Sexual dimorphism through lip print analysis: a study on pattern variations among Indonesian adolescents

The analysis of lip print patterns has been recognized as a supplementary method for forensic identification. This study examines sex-based variations in lip print patterns among Indonesian adolescents to explore potential forensic applicability. Ninety-six lip prints were collected from subjects (40 males and 56 females) aged 16–20 years. Lip prints were obtained through a standardized procedure involving the application of lipstick, transfer onto cellophane tape, and placement on white paper. Patterns were analyzed using ImageJ software, and statistical analysis was conducted using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 29.0. The results indicate that Type I is most common among males, whereas Type II predominates among females. Significant differences were observed between the upper left and lower right quadrants (p<0.05). Although these findings reveal sexual dimorphism in certain quadrants, they remain preliminary and specific to Indonesian adolescents. Further studies with broader age ranges and predictive modeling are needed to evaluate forensic utility.