Quantifying upper lip height difference between two young male and female populations by direct surface measurement: Implications for gender-affirming upper lip shortening surgery

Abstract

The female upper lip is shorter than its male counterpart. We have recently described a precise direct surface measurement technique of the philtral height. In this study we aim to quantify the difference in philtral height using this same measuring technique between two groups of young male and female Lebanese subjects. The mean philtral height obtained in the young male group was 15.7 ± 1.7 mm. By comparing this result to the previously described mean philtral height of 14.3 ± 1.9 mm in the young female group, we obtained a mean difference of 1.3 ± 1.8 mm between the two groups. This result confirms and quantifies by direct surface measurement the gender difference in upper lip height and should be considered when planning a gender-affirming upper lip shortening surgery.