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Article created by: Shelly Fourer

Everyone’s glow-up journey is different. For some, it’s sparked by a health scare, a breakup, or just the desire for a fresh start. For others, it’s inspired by seeing motivational transformations online—yes, those before-and-after photos really can light a fire. The reasons may vary, but the importance of taking that first step toward change is universal.

Today, we’ve rounded up some of the best glow-up photos from r/mademesmile, where people proudly share their transformations. From physical changes to emotional growth, these stories show that with determination, self-love, and a little patience, anyone can rewrite their own story. Keep scrolling to see the incredible journeys people have taken and get inspired to start or continue your own transformation.

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#1

Two Years Ago We Rescued The Dirtiest, Most Diseased And Starving Tripod Dog. Today He Is Gorgeous

Before and after dog transformation showing a life-changing pet makeover with improved health and appearance.

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    #2

    Two Photos Taken An Hour Apart... Before And After Adoption

    Two dogs before and after adoption showing happy transformations that changed their lives completely.

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    #3

    (Oc) I Recently Lost 170 Pounds. Took Me Two In A Half Years

    Man showing a dramatic life transformation, before and after weight loss, sitting on benches in casual clothes.

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    #4

    (Oc) I Was Petting Kittens At The Park When One Tried To Climb My Leg. Second Photo Is Her Now. 🐱

    Before and after photos of a cat showing a life-changing transformation improving its health and appearance significantly.

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    #5

    Recently Celebrated Her 2nd Gotcha Day. This Glow Up Makes Me Smile. She Wasn't Supposed To Live More Than 2 Months Max And Is Now Over 2 Years Old!

    Side by side images showing pet transformation that changed their lives completely from kitten to adult cat.

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    #6

    (Oc) My Stray Dog Perseus Who I Adopted Because Otherwise She Would Have Been Euthanized

    Before and after transformation of a golden retriever puppy growing into a mature dog, showing life-changing growth progress.

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    #7

    After Years Of Tooth Pain And Hiding My Smile, I Got Dentures! They Literally Mademesmile!

    Before and after transformation showing a young man smiling with improved teeth in a life-changing personal change.

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    #8

    Shiva’s Glow Up Before And After Rescue. She Is So Beautiful! 💕

    Before and after transformation of a dog showing a life-changing physical and emotional change over time.

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    #9

    Cat Glow Up

    Before and after images of a cat showing a remarkable transformation that changed its life completely.

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    #10

    From The Day I Knew I Had To Leave To Official Divorce Day!

    Side by side photos showing a woman’s life transformation with improved style and confidence after personal change.

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    #11

    [oc] 16 Yo Eggs Before And After A Little Love

    Before and after transformation of a small dog showing a complete change in grooming and appearance.

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    #12

    Pictures Of A Dogs Growth Before And After His Owner Returns From Deployment

    Man in military uniform holding a dog puppy and then the same dog fully grown, showing transformation over time.

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    #13

    [oc] 6 Weeks Of Friendship, Food And Some Meds. I Have Never Been More Happy

    Stray dog transformation on the beach showing before and after life-changing improvement and care.

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    #14

    Update: Before And After 9 And A Half Years Clean From Substances

    Man with dyed green hair in before photo and smiling man holding a dog in after photo showing life transformations.

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    #15

    Our Rescue Dog’s Glow-Up

    Side-by-side photos showing a dog's transformation that changed its life completely, from weak to healthy and happy.

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    #16

    4.5 Years On Estrogen And I Could Never Be Happier

    Before and after photos of two people showcasing life-changing transformations and personal growth.

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    #17

    Before And After Picture Of Dental Patient With New Set Of Teeth

    Young woman showing emotional reaction before and after a life-changing transformation revealed in personal stories.

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    #18

    From Homeless And Unemployed (26) To Surgical Assistant (40)

    Before and after photos showing a person's transformation that changed their life completely, highlighting life-changing transformations.

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    #19

    Learning To Take Care Of Myself

    Before and after transformation of a man with glasses showing a life-changing personal change with a trimmed beard and haircut.

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    #20

    Its Not Just A Phase, Mom

    Person with dark hair and gothic makeup showing a dramatic transformation during a life-changing celebration with a cake.

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    #21

    Frida's Glow-Up

    Before and after transformation of a dog showing a life-changing growth and health improvement, highlighting powerful transformations.

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    #22

    My Wife's Rehab Photo vs. Today - 11 Years, 3 Months Sober

    Before and after photos of a woman showcasing a life-changing transformation with a new hairstyle and confident smile.

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    #23

    Progress From Adoption Day, To Current Day (8 Month Mark)!

    Before and after pet grooming transformation showing a dog’s life-changing makeover and improved appearance.

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    #24

    I’ve Always Been Ashamed Of My Teeth, And For Our 7th Anniversary My Wife Completely Changed My Life

    Before and after photos of a young man showing a life-changing transformation with a bright smile and confident appearance.

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    #25

    This Lady’s Before And After Limb Lengthening 💙

    Young woman showing inspiring physical transformation using walker and leg braces, highlighting life-changing transformations revealed by people.

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    #26

    Anorexia Recovery Face Gains!

    Before and after photos of a young woman showcasing a personal transformation that changed her life completely.

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    #27

    After Plateauing A Bit, I Finally Lost 200 Pounds!

    Before and after transformation of a man showing a significant life change with weight loss and new style in two side-by-side photos.

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    #28

    Today I’m Four Year Sober From Alcohol! (Timelapse)

    Side-by-side images showing a life-changing transformation with a smiling young man by the water in the after photo.

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    #29

    Was Gifted The Gift Of Smile And Mental Health Thru Donated Dental Services Of Michigan

    Woman showing dental transformation with before and after photos highlighting life-changing transformations.

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    #30

    My BFF Sent Me These Glow Up Photos Of Her Ducks, Janet And Samuel L. Quackson, And I Had To Share Them With You

    Two images showing duck transformations with ducks near people’s feet on green grass in different life stages.

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    #31

    [oc] Before And After Weightloss

    Before and after transformation of a woman from 2021 to 2025 showing a life-changing personal transformation.

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    #32

    (Oc) I Beat Second Stage Obesity, Reversed My Pre-Diabetes, And Lost 100 Lb!

    Two women showing weight loss transformations, highlighting dramatic life-changing before and after results.

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    #33

    Happy Fat Tuesday! Three Years And 90lbs Between Photos. Slow And Steady!

    Before and after transformation photo of a woman with children, highlighting life-changing physical transformation.

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    #34

    My Tiel's First Picture vs. Her Most Recent ^-^ What A Glow Up

    Cockatiel perched on a finger showing transformation with different feather positions, highlighting bird life changes.

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    #35

    Two Years Ago, I Watched My Brothers Graduate. Yesterday, They Watched Me. They Wanted To Coordinate Colors And Everything :)

    Group of young adults celebrating graduation, showcasing life-changing transformations and personal growth milestones.

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    #36

    Stormy’s Glow Up

    Side-by-side photos show a dog's transformation with thicker black fur highlighting life-changing transformations.

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    #37

    From First Time Trying On Scrubs, To Going To Take My Last Exam. Beating Mental Illness And Taking Care Of My Body With Love

    Side-by-side photos of a woman showing life-changing transformations in appearance and confidence wearing medical scrubs.

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    #38

    Prom vs. Wedding

    Side-by-side photos showing a couple's transformation from prom to wedding, highlighting life-changing transformations.

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    #39

    If We're Sharing Glow UPS Today, 220 > 170 With Notable Muscle Gain

    Side-by-side image showing a woman's weight loss transformation as part of 50 people reveal transformations that changed lives.

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    #40

    I Lost Over 20 Kilos And Got My Health Back After An Horrible Relationship !

    Side-by-side photos showing a person’s transformation with notable weight loss and improved confidence over time.

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    #41

    Six Months Without A Drink! Still Sad And Depressed And Irritable - But At Least I Can Feel My Feelings Clearly Now!

    Woman showing a personal transformation with before and after photos highlighting a life-changing makeover and new confidence.

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    #42

    From Mugshot (2017) To Beauty Shot (2021). 8 Months Sober & Turned 25 Today! Never Thought I Could Be This Happy

    Before and after photos showing a woman’s transformation that changed her life, highlighting personal growth and confidence.

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    #43

    Thought You Guys Might Like The Glow Up. 1 Week To 1 Year Old. These Three Are The Best Cats Ever. Zero (Black And White Tabby), Tabitha (Brown And White Tabby), And Smokey (Grey Tabby)

    Before and after photos of cats showing dramatic life transformations and growth over time, highlighting changes in appearance.




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