Stereophotogrammetric analysis of labial morphology in a young adult Middle-Eastern population

Introduction

The majority of previous research delineating the morphological characteristics of the orolabial region has been on Caucasian populations, with very minor research on Mediterranean populations, and none on the Lebanese population.

Aim

The primary aim was to collect information on the gender-specific 3D morphology of the mouth and lips in young Middle Eastern adults. The secondary aim was to explore the presence of associations between orolabial morphology and age and body mass index (BMI), and to assess correlations between linear orolabial dimensions and area/volume measures.

Methods

The study used non-invasive stereophotogrammetry to collect information on gender-specific 3D labial morphology (linear distances, areas, and volumes) for 122 adult Lebanese subjects, aged 18–30 years (47 males, 75 females). Associations between labial morphology and age and body mass index were assessed, in addition to correlations between linear orolabial dimensions and area/volume measures.

Results

All linear, angular, area, and volume lip measurements displayed significant variability. Both lip area and volume were smaller in the upper than in the lower lip. Eighteen out of the 20 linear measurements were significantly larger in males. The ratio, area, and volume measurements mostly displayed no statistically significant gender dimorphism.

Conclusions

Alongside presenting the first documented report on anthropometric labial measurements of a young Lebanese adult population, this research highlights the presence of gender dimorphism in linear and angular measurements, but not in area and volume measurements, and a strong association between certain linear labial measurements and lip area and volume. In addition, it presents pilot data on the association between labial anthropometry and body mass index.