How to Explain to the Patient That the Projection Is a Simulation
Harmy helps the patient see the plan, and that is exactly why the explanation of what the image is (and what it is not) needs to be clear. The after image carries the weight of a promise even when no one meant to promise. This script shows how to say it in a way that is short, respectful and recordable.
What the projection is, in one sentence
The projection is an illustrative simulation generated by artificial intelligence from a frontal photo. It changes only the marked areas, in proportion to the volume entered, and preserves skin, expression, background, hair and lighting. It does not predict the result: it illustrates a direction of the plan.
60-second script
- Context: say why you are going to show the image ("so we can understand the plan together").
- Notice: say what it is not ("it is not a promise of results").
- Variation: explain that the body responds individually.
- Opening: only then open the slider and move the gold line slowly.
- Record: note in the chart that the simulation was explained.
What reinforces the message
The spoken notice, the written notice and the record work best together. See also the text on illustrative simulation notice to the patient, the conversation about the difference between simulation and actual result and, for the app, simulation notice when sharing in Harmy.
| Layer | Where it lives |
|---|---|
| Speech | Before opening the slider |
| Image | Notice "Illustrative simulation. Not a promise of results." on the shared image |
| Simulation caption and estimate notice | |
| Patient chart | Note that the simulation was explained |
Care when showing it
What to do if expectations are high
If the patient compares with a photo of another person or asks for a result the plan doesn't deliver, don't adjust the ml just to make the image look pleasing. Go back to the clinical exam, explain what is possible and, if needed, review the indication. For the conversation, see aligning expectations at the first consultation.
Tips
- Speak slowly during the notice. It is the most important sentence of the consultation.
- Let the patient touch the slider. They understand the subtle difference better.
- Use "Show procedures" to tie the ml to what is in the image.
- Never post the projection as a result. Read what you can advertise under CFO and CONAR rules.
How to record the explanation
Recording the explanation is simple and worth a lot. One line in the chart is enough: date, "illustrative simulation presented; explained that it is not a promise of results; patient understood". If the clinic uses an informed consent form, include the mention of the simulation in the form itself. In case of future doubt, the record shows that the conversation happened before the image, not after the dissatisfaction.
For teams with more than one person seeing patients, it is worth standardizing the opening sentence. That way every patient hears the same message, and the notice stops depending on the mood or the rush of the day. See also patient consent for using Harmy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I explain to the patient that the projection is only a simulation?
Say it before showing the image: it is an illustration made in the app so we can talk about the plan, not a promise of results, and what actually happens depends on assessment and individual response.
When should I mention the simulation, before or after showing it?
Before. Whoever sees the image first tends to remember it as a goal. The notice spoken before opening the slider carries more weight than the caption on the image.
Is the written notice on the image enough?
It helps and appears on all generated material, but it is the conversation that aligns expectations. Record in the patient chart that the simulation was explained.
What if the patient wants to look exactly like the image?
Go back to the clinical plan and explain that the image illustrates a direction and that the actual result varies. If the expectation is not realistic, discuss adjustments or the indication.