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.

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Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Alar Adjustment

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Alar AdjustmentNose alar adjustment is a plastic surgery procedure to reshape wide or flared nostrils. The outer edges of the nostrils are known as alar.

Alar adjustment is typically undertaken in combination with nose width reduction. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the tissue to adjust the level of tension causing the undesirable flair in the nostrils.

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

 

What is Alarplasty?

Alar base reduction or nostril width surgery is a relatively minor surgical procedure. It often forms a part of facial plastic surgery to adjust the size of the nostrils which may not be proportional to the nasal tip and position of the eyes. This procedure can effectively alter the appearance of the nose and refine the nasal structure to create a more harmonious facial look.

Alarplasty is a surgery that focuses exclusively on the alar. This refers to the region of the nose where the nostrils are rounded. It covers the nose tip area to the region where the nose connects to the nasolabial folds and cheeks.

 

Different Techniques

Alar adjustment can be undertaken through various surgical techniques in rhinoplasty procedures. The surgeon will individualize the procedure depending on the unique needs of the patient.

For instance, the Weir technique is a specific alar adjustment procedure involving a particular incision type. The surgeon eliminates tissue to create a wedge-like cavity. They will then suture it to create the desired contours.

 

Suitable Alarplasty Candidates

Alarplasty is a suitable procedure for people who are unhappy with the shape and contour of their nose. Ideal candidates should be in good overall health and not have any medical conditions that could compromise their safety during facial surgery.

Patients must have reasonable expectations from the outcomes of the alarplasty procedure. They should be cognizant of the risks and benefits of nose reshaping surgery and alarplasty. These factors contribute to higher levels of patient satisfaction and more complete outcomes.

 

Alarplasty Procedure

The surgeon will perform the alarplasty with the patient under local anesthesia. They will carefully place incision, often within the nostrils. The surgeon will excise surplus tissue through these incisions to reshape and modify the size of the alars. Subsequently, they will use sutures to make the nostrils narrower.

 

Results of Alarplasty

Alarplasty can offer patients very effective results by creating a less prominent nostril appearance. Furthermore, patients tend to recover more quickly and comfortably from this procedure as alarplasty does not usually involve any contact with the nasal bone and cartilage.

 

Is Alarplasty Appropriate for You?

It is important for patients considering alarplasty to consult a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. The nose surgeon will assess the patient’s nasal anatomy and appearance and offer recommendations on achieving their aesthetic goals. This will enable the patient to make an enlightened choice.

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


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Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Alar Adjustment

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