surgery are established.

The surgeon will take care to obtain the prior consent of the patient for these photographs, and will present them before new patients in an appropriate manner. The patient’s identity may be kept undisclosed as per the standard norm.

The surgeon’s purpose here is to educate new patients about the potential effectiveness of an eyelid surgery and explain what it can or cannot do for them. Blepharoplasty ‘before and after’ photos serve as a useful visual tool in this process.

This is made possible via digital technology. This is basically the unsung dynamo in this concept. Digital technology has altered the destiny of so many industries it cannot be counted and the plastic surgery industry is certainly one of them. Now patients can see these amazing pictures from anywhere; not one phone call has to be made for a patient or customer to make a vital decision.

A patient can see these pictures using their digital device/s. This means that they will be more informed and can apply what they see on their screen to their own face. Making this bleopharoplasty decision can be made while someone is lying in their bed or sitting at a fast food restaurant after they ate a salad or a burger, for example.

The patient has so much power now. No longer do patients have to rely on dated brochures with vague pictures to come to a conclusion. The awesome website of Dr. Motykie answers so many questions for so many patients.

Benefits

When a new patient is considering eyelid surgery, they may have concerns about how the procedure will impact their facial appearance and whether it can meet their personal aesthetic goals. Some patients may only need limited upper or lower eyelid lift, while others may need a more comprehensive combination of the two.

In some cases, the surgeon may recommend another surgical or non-invasive treatment in conjunction with blepharoplasty (such as a brow lift or Botox). For a new patient, it can be difficult to make the most appropriate choices on their own. This is where the surgeon may utilize eyelid surgery before and after photos.

Being Realistic

It is critical in any aesthetic procedure that the patient knows exactly what the procedure can or cannot do for them. This way the patient is likely to form accurate and realistic expectations from the results. The chances of any misunderstanding or disappointment occurring at a later stage will be reduced.

This is possible with the help of blepharoplasty before and after photos. At the very outset, the patient will have a fair idea of what kind of improvements may be possible with this treatment as already discussed. Patient satisfaction levels are typically higher in cases where they have access to before and after photos and again, digital technology makes this possible and this clinic’s altruistic motivation to be transparent.

Considerate cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas in this part of the nation for eyelid surgery.

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How much does Blepharoplasty Plastic Surgery Cost?

How much does Blepharoplasty Plastic Surgery Cost?Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is typically an elective aesthetic surgical procedure. Therefore, its costs are not likely to be covered by the insurance provider. This makes cost a vital factor for many patients who may be considering this plastic surgery procedure. 

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will discuss the approximate costs with the patient. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Various factors influence the cost of upper and lower eyelid aesthetic surgery at a specific practice. If the practice is located in a large metropolitan city or major urban center, the costs will be higher in comparison to a practice located in a small town in the interior regions. This difference in costs is attributable to the variation in average cost of living in different areas.

Some other factors that impact the costs at different practices are individualized service, the standards of quality at a practice, and skills and qualifications of the staff.

The surgeon may perform blepharoplasty plastic surgery at a surgical center, hospital, or private surgical venue. The expenses and benefits related to each venue will vary. Another essential element of the costs is the surgeon’s fees which can differ as per the experience, skills, and specialization of the surgeon.  

Individual patients may need only lower or upper eyelid surgery while others may need both. Furthermore, some patients may require only a transconjunctival blepharoplasty which might cost slightly less.

Combined Procedures

The overall costs can increase if the patient chooses additional treatments such as dermal fillers, Botox, facial fat transfer, or brow lift along with the eyelid surgery. In some cases, blepharoplasty may be performed along with a traditional facelift surgery. The overall cost-effectiveness of the procedure will improve with a combined procedure, even though the cost in absolute terms will be higher.

Insurance Aspect

The eyelid surgical procedure is an elective surgery that is not usually covered by insurance. Notably, an exception to this case is if the patient has ptosis. This condition causes the upper lids to droop severely leading to obstructions in the vision. In such cases, the complete or partial monetary amount of the procedure may be covered by insurance.

The patient must discuss such cases with the surgeon and insurance company in advance. The administrative staff at the surgeon’s practice may provide assistance with the necessary paperwork for insurance.

Financing

The surgeon may be able to accept credit card payments for a surgery such as blepharoplasty.  The patient does have traditional financing alternatives such as bank credit. However, they should evaluate loans from specialized health care financing companies that work specifically in this field.

Such firms typically offer better interest rates, faster loan approvals, and convenient monthly installments spread over up to six months. Patients can also seek private loans from family and friends for the eyelid surgery procedure. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.

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