Illustrative simulation notice: how to tell the patient
Every simulation tool lives with the same risk: the patient looks at the image and understands "it will look like this". The notice exists to defuse that leap before it happens. It is not a legal ritual to protect yourself; it is part of the conversation that aligns expectations. And, said the right way, it increases the tool's value instead of lowering it.
What is the simulation and what is it not?
In Harmy, the projection starts from a frontal photo and changes only the areas you marked, respecting the volume in ml. It is an illustrative image of a possibility, used to talk about the plan. It is not a prediction, not a guarantee and does not replace clinical judgment. The actual result depends on anatomy, product, technique, metabolism and each person's response. The concept is in illustrative simulation.
What is the best spoken phrase?
The notice works best in three beats: before showing, during, and at the close.
Note what the phrases do not do: they do not apologize for the tool and do not downplay it ("it's just a drawing"). The patient should leave finding the simulation useful and honest, not useless.
What not to say?
| Avoid | Problem | Prefer |
|---|---|---|
| "It will look like this." | A promise of results | "It may go in this direction." |
| "It's just for fun." | Empties the tool and the plan | "It's an illustration so we decide together." |
| "The image is just to sell." | Unethical and false | Explain the real function: aligning expectations |
| "If it doesn't turn out the same, we'll fix it for free." | A promise you may not keep | Talk about reassessment, without guaranteeing |
| "The more ml, the prettier." | Encourages excess | "More ml is more noticeable, not necessarily better." |
The full list of pitfalls is in what never to say when showing the simulation.
How to write the notice?
Short, clear and in the same place as the image. A version you can use in a message, consent form or quote:
If the image is sent by message, copy the sentence along with it. For the channel, see sending the simulation to the patient by WhatsApp.
What if the patient insists on "seeing how it will really look"?
Acknowledge the wish and reframe. "I understand you want certainty. What I can offer is a realistic projection of the volume we planned, and then we follow the actual result together." If they keep demanding a guarantee, the conversation has changed in nature: see saying no to a request for a guarantee.
How to use the notice to improve the consultation?
The notice is also a chance to ask questions. After saying it, ask: "What did you think of the proportion?" and "Is there something you expected to see and didn't?". The answers show whether there is an expectation beyond what you can deliver. Adjusting the plan at that moment is cheaper than dealing with frustration at follow-up.
Finally, document. In the patient record, one line is enough: "Illustrative simulation shown, patient told it is not a promise of results." This complements the procedure's informed consent, and has the advantage of showing the notice was given before the decision, not after. For the full presentation script, see presenting the projection at the consultation.
How to adapt the notice to each type of patient?
The same content calls for different tones. For the analytical patient, who likes detail, explain how the image is made: one frontal photo, marked areas, volumes in ml, and the fact that the projection changes only what was marked. For the anxious patient, emphasize the idea of a conversation: "it is a starting point for us to decide together". For the patient who already has high expectations, go slowly and ask them to say in their own words what they understood from the image.
A simple comprehension test helps: after the notice, ask "How did you understand what this image represents?". If the answer is "it's how I'll look", repeat the notice and use an everyday comparison, such as a building's floor plan: it guides, but the construction may come out differently.
Finally, avoid overdoing it. A notice that is too long becomes noise and gives the impression that you distrust your own tool. One sentence before, one during and one at the end are enough, plus the written record.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tell the patient the simulation is not a promise of results?
Yes. The simulation is an illustrative image, and the notice must come before showing it, spoken and, preferably, also recorded in writing.
Does the simulation notice weaken the sale?
Well said, it tends to build trust. The patient sees that you are honest about what the image is and is not, and that supports their decision without creating an expectation the actual result will not meet.
Where do I record that the patient was told?
In the chart, with a short sentence with the date, the tool used and the notice given. If the patient signs a form or receives the image, include the notice in the document itself.
Do I need to repeat the notice if I later send the image by message?
It is prudent. The image leaves the context of the consultation, and the notice sentence should go with it in the message so it is not read as a guarantee.
Harmy images are illustrative simulations generated by AI from the patient's photo to support the conversation between practitioner and patient. They are not a promise of results. Indication, technique, product and volume are solely the decision of the licensed practitioner. This content is for information only and does not replace a clinical assessment.