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.

Nipple And Areola Reduction Surgery

Nipple Plastic Surgery

The overall appearance of your breasts depends greatly on the size and shape of the nipples, and the areolas, which are the pigmented areas surrounding the nipples.

In some women (or even men), the nipples and areolas are disproportionately large. In others, the nipples are long or droopy or the areolas are puffy or enlarged. These problems that arise from genetic factors or due to aging, or breastfeeding or trauma can be treated by surgery.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides nipple and areola reduction surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Nipple and Areola Reduction

Prominent or enlarged nipples are common in women, especially those who have breastfed their babies. They can compromise the woman’s appearance in certain clothing. Sometimes, they may even cause discomfort when the nipple rubs or chafes against the bra or bathing suit.

Nipple reduction is a procedure to decrease the size of nipples that are exceptionally prominent or large or disproportionate to the breast size. It can help to not merely improve the nipple appearance, but also to resolve the irritation caused when the nipples rub against the clothes. It is possible for surgeons to reduce the width and/or length of nipples or puffed or enlarged areolas with a view to balance their size to suit the breast size.

Areola reduction surgery involves removal of tissue in a circle around the areola’s outer brown region. The surgeon then brings the skin surrounding this area inwards in the manner of a purse string. Absorbable stitches are placed within the areola to decrease the diameter.

The area is covered with a dressing and the cosmetic surgeon may recommend wearing a special bra to ensure the breasts stay in position during the healing process.

Nipple Lift

Nipple lift is a procedure on nipples that point downwards or are positioned low on the breasts. It may be performed on one or both breasts as required. Nipple lift is generally a part of both breast reduction and breast lift surgery that help to correct oversized and sagging breasts, respectively.

Inverted Nipple Correction

Nipples that retract below the skin surface instead of protruding outward are called inverted nipples. Shortening of the milk ducts or scarring around them can lead to this problem. In some cases, this condition may correct after stimulation; however, in others, the nipples continue to stay inverted, and require surgical correction.

Inverted nipple correction surgery is a procedure in which the milk ducts are divided, or the underlying tissue is released to get the nipples to protrude outward.

Correction of Irregular and Asymmetrical Areola

Some women have asymmetric breasts, while some others may also have asymmetric areolas. Women who have differently shaped or differently sized areolas can benefit from surgical correction to reduce the asymmetry. Such procedures involve removal of the skin within the areola or adjacent to it, to improve its appearance.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for nipple and areola reduction surgery.

Contact Beverly Hills Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie to Schedule a Consultation

Click Here for Virtual Consultation

Click Here to Schedule a In Office Consultation

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

Mole / Skin Tag Removal

Mole and Skin Tag Removal Options

Moles and skin tags are both conditions where there is an abnormal outgrowth of skin. Skin tags are tiny, balloon-shaped, and soft growths growing out of the skin on a narrow stem. These are benign and harmless and commonly occur in skin areas such as the armpits, groin, neck, and on the eyelids. They are found more in zones where the skin folds such as under the breasts and buttocks.

Moles are skin growths that develop from clusters of pigment cells, also known as melanocytes. They are more likely to occur on those skin regions that are most exposed to sunlight. Most moles are harmless and do not need any treatment; however, a few may convert into a dangerous type of skin cancer called melanoma.

You need not worry about a mole that stays unchanged. However, if you find that the size, height, color or texture of your mole begins to change, it is best to see a doctor. If you notice any other changes such as itching of the mole, or drying or scaling of the mole’s skin, or lumpiness in the mole, or bleeding, or some liquid oozing out of the mole, make sure you consult a doctor immediately for further examination.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides mole and skin tag removal to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Treatment for Skin Tags and Moles

Skin Tags

Doctors advise leaving skin tags alone unless they are a cosmetic issue or a cause of discomfort. Over time, if you notice any change in the nature of your skin tags, it is best to have a doctor examine them to decide if they need to be removed.

Removal of skin tags is a simple procedure and can be easily performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. Common procedures include cutting or tying or freezing of the skin tag by using liquid nitrogen.

Moles

Regular moles generally don’t require any treatment; true moles will need surgical treatment with the help of a minor procedure such as excision of the lesion. These procedures are simple and easily performed in-office by a trained healthcare professional. Irregular moles that exhibit changes must be excised and sent to the laboratory for pathology which is a special examination of tissue.

Laser treatments are not advisable for moles although some centers and countries do use them. Use of fading and bleaching creams or chemical peels, or treatment with intense light pulses or liquid nitrogen may work for skin issues such as lentigines or sunspots; however, they are never used to treat melanocytic nevi.

Plastic surgeons specifically train for removal of skin growths. Most people have no or little discomfort following mole-removal surgery; only a tiny scar will remain following the procedure. Pain medication is generally unnecessary; any mild pain will respond to non-aspirin pain relievers that are easily available over-the-counter.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for mole and skin tag removal.

Contact Beverly Hills Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie to Schedule a Consultation

Click Here for Virtual Consultation

Click Here to Schedule a In Office Consultation

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

What is a weak chin / jaw line and what can you do about it?

Surgical and Non-surgical Options for a Strong Jaw Line

Your chin and jawline contours are vital features that contribute to your naturally attractive and balanced face. If the chin or jawline is weak, poorly defined or under projected, it can adversely impact your facial appearance. If you are a man, it will make your face look less masculine, and if you are a woman, it may cause your neck and lower face to look older or less appealing.

If you look at the face from the side, a weak or receding chin and jaw line can create the illusion of a more dominant nose. Chin implant cosmetic surgery will add substance to a weak chin and make the jaw line more prominent and well-defined. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides chin augmentation surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Chin Augmentation Surgery

Chin augmentation cosmetic surgery involves the use of implants to enhance the chin and jawline appearance. These implants are made from a biocompatible synthetic material (usually silicone). Your surgeon will customize their size and shape to match with your specific cosmetic needs and facial anatomy.

Following anesthesia, your surgeon will create a small incision below the chin to carve an implant pocket in front of the chin bone. They will insert the implant carefully into the pocket and adjust it into the appropriate position. The implant will build up your chin, add definition to your jaw line, and create a more aesthetically appealing facial profile and shape.

Neck Liposuction

Sometimes, the excess fat tissue may be present just below your skin in the submental area (under the chin), and not below your neck muscles. In this case, your surgeon may recommend liposuction surgery in the jawline and neck area to eliminate stubborn fat deposits and sculpt a more defined neck and jawline. This procedure may be performed independently or combined with chin implants in some cases.

Neck Lift

If the neck skin is loose or sagging, your surgeon may perform a neck lift surgery. The advantage with neck lift is that it can address all the structures that contributed to a well-defined jawline. These structures include fatty tissue, SMAS, skin, muscle, and salivary glands. Neck lift surgery can address them in a single procedure to create long-term results for a strong looking jawline and a youthful neck.

Injectable Treatments

Non-surgical injectable treatments such as dermal fillers and Botox can also help augment a weak chin and improve the jawline definition. When dermal filler gel is injected directly into the targeted areas of your jawline, it will enhance the bony angle and mandible. If you have minor loss of definition in the jaw, and the hard bony edge is someone lacking, you can benefit from this filler treatment.

Botox injections can be placed directly in the overactive masseter muscle in your face to relax it. This will create a slimmer overall facial appearance and provide a desirable “V” shape to your face. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for chin augmentation.

Contact Beverly Hills Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie to Schedule a Consultation

Click Here for Virtual Consultation

Click Here to Schedule a In Office Consultation

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