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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Thigh Lift Surgery Risks

Thigh Lift Surgery 

Thigh Lift Surgery RisksA thigh lift plastic surgery is a relatively low risk body contouring procedure. Complications, if they occur, can usually be addressed quickly and effectively. However, it’s still crucial to have full awareness about the potential risks that are inherent to any surgical procedure as well as any risks that are specific to a thigh lift.

A dedicated surgeon will make sure that you know about the risks and downsides of a thigh lift before you sign the consent forms to go ahead with your surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides thigh lift surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Potential Thigh Lift Complications

Potential risks and complications that are common to most types of cosmetic surgery procedures as well as those that are specific to thigh lift are described as follows:

Scarring

In most cases, an inner thigh lift will not create a very visible scar because the incision is placed along the groin region. However, an outer thigh lift is likely to leave a more conspicuous scar. A skilled plastic surgeon can hide the scars in relatively discreet locations.

Dehiscence

In some cases, your thigh lift cosmetic surgery incisions may reopen within days or weeks after your procedure. This is a fairly common occurrence, and your surgeon will be able to clean and close the incisions carefully in their office itself.

Seroma

Fluid or blood may accumulation under the skin in your incision sites, which can pose a higher risk of infection and exacerbate the swelling. Temporary drainage tubes are usually placed to avoid this risk, but if seroma still occurs, your surgeon will know the techniques to drain out the collected fluid from the tissue.

Infection

Some degree of infection risk is unavoidable in any surgical procedure. You should be careful when emptying the drainage tubes, changing the dressing, or bathing. Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotic medications to minimize your risk of post-op infection.

Bleeding

Following a thigh lift plastic surgery, some amount of bleeding is expected. But if the bleeding is prolonged or excessive, it is a cause for concern, and you should inform your surgeon right away. Avoid blood thinning medications and NSAIDs for a few days to mitigate this risk.

Hematoma

After your thigh lift surgery, very small blood clots may sometimes develop, resulting in hard spots near your incision sites. These clots will usually dissolve on their own, but if they persist, your surgeon can review your condition and decide if any treatment is necessary.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

This is one of the rare but serious risks in any major surgical procedure. A significant clot may occur in the leg, which could travel to other body areas, such as the lungs, heart, or brain. A skilled surgeon will take all necessary steps to mitigate this risk prior to your thigh lift surgery.

Asymmetrical Thighs

A committed and judicious plastic surgeon will ensure that you have naturally symmetrical and proportional thighs after your surgeon. However, a poorly planned surgery or an unexpected medical issue may lead to asymmetry in the thighs, necessitating a revision surgery.

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

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