A Three-Dimensional Quantitative Analysis of Lips in Normal Young Adults

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To supply information about (1) sex-related dimensions (linear distances and ratios, vermilion area, volume) of normal adult lips, (2) presence of sexual dimorphism, and (3) correlations between anthropometric characteristics of the lip and nose. Methods: The three-dimensional coordinates of soft tissue landmarks on the lips and nose were obtained using an optoelectronic instrument in 90 healthy young adult women and 90 healthy young adult men. From the landmarks, several linear distances (mouth width, total vermilion height, nose height, anatomic nose width, total lip height, upper lip height), the ratio of vermilion height to mouth width, and some areas (vermilion of the upper lip, vermilion of the lower lip, total vermilion) and volumes (upper lip volume, lower lip volume, total lip volume) were calculated. Linear correlation analyses between pairs of variables were also conducted within each sex. Results: All lip dimensions (distances, areas, and volumes) were significantly larger ...