Alena's story

Alena underwent an emergency heart transplant after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. Her condition was so critical that doctors could not keep her on life support for more than a month—but against all odds, a donor heart became available just in time. Today, she’s embracing life with renewed strength.

Not long after her surgery, she received a Smart Doll with a median sternotomy scar. When she saw it, she smiled and said,

“See, this girl understands what it’s like!”

For the first time, she felt truly seen. She even asked her mum to send us a photo of the two of them proudly showing their matching scars. It was also the first time she had allowed her own scar to be photographed.

Nearly a year later, I had the privilege of welcoming Alena to Smart Doll Land. Seeing her in person—healthy, smiling, and full of life—was a moment I’ll never forget.

Free for those who need it

This option part is available free of charge to Smart Doll owners who have undergone the procedure, or to those who care for someone who has.

If you qualify, simply tell us a little of your story when placing your order (it can be as short as a sentence), and we’ll include the part at no additional cost. We don’t require any proof—we trust our community to use this program as intended.

Please note that this offer is available exclusively to Smart Doll owners. If you already own a Smart Doll, simply place an order for any item and we’ll include the part with your shipment at no additional cost. Including the part with an existing order helps us keep this program sustainable and allows us to continue offering it free of charge. Unfortunately, we are unable to send the part on its own upon request.

Understanding the Median Sternotomy Scar

The median sternotomy is a common surgical procedure used for open-heart surgeries, providing direct access to the heart and lungs. It’s often used for procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, and heart transplants.

During a median sternotomy, the surgeon makes an incision along the midline of the chest before carefully dividing the sternum (breastbone) to access the heart. Once the procedure has been completed, the sternum is brought back together using surgical wires, and the skin is closed with sutures or staples.

A median sternotomy leaves a characteristic scar that typically runs down the center of the chest. While it may initially appear red and raised, it often fades over time. The length and appearance of the scar can vary depending on the procedure, the surgeon’s technique, and the individual’s healing process.

More Than a Scar

The Median Sternotomy Bust was created to symbolize the resilience and strength of not only those who have undergone open-heart surgery, but anyone who has endured a life-saving procedure that left a physical scar. The characteristic median sternotomy scar stands as a powerful reminder of these deeply personal journeys.

These scars are far more than the marks of significant medical procedures. They are badges of courage—tangible reminders of an individual’s bravery, resilience, and determination in the face of daunting odds. Whether from heart surgery or another life-saving procedure, every scar tells a story of survival and the strength of the person who bears it.

With thanks

I’d like to express my gratitude to the father of Smart Doll creator, Mikela Frost, who proposed this meaningful idea. Having undergone a quadruple bypass surgery, he bears a prominent longitudinal scar down the middle of his chest.
Accustomed to taking great care of his appearance, the scar initially presented a challenge for him to accept. Seeing it daily brought about a significant shift in his perspective. His experience underscores the deep impact such a journey can have, beyond the physical.

Installation

The Welcome Guide contains short videos showing how to swap out the option busts.

Option Busts are packaged in drawstring bags as shown in photo 1. To swap out the default bust on your Smart Doll, you’ll need to gently wriggle off the head and arms (photo 2) before replacing the bust. If you have conditions like arthritis and are purchasing this part along with a Smart Doll, you can leave a note with your order requesting our team to do the swap for you. In that case, we’ll include the default bust in the bag that comes with this option bust. We’ll include the sports bra in the box. Please note that it won’t fit the larger bust sizes, so we’ll leave it unattached in those cases.

Shoulders are fully inserted when you feel a sharp, distinct click. The process typically involves two stages: the first click may feel dull and give the impression that the joint is secure, but after rotating the arms a few times, they may pop off. To apply even pressure, clasp your palms around the shoulder and push firmly inward until you feel a sharp click (photo3). You’ll know the joint is properly set when you hear audible clicks as you move the arm up and down.

Also, please check out the Fixing Arm Problems Knowledge Base for handling care of the arms.

Please refer to the photo below with the post-it notes, which illustrates how to properly push the bust down as far as possible onto the neck peg for an optimal fit.

Bewb Bubbles

Air pockets and pinholes naturally occur in all bust parts during the casting process. These can result from trapped air in the vinyl or imperfections on the inner mold surface. Pinholes are small surface voids, while air pockets may be covered by a thin layer of vinyl, sometimes breaking through over time. They vary in size and may not be immediately visible, but they are always present to some degree. Their visibility is random, making each piece unique. You can learn more about the slush casting process in the Knowledge Base.

We do not consider these surface characteristics to be defects, though we understand that some may feel differently. If this is a concern, we strongly advise reconsidering the purchase.