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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How Long Does Rhinoplasty Take To Heal?

How Long Does Rhinoplasty Take To Heal?Rhinoplasty remains one of the most requested plastic surgery procedures. It involves the nose which plays a pivotal role in determining overall appearance and facial appearance. Many people wonder about the recovery timelines involved in a rhinoplasty procedure. 

A responsible surgeon will ensure that their patients understand the downtime associated with a particular procedure. Highly respected board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides nose reshaping surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline

Day of surgery

Rhinoplasty procedure can take between 2 to 5 hours depending on your aesthetic goals and the complexity of the procedure. You will either be allowed to return home the same day or spend a night in the hospital. In most cases, the surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you would be free to go home the same day. 

One week

You would be asked to rest but keep doing simple chores. This is to ensure there is adequate blood flow in the body. Typically, the cast comes off after a week of the cosmetic surgery. 

Two weeks

You would still feel slight discomfort, but the majority of facial swelling would have eased by now. Most patients feel comfortable resuming work and social engagements. Moreover, you should take it slow.

Six weeks

Your bones would have healed by now. Your surgeon is likely to clear you for vigorous activities. 

3 – 6 months

There is often loss of sensation in the nasal skin following a rhinoplasty or nose job procedure. Any numbness should be resolved between 3 to 6 months.

One year

The majority of internal healing would be complete by this point. Almost all the swelling would have resolved by now. You should know that changes to the nasal structure can continue for several years following nasal surgery. 

Tips to Speed Up Rhinoplasty Recovery

Follow surgeon’s instructions

You should follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions completely for ensuring a smooth rhinoplasty recovery. 

Keep the head elevated

It’s advisable to keep the head elevated while sleeping in the days and weeks following the rhinoplasty procedure. This will help in reducing any swelling or bruising. It may be uncomfortable sleeping on your back since that could cause the nasal passages to become swollen again. 

Rest

Your body has undergone a surgery and it’s crucial that you receive plenty of rest. It may be challenging to get sleep initially because of congested nasal passage. 

Healthy diet

The body needs a healthy and balanced diet during the recovery period. Your body will be able to repair damaged tissue with protein-rich food. Vitamin-enriched food is essential for reducing inflammation, fighting off infection, and regenerating collagen.

Keep your body cool

It may be relaxing to have hot showers. Based on this, these only increase swelling in the tissues. Instead, you should take steps to keep cool. This includes avoiding any vigorous exercising for the first 6 weeks. An increase in body temperature may enhance nasal swelling. Seasoned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for nose surgery.

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

Click Here for Virtual Consultation

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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, CA and his team please visit:

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