How many times have patients mentioned during their initial consultation that they want lips like [insert celebrity name here] or cheek contours like [insert celebrity name here]?
When a disparity exists between a patient's expectations and the realistic outcomes achievable through aesthetic treatments—a phenomenon known as patient expectation misalignment—the ramifications can be profound. Not only does it foster dissatisfaction among patients, but it also exerts a significant psychological toll. Furthermore, it poses a substantial risk to your clinic's reputation, eroding trust, affecting the retention of current patients, and undermining its credibility in the eyes of both existing and prospective clients. It may even result in legal ramifications, as patients may pursue litigation to address the disparity between their anticipated and actual results.
In essence, managing and aligning patient expectations is not merely a matter of ensuring satisfaction—it's a fundamental component of maintaining the integrity, trustworthiness, and viability of your aesthetic practice.
So, what are some strategies for aesthetic clinics to effectively manage patient expectations and how can AI support both patients and aesthetic providers?
Before the consultation
EDUCATE AND INFORM
Provide patients with educational materials, such as brochures, videos, or online resources, that explain the procedure, potential risks, recovery process, and expected outcomes in detail. Ensure they have a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the treatment.
AI FACIAL SIMULATOR
In the past, patients interested in aesthetic treatments would come to the initial consultation with a specific desire in mind - I want plumper lips, I want to minimize my chin fat, I hate my forehead wrinkles - and the injector would present a treatment plan with support from before/after pictures from former patients.
Today, patients expect clinics to innovate their practice and align their expectations using a visual tool. Patients are searching for clinics that provide a digital aesthetic journey where they can make decisions from their comfort zone. The process looks something like this: Potential patients scan their desired clinics’ QR code/link, simulate their ideal look using the facial simulator, and schedule a consultation. With these steps, potential patients visualize clinically-acceptable realistic results on their own face - immediately aligning expectations.
The algorithm has been trained to simulate results that are less good than the actual outcome (in order to better align expectations), but desirable enough to spark the patient's intrigue and push them to schedule a consultation.
Consultation
COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION
Take the time to conduct thorough consultations where you actively listen to the patient's concerns, desires, and goals. Use this opportunity to educate patients about the procedures they are considering, discuss realistic outcomes, and address any misconceptions.
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLANS
Develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, preferences, and anatomical considerations. Clearly outline the steps involved, the expected timeline for results, and any follow-up care required to achieve optimal outcomes.
OPEN COMMUNICATION
Encourage open and honest communication throughout the treatment process. Address any questions, concerns, or anxieties that patients may have, and provide reassurance and support as needed.
Real- life scenario: A patient engaged with EntityMed's cutting-edge facial simulator to envision her desired aesthetic outcome. During her consultation, she actively discussed with her injector specific preferences regarding lip volume ratios, prioritizing the discussion of desired results over mere considerations of pricing per syringe. This exemplifies a profound shift towards patient-centric care, where informed desired results and decision-making take precedence over pricing.
Post-treatment
Follow up
Schedule follow-up appointments to assess the outcomes of the treatment, address any concerns, and provide additional guidance or adjustments if necessary. This ongoing support helps to ensure that patients are satisfied with their results and reinforces trust in your clinic.
Want to learn more about how to manage patient expectations with the help of AI? Do not hesitate to reach out!
You can also book a demo with one of our experts to discover how aesthetic clinics around the world have implemented AI into their practices and experienced immediate ROI.
About Noam Yadin
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