Purpose: To date no published system exists to categorize variations in labial attractiveness. I present a classification of female lips.

Methods: Photographs of 102 female faces (ethnically varied, 14-78 years old) were evaluated. A three-tiered classification system with add-on modifiers was devised.

Results: Female lips were categorized as Type I, II, or III based on geometric characteristics and tissue present. Type I lips are plump in the vermillion region, have a concave profile, and have sufficient vermillion show. Type II lips are atrophic/hypoplastic, especially in the vermillion and adjacent regions. They have a planar or convex profile and have insufficient vermillion show. Type III lips have a negative vector (columella-labial junction further anterior than upper vermillion border) and have insufficient vermillion show. Modifiers include R (rhytids) L (long upper lip) and D (discordant, upper lip significantly more atrophic/hypoplastic than lower lip). The sample population demonstrated the following classification distributions: I=13.6%, II=72.8%, and III=13.6%. With the use of the modifiers, the representation was: I=10.2%, I-L=3.4%, II=16.9%, II-R=15.2%, II-L=6.8%, II-D=5.1%, II-RL=28.8%, III=10.2%, III-L=1.7%, and III-RL=1.7%.

Conclusion: A systematic classification system of the female lips facilitates scholarly discourse regarding labial aesthetics and the planning of procedures to enhance lip appearance.