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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Is PDO Thread Lift a Permanent Facelift?

Is PDO Thread Lift a Permanent Facelift?Individuals who seek facial rejuvenation but are reluctant to undergo a surgical procedure can now enjoy remarkable results with a non-surgical option – PDO thread lift. This innovative procedure encourages collagen and elastin production in skin tissues to reduce many problematic signs of facial aging. 

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides facelift without surgery (PDO thread lift) to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

How long do the outcomes sustain?

The PDO thread comprises absorbable material. The body will reabsorb the Nu-mesh threads within four to six months, leaving behind firmer and more youthful-looking skin. The results of the treatment will last for another 18 to 24 months.

PDO thread lift does not offer permanent outcomes, unlike a facelift. The outcomes will typically sustain for up to two years. However, the procedure can be repeated in the future to prolong the cosmetic benefits. 

Incisions and scarring are a part of traditional facelifts. But, the PDO thread lift is performed by inserting absorbable sutures into the tissue for instant firming and lifting. In areas with significant loss of volume such as around the jaw and the cheeks, this procedure is particularly effective.

A major advantage of this procedure is that the sutures promote the production of collagen and elastin in the treated areas. After healing from the procedure, the skin recreates its base so that the final results appear natural.  

How does the Nu-mesh non-surgical facelift work?

Three types of threads may be inserted into the skin, depending on the degree of improvement required and the amount of tissue requiring treatment. One type of thread can effectively reduce fine lines and tighten the skin.

Another type of thread is suitable for reshaping and contouring sagging areas of the face. The third thread type provides sustainable results. The provider will recommend the type of threads that will be most appropriate for the patient based on their needs and facial features. 

Patients enjoy both instant and progressive results as the tissue produces more collagen and elastin.

 

Non-Surgical Facelifts for Both Men and Women

Non-surgical facelifts can be an optimal option for both men and women. A PDO thread lift can be a suitable procedure for men who are bothered about the appearance of sagging skin, lines, wrinkles, and poor skin elasticity. Ideal candidates for this procedure display the following:

  • Normal skin thickness
  • Facial volume loss
  • Development of jowls
  • Loss of facial structure
  • Drooping brows
  • Sagging cheeks
  • Other signs of premature aging

During their consultation with the treatment provider, patients can understand whether it is a suitable procedure for them. 

How does it Work?

PDO thread facelift technique develops tauter and smoother skin while creating a subtle lift in precise facial regions. 

The provider inserts the biocompatible polydioxanone (PDO) threads underneath the skin, where they encourage collagen synthesis. This creates gradual improvements in the results over time in a natural way. 

When they are inserted underneath the skin, these PDO threads act in a similar manner to a scaffold for the skin. They allow it to hold together against the effects of gravity. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for facelift without surgery (PDO thread lift).

 

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Is PDO Thread Lift a Permanent Facelift?

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