Morphometric analysis of the upper lip in Koreans.
The aims of this study were to provide the various dimensions of the philtrum and upper red lip in Korean young adults and to identify morphological characteristics of these structures in Koreans. A total of 10 dimensions of the philtrum and upper red lip were measured in 251 healthy young adults. Various indices were calculated among the measured features. The philtrum could be classified into three types according to its shape and index data. The mean height of the philtrum was 15.6 mm and the mean width of the mouth was 45.5 mm. The width of the superior and inferior philtrum, the height of philtrum, the width of the mouth, and the height of the upper red lip were significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.05). A subtle morphological difference in Cupid bow was observed between the genders. There was a negative correlation between the length of the philtral column and the height of the upper red lip (p < 0.05). Furthermore, differences were identified in the dimensions of the philtrum and the upper red lip between Koreans and Caucasians. The results of this study could be a useful morphological basis for correction and reconstruction of the upper lip.
Department of Anatomy, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Kang-Jae
KJ
Shin
Department of Anatomy, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Young-Chun
YC
Gil
Department of Anatomy, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Wu-Chul
WC
Song
Department of Anatomy, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Ki-Seok
KS
Koh
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Hyun-Gon
HG
Choi
D000328:Adult; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D056910:Republic of Korea