A woman hid for 21 years after a rare condition left her with 'elephant legs'
Communications manager Yasmina Kemppainen, began to experience pain in her legs when she was just 12 years old.
Soon after the 36-year-old's legs began to swell and she suspected something was wrong.
She recalls as teenager a teenager people would tell her she was "too skinny," but she was unable to look past what she called her "fat legs."
In February 2018, Yasmina, from Espoo, Finland, finally plucked up the courage to visit a doctor who diagnosed her with lipoedema, a condition which causes an abnormal build-up of fat.
Have you got a story? Email us at webnews@mirror.co.uk
From the age of 12, she hid her legs away until her diagnosis in 2018 covering 21 years in total.
She hated attending social events or the beach and at work, she tired easily and the condition slowly took over her life.
Other adults would refer to her legs as "elephant legs" or tell her to "lose weight" because she was "too big."
For those who suffer from lipoedema, it isn't as simple as losing weight.
While losing weight can alleviate symptoms, it doesn't get rid of the condition and the legs can still appear larger than the torso.
In February and April of 2019, Yasmina decided to undergo liposuction surgery in Berlin, Germany, in which the fat was removed at a cost of £10,320.
She also switched to a keto diet consisting of high-fat, low-carb content.
Before surgery, she weighed 10st 7lb was a size XL on her lower half.
Now, she weighs 8st 6lb and is able to fit a size XS.
Since the surgery her confidence has grown leaps and bounds and she has taken control of her life again.
She began posting her story online in a bid to help and inspire other women who might be in a similar situation.
"I was twelve years old when I started to notice pain in my legs," Yasmina said
"Sometimes, they would swell, and I knew they looked different.
"It was depressing to notice. People said I was 'too skinny' but I just saw my fat legs.
"Even when I became an adult, people would still comment on it and say that my legs looked similar to an elephant's.
"Others told me to lose weight because I was too big.
"I didn't like to go to social events because I didn't want to show my legs. I didn't go to the beach.
I couldn't go dancing without tiring easily. I couldn't even manage at work anymore.
"I was finally diagnosed with lipoedema in February 2018 and my doctor talked me through the various options.
She flew to to Med Plast Clinic in Berlin, Germany and underwent two liposuction surgeries that changed her life.
Now, she feels full of both energy and confidence.
"I feel strong now," she said
"I feel confident. Lipoedema doesn't control my life anymore.
"I want to raise awareness about lipoedema for all of the other ladies who are suffering. I hope my story gives them hope.
"Surgery changed my life but adopting a keto diet has helped a lot too.
"I've been surrounded by supportive friends and my husband throughout all of this. My husband always tells me how strong I am.
"I never would have met him without the surgery. We met at a party and I never would have gone to a party before.
"Don't give up. Life can surprise you in a very positive way."
Get all the latest news sent to your inbox. Sign up for the free Mirror newsletter
