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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Facelift Plastic Surgery – Types of Lifts, Cost, Recovery, and Results

Rhytidectomy, commonly known as facelift, is a plastic surgery procedure aimed at reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and other telltale signs of aging on the face. The procedure typically involves lifting and tightening of the underlying weak facial muscles to build fuller and enhanced contours and revitalize the facial structure.

The cosmetic surgeon will also remove excess fat deposits and loose skin to restore a more youthful looking facial appearance. Dr. Gary Motykie is a board certified plastic surgeon providing facelift surgery and other procedures of the breast, body, and face. Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Types of Facelift

Facelift plastic surgery can be performed in different ways to meet the unique aesthetic needs of a patient.

Traditional Full Facelift

This is a comprehensive procedure involving a combination of lower, mid, and upper facelifts. The surgery is designed to restore more defined facial features, reducing lines, wrinkles and sagging skin, and produce a youthful and natural looking facial appearance. A full facelift procedure may be more suited in case of older patients who wish to achieve a rejuvenated facial look.

The procedure will involve a relatively longer incision, through which the cosmetic surgeon will remove excess skin, redistribute or remove excess fat tissue, and tightening underlying muscles. Dr. Motykie is an experienced plastic surgeon providing full facelift and other types of facelift to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas.

Facelift Photo Gallery

Partial or Mini Facelift

The goal of a partial or mini facelift surgery is to restore definition to the jaw line, which may have been lost due to sagging facial skin. This technique is efficient, but not extensive like a full facelift. The surgeon will place the incision around the ears. The skin as well as SMAS, which is the thin layer of tissue and muscle just below the skin, will be lifted through the incision.

More About Facelifts

Neck Lift

Neck lift may be performed alone or in conjunction with full or partial facelift. The procedure involves skin and muscle tightening in the neck area. The muscles in this case extend from the chin to the collar bones. The incisions can be placed around the ears to perform a neck lift, or separate incisions may be placed beneath the chin.

Mid Facelift

The area extending from the cheekbones to the jaw can be addressed with a mid-facelift procedure. The surgeon will place incisions similar to that of a mini facelift, and will tighten the skin and SMAS through the incisions. The horizontal pull of the skin and SMAS will achieve a lift of about two to four centimeters. In some cases, upper facelift procedures such as brow lift may also be performed with a mid-facelift.

Testimonials

Recovery

Recovery will vary according to the extent of surgery performed and the technique used. In most cases, patients will experience mild bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the first few days. Patients can go to work or resume their regular activities in about a week to 10 days. However, vigorous activities should be avoided for at least four weeks.

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Facelift Plastic Surgery – Types of Lifts, Cost, Recovery, and Results

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

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