Atlas · Chapter
Lip.
Thirteen markers covering the most modifiable mid-face feature — and the one where small change reads largest.
markers in this chapter
13
read time
8 min
why this region
The argument for reading lip carefully.
Lips are the strongest mid-face signal of vitality and warmth, and most refinements here are reversible or even temporary — hydration, exfoliation, color, posture. We treat lip findings with the same care we treat eye findings.
every marker, in this chapter
The full list.
marker
what we measure
healthy range
Upper-to-lower ratio
Vermillion height ratio
1 : 1.5 to 1 : 2
Vermillion show
Visible lip surface at rest
8–14mm total
Philtrum length
Subnasale to upper lip
13–18mm
Philtrum definition
Ridge clarity
soft / defined
Cupid's bow
Peak definition + height
defined preferred
Commissure angle
Corner tilt at rest
neutral or upward
Lip fullness
Anterior projection
balanced 30/70 lower-heavy
Hydration
Surface texture, microfissures
0–3 grade
Lip color
Pigmentation vs surrounding skin
categorical
Smile arc
Curvature of upper lip on smile
follows lower-tooth arc
Resting lip seal
Closed-mouth posture
easy seal preferred
Perioral fine lines
Vertical lip lines
0–3 grade
Lip symmetry · L/R
Corner height delta
< 1mm
Small changes here read larger than they are.
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