2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of

Adults

2020-S-0002

Physical Stability of Facial 

Features of Adults

Facial Identification Subcommittee

Digital/Multimedia Scientific Area Committee

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

Draft OSAC Proposed Standard

2020-S-0002

Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

Prepared by 

Facial Identification Subcommittee

Version: 1.2

December 09, 2020

Disclaimer:

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the Facial Identification

Subcommittee/Digital/Multimedia Scientific Area Committee of the Organization of Scientific Area 

Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science following a process that includes an open comment period. 

This Proposed Standard will be submitted to a standards developing organization and is subject to 

change. 

There may be references in an OSAC Proposed Standard to other publications under development by 

OSAC. The information in the Proposed Standard, and underlying concepts and methodologies, may 

be used by the forensic-science community before the completion of such companion publications. 

Any identification of commercial equipment, instruments, or materials in the Proposed Standard is not 

a recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Government and does not imply that the equipment, 

instruments, or materials are necessarily the best available for the purpose.

To be placed on the OSAC Registry, certain types of standards first must be reviewed by a Scientific 

and Technical Review Panel (STRP). The STRP process is vital to OSAC’s mission of

generating and recognizing scientifically sound standards for producing and interpreting forensic

science results. The STRP shall provide critical and knowledgeable reviews of draft standards or of 

proposed revisions of standards previously published by standards developing organizations (SDOs) to 

ensure that the published methods that practitioners employ are scientifically valid, and the resulting 

claims are trustworthy.
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

The STRP panel will consist of an independent and diverse panel, including subject matter experts, 

human factors scientists, quality assurance personnel, and legal experts, which will be tasked with 

evaluating the proposed standard based on a comprehensive list of science-based criteria. 

For more information about this important process, please visit our website at: 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/scientifictechnical-review-panels
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of

Adults

1 Purpose

2 The purpose of this document is to describe the relative physical stability of facial features of 

3 adults when assessing the observed component characteristics within a single living subject as an 

4 aid to the facial comparison practitioner.

5 Scope

6 This document is meant to be used in conjunction with [ASTM E3149-18] for 

7 Morphological Analysis

8

9 This document refers only to images appearing to be adult (i.e., post-pubescent) subjects and 

10 does not address the stability of features in children due to rapid developmental changes. This 

11 document does not cover the entire comparison process. Other documents

12 (standards/guidelines/best practices) should be referenced regarding the effects of imaging 

13 conditions (e.g., illumination, pose, resolution) have on feature appearance, comparison and 

14 evaluation strategies, and opinion scales.

15 Limitations

16 The stability assessments provided in this document are primarily a consensus opinion of 

17 experienced practitioners informed by discussions with medical and academic professionals, and

18 the limited scientific literature available (as noted in the specific feature tables). As more 

19 research is published, the stability assessments may be updated. 

20 Introduction

21 Over time, images of the same person may contain apparent differences due to anticipated 

22 changes (e.g., aging and expression) or unanticipated changes (e.g., fluctuations in weight, 

23 health, or effects of substance use). Other visible differences may be due to intentional 

24 alterations to appearance. While some changes, such as expression and weight gain/loss, may be 

25 transient, others may result in a permanent change in appearance. When conducting a forensic 

26 facial one-to-one comparison of images captured of the same person at different time periods,

27 the practitioner must consider these potential variances when forming an opinion. This document 

28 is intended to bring these concerns to the attention of the practitioner, ensure reliability of 

29 analysis, and provide a pathway for the development of further standards in this area.

30 Factors Affecting Physical Stability of Facial Components

31 The following factors affect the physical stability of facial features and their components on an 

32 individual face (regardless of imaging conditions), listed in no particular order: expression, aging 

33 (short and long term), marked weight change, change in health, and intentional alteration. For 

34 each factor, stability is assessed for that factor taken in isolation. In other words, under 

35 “Expression”, the stability is ONLY assessed as a function of changes in expression. However, 

36 multiple factors can act concurrently on the same components which the practitioner will have to 

37 take into consideration. Not all factors will affect components at the same time or in the same 

38 way and some components may not be affected at all. The physical stability of features under 

39 each of these factors is presented below.

40 Expression

41 This factor refers to any deviation from a relaxed face. A relaxed face usually includes eyes open 

42 and a closed mouth; however, there are individuals for whom the relaxed face includes an open 

43 mouth. A neutral expression ((non-smiling) with both eyes open normally (i.e., not wide-open), 
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

and mouth closed (unless medical condition precludes it1 44 )) is generally the standard by which 

45 controlled captured images (passport, ID etc.) are collected. If an individual is depicted in two 

46 images under similar imaging conditions with no change in expression or any other factor, then 

47 all features should appear consistent.

48 Time-related Changes

49 This factor refers to facial variations that occur as a person ages over time. The scope of time50 related changes considers (without limitation) exposure to the elements (e.g., sun, wind), dental 

51 changes, skin elasticity, hair loss, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation that may occur during 

52 this progression. For the purposes of this document, time-related changes are discussed in two 

53 categories: 

54

55

56  Short term refers to periods of five (5) years or less.

57  Long term refers to periods in excess of five (5) years.

58 The practitioner should be aware that these time frames are general and may need to be 

59 adjusted as the practitioner considers the differing rates of change applicable to the person's 

60 gender and ethnicity. If an individual is depicted in two contemporaneous images under similar 

61 imaging conditions with no other factors changed, then all features would be expected to appear 

62 consistent.

63 Marked Weight Change

64 This factor refers to the variations to the face that occur as a function of observable weight loss 

65 or gain. The specific details of these variations will differ from person to person. If an individual is 

66 depicted in two images under similar imaging conditions with a negligible change in weight or 

67 other factors, then all features would be expected to appear consistent.

68 Changes in Health

69 This factor refers to variations to the face that occur as a function of changes in health. A 

70 comprehensive delineation of the effect of all potential health conditions is beyond the scope of 

71 this document. If an individual is depicted in two images under similar imaging conditions with no 

72 substantial change in health or other factors, then all features would be expected to appear 

73 consistent.

74

75 Note on Trauma, Inflammation, Tumors, and Substance Use: Trauma to the head, inflammation 

76 (e.g., due to infection or allergic reaction), or tumors can alter any facial feature or portion of the 

77 face temporarily or permanently. As a result, the stability of all facial features affected by 

78 trauma, inflammation, or tumors is low and will not be delineated in the tables below.

79 Additionally, substance use depends on multiple different factors to include, but not limited to, 

80 the body chemistry of the person, the substance being used, and the amount of use. Therefore, 

81 substance use will not be delineated in the tables below.

82 Intentional Alteration

83 This factor refers to variations to the face that occur as a function of deliberate modifications.

84 These variations can be temporary or permanent. Changes may result from visible modifications 

85 to the skin surface such as facial hair, tattoos, piercings*, or cosmetics/makeup. Changes may 

86 also result from modifications below the skin surface due to cosmetic, dental or reconstructive 

1 ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2011, August 22, 2016
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

87 procedures. Modifications due to cultural practices can also affect the appearance of facial 

88 features. If an individual is depicted in two images under similar imaging conditions with no 

89 intentional alterations or changes in other factors, then all features would be expected to appear 

90 consistent. Intentional alterations are component characteristics whose stability must also be 

91 considered.

92

93 *Note on Piercings: The presence of piercings may have a widely variable impact on most 

94 component characteristics. 

95 Stability Tables

96 The tables below define component characteristics as having either “High”, “Medium” or “Low” 

97 stability in the same person under the factor in question. The potential for change in the 

98 characteristic descriptors will determine this stability. If a feature with low stability is relied upon 

99 in a comparison, there is a higher risk of the comparison results being incorrect. The risk of 

100 inaccuracy increases as more low stability features are relied upon. 

101

102  High stability (H) features exhibit little to no change.

103  Medium stability (M) features may exhibit moderate changes.

104  Low stability (L) features may exhibit substantial changes.

105

106 

107 Note: Each table is accompanied by text describing conditions under which each factor 

108 affects the stability of the corresponding component characteristic.

109

Skin

Skin appearance is extremely variable. Skin appearance may be affected by emotion, hormone 

levels, temperature, fatigue, hydration, etc. Changes in health and intentional alterations 

(e.g., make-up, tanning, tattoos, skin bleaching, and other cosmetic procedures) may cause 

greater variation in skin appearance.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Overall Skin 

Appearance M M L M L L

110

111

112

Face/Head Outline

The shape of the cranial vault does not change substantially in adulthood under normal 

conditions, but weight fluctuation or subdermal implants may give the appearance of change.

Changes in weight or expression affect the shape of the face with the latter dominated by 

movement of the lower jaw. The stability of the face shape over long periods of time may also 

depend on tooth and related bone loss. Changes in health and intentional alterations (e.g., 

disease, maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic procedures, and cosmetic procedures) may cause 

greater variation in the overall shape of the face.
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

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Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Shape of Cranial 

Vault H H H M H M

Overall Shape of 

Face L H M L L L

113

114

Face/Head Composition

While the proportions of the features of the face are less stable, the position of the eyes, ears 

and nose relative to each other remains stable under most conditions.

Expressions can affect the proportions of the facial features with the greatest effect occurring 

with movement of the lower jaw and mouth. The stability of the proportions/position of 

features over long periods of time may also depend on tooth and related bone loss. Changes in 

health and intentional alterations (e.g., disease, maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic procedures, 

and cosmetic procedures) may cause greater variation in the proportions/position of features 

on the face.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Proportions/

Position of Features 

on Face

L H M M L L

115

116

Hair

Both women and men may exhibit hair loss or other changes to the hairline and baldness 

pattern.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Hair H L L H L L

Forehead Hairline H L L H L L

Hairline Right Side

Hairline Left Side H L L H L L

Cranial baldness 

pattern H L L H L L

117

118

119

Forehead

Both the forehead and the brow ridges are defined by the frontal bone. Forehead shape is not 

affected by hairline modifications, nor are brow ridges affected by eyebrow growth or 

recession. Brow ridge prominence can be altered in both men and women due to prolonged 

changes in hormone levels (e.g., menopause, human growth hormone) or surgical procedures.
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

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Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Forehead Shape H H M M H L

Brow Ridges H H M M M L

120

121

Eyebrow

Eyebrows have many characteristic descriptors which can be highly variable under various 

factors. With the exception of expression, which can change the shape, position and 

asymmetry of the eyebrows, most variability is related to changes in the hair details or 

alterations (e.g., grooming, tattoos). Some health conditions such as facial palsy (e.g., from 

stroke or viral condition) may create asymmetry to the appearance of the eyebrows.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in 

Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Right Eyebrow

Left Eyebrow L H L H L L

Asymmetry between 

Right and Left 

Eyebrows

L H H H L L

122

123

Eyes

Intercanthal distance does not change with the exception of trauma. Some component 

characteristics of the eye are affected by expression while others are not. Changes to the 

sclera can occur over short periods of time due to causes such as exposure to sun, wind, and 

other irritants. Time-related changes over the long term and marked weight change primarily 

affect the soft tissues. Examples include: eyelid drooping, orbital fat variations, corneal 

clouding. Changes in health can affect all other component characteristics of the eyes, and 

some conditions such as facial palsy (e.g., from stroke or viral condition) may create 

asymmetry to the appearance of the eyes. Intentional alterations to the eye include contact 

lenses, cosmetics, cosmetic procedures, tattoos, piercings, prostheses, etc.i

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Intercanthal Distance H H H H H H

Interpupillary 

Distance (IPD) M H H H M L

Right Eye Fissure 

Opening (Outline)

Left Eye Fissure 

Opening (Outline)

L H M M L M

Right Upper Eyelid 

(including lashes)

Left Upper Eyelid 

(including lashes)

L H M M L L
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

Right Lower Eyelid 

(including lashes)

Left Lower Eyelid 

(including lashes)

L H L M L L

Right Eyeball 

Prominence

Left Eyeball 

Prominence

H H H M L M

Right Eye Sclera

Left Eye Sclera H M M H L L

Right Iris

Left Iris L H M H L L

Right Eye Medial 

Canthus

Left Eye Medial 

Canthus

H H H H L M

Right Eye Lateral 

Canthus

Left Eye Lateral 

Canthus

H H M H L M

Asymmetry Between 

Right and Left Eyes H H H H L M

124

125

Cheeks

The apparent prominence of the cheekbones varies in relation to changes in weight, health 

(e.g., stroke, facial palsy, dental changes) and intentional alteration (e.g., cosmetics or 

cosmetic procedures). With aging (senescence) the cheekbone may appear more prominent 

due to decreased soft tissue and muscle mass. 

The cheek is a flexible soft tissue structure which can be affected by all of the factors. The 

buccal fat pad moves inferiorly down the cheek during middle-age and this creates a flatter 

cheek shape with less prominent cheekbones. Intentional alterations include cosmetics, 

surgical implants and fillers.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Right Cheekbone

Left Cheekbone H H M L L L

Right Cheek Shape 

(soft tissue)

Left Cheek Shape 

(soft tissue)

L M L L L L

126

127

Nose

The nose is a stable feature over the short term under normal conditions. All characteristic 

components, except the nasal root, can change with expression, and all components can be 

changed with intentional alterations (e.g., piercings, surgery). Over the long term, the soft 

tissues (including the cartilage) of the nose change in length and shape. Under marked weight 

changes, only the root and columella remain stable, and under health changes, only the root 

and body remain stable. The other characteristic components of the nose can be affected by 
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

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disease (e.g., leprosy, gout), viral conditions (e.g., colds, sinusitis), and growths (e.g., 

polyps). The attachment of the alae to the upper lip does not change with the exception of 

surgery, trauma, or tumor.ii

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Nasal Outline 

(Profile/Front view) L H M M M L

Nasal Root (bridge) H H H H H L

Nasal Body M H H M H L

Nasal Tip L H L M M L

Nasal Base L H M M M L

Nasal Base: Alae 

(Wings of nose) L H M M M L

Nasal Base: Nostrils 

(Nasal Openings) L H M M M L

Nasal Base: 

Columella (Soft 

tissue between 

Nostrils)

M H M H M L

128

129

Ears

The ear is a very stable feature. Ear position alone can change with expression, but the ear 

configuration remains stable. Over the long term, the ear changes in proportions, although 

lengthening of the lobule dominates these changes. Marked weight changes can affect the 

prominence and protrusion of the ear, as well as the fat content of the lobe. Other than 

trauma (e.g., cauliflower ear), inflammation and tumors, health changes rarely affect the 

characteristic components of the ears, except in cases of unusual disease (e.g., leprosy or 

cysts). iii

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Asymmetry Between 

Left and Right Ears M H H H H L

Right Ear Protrusion

Left Ear Protrusion M H M L H L

Overall Right Ear

Overall Left Ear M H M M H L

Right Ear HelixSuperior, Inferior 

(tail)

Left Ear HelixSuperior, Inferior 

(tail)

H H H H H L

Right Ear Tubercles 

(Auricular Tubercle)

Left Ear Tubercles 

(Auricular Tubercle)

H H H H H L

Right Ear Antihelix H H H H H L
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

Left Ear Antihelix

Right Ear Crura of 

Antihelix (Superior, 

Inferior)

Left Ear Crura of 

Antihelix (Superior, 

Inferior)

H H H H H M

Right Ear Triangular 

fossa

Left Ear Triangular 

fossa

H H H H H M

Right Ear Crus of 

Helix

Left Ear Crus of Helix

H H H H H M

Right Ear Scaphoid 

Fossa

Left Ear Scaphoid 

Fossa

H H H H H M

Right Ear Concha 

(Superior, Inferior)

Left Ear Concha 

(Superior, Inferior)

H H H H H M

Right Ear Tragus

Left Ear Tragus H H H H H L

Right Ear Antitragus

Left Ear Antitragus H H H H H L

Right Ear Intertragic/ 

Intertragal Notch

Left Ear Intertragic/ 

Intertragal Notch

H H H H H M

Right Ear Anterior 

Knob

Left Ear Anterior 

Knob

H H H H H L

Right Ear Anterior 

Notch

Left Ear Anterior 

Notch

H H H H H M

Right Ear Posterior 

Auricular Furrow

Left Ear Posterior 

Auricular Furrow

H H H H H M

Right Ear Lobule 

(Lobe)

Left Ear Lobule 

(Lobe)

H H M M H L

Ear Abnormalities H H M H H L

130

Mouth

The mouth is the facial feature that changes the most under expression. Over a short period of 

time, the component characteristics of the mouth are stable, with the exception of tooth loss 

and tooth color (e.g., coffee stains). Over the long term the lips become thinner and the 

position of the mouth fissure may change due to this and any dental changes. Health changes 

will affect the component characteristics of the mouth in a variety of ways, such as lip shape 

(e.g., herpes simplex virus), asymmetry (e.g., stroke and palsy), lip creases (e.g., 
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

dehydration) or lip tone. Intentional alterations include tattoos, piercings, fillers and 

cosmetics. Mouth abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate, are frequently corrected through 

cosmetic procedures which results in a different appearance.iv

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Philtrum L H L M M L

Overall Mouth L H L M M L

Upper Lip L H L M M L

Lower Lip L H L M M L

Lip Fissure (Opening 

between lips) L M L M M L

Mouth Asymmetry L H H H M L

Overall Dental 

Occlusion (Contact 

between Upper and 

Lower Teeth)

L M M H M L

Gnathism (apparent 

convexity or 

concavity of the 

mouth complex, 

related to the relative 

projection of the 

upper and/or lower 

teeth)

H H M M M L

Characteristic Detail 

of Teeth H H M H M L

Mouth Abnormalities H H H H M L

131

Chin/Jawline

The chin, jawline and gonial angle are stable features and do not change over the short term. 

Long term changes relate to tooth and related bone loss, sagging due to loss of skin elasticity 

and changes in subcutaneous fat distribution with age. Marked weight change will alter the 

appearance of these features due to subcutaneous fat changes and the effects of gravity on 

the soft tissues. Health changes, such as hormone levels (e.g., menopause or steroid 

treatment), behavior (e.g., tooth grinding), disease (e.g., sialosis) and viral conditions (e.g., 

mumps, mononucleosis) can also affect them. Intentional alterations can include maxillofacial 

surgery, orthodontic treatment, cosmetic procedures, and facial hair.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Chin (Profile and 

Frontal view) M H M L M L

Jawline (from Chin to 

Gonial Angle) H H M L M L

Gonial Angle (Angle 

of the jaw) H H M L M L

132

Neck
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The neck is a stable feature in the short term. Long term there may be changes in muscle 

mass associated with aging, exercise and hormone levels, and positional changes related to 

posture. The neck will change shape in relation to expression and marked weight change. 

Health changes may affect the neck in relation to asymmetry (e.g., torticollis), width (e.g., 

goiter) and position (e.g., arthritis). Intentional alterations include body building, spinal 

surgery and postural alteration.

The laryngeal prominence is a stable feature under normal conditions. The laryngeal 

prominence will change position in relation to expression, posture, and marked weight change 

will affect the apparent prominence. Health changes may affect the laryngeal prominence 

(e.g., goiter, mononucleosis) and intentional alterations include hormonal treatment, facial 

hair and cosmetic procedures.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Neck (Overall) M H L L L L

Laryngeal 

Prominence (Adam's 

Apple)

M H H L M L

133

Facial Hair

Following post-pubescent growth, the distribution, symmetry and density of facial hair remain 

stable in all areas of the face in the short term, however the other characteristic descriptors 

are highly variable. Long term (e.g., aging, hormone levels) and health changes (e.g., disease, 

stress) are exhibited for all characteristic descriptors. Expression will change apparent facial 

hair position at the upper and lower lip but remain stable on the sides and neck. Marked 

weight change will affect the apparent position of facial hair. Intentional alterations include 

grooming, cosmetic procedures, hormonal treatment and prostheses.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Facial Hair Above 

Upper Lip

Facial Hair Below 

Lower Lip

L H L M L L

Facial Hair on Right 

Side

Facial Hair on Left 

Side

M H L M L L

Facial Hair on Neck, 

below Chin/Jawline H H L M L L

134

Facial Lines

All facial creases become more defined over time and the number of wrinkles will increase 

over time. Wrinkles are a skin aging response in relation to muscle action and decreased skin 

elasticity and will align perpendicular to the muscle fiber action. Some creases are related to 

anatomical structure, such as a bifid nasal tip, cleft chin and nasolabial folds. Creases and 

wrinkles are stable under normal conditions, although their prominence can be changed by 

some factors. Expression will make most facial lines more defined and may change their 

appearance and relative position, although some structural creases (e.g., bifid nasal tip and 
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

cleft chin) are unaffected by expression. Long term changes are related to intrinsic aging, 

lifestyle (e.g., smoking, drug use, alcohol consumption), stress, sun exposure and 

dehydration. Marked weight change will affect the position, definition and shape of crease 

patterns. Health changes (e.g., stroke, palsy) will affect creases and wrinkles in relation to 

asymmetry, definition, shape and number, and some conditions will obscure crease patterns 

(e.g., leprosy, goiter, dermatological conditions). Intentional alterations include cosmetic 

procedures, surgery and cosmetics.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Frontal Lines 

(Forehead Wrinkles) L H M M L L

Vertical Glabellar 

Line(s) L M M M L L

Nasion Creases L H M M L L

Right Lateral Nasal 

Lines

Left Lateral Nasal 

Lines

L H M H M L

Bifid Nose Crease H H H M M L

Perioribital Lines 

Right Eye (Crow's 

Feet/wrinkles)

Perioribital Lines Left 

Eye (Crow's 

Feet/wrinkles)

L M M M L L

Right Superior 

Palpebral Crease

Left Superior 

Palpebral Crease

(Crease between the 

Upper Eyelid and the 

Top of the Bony 

Orbit)

L H M M L L

Right Inferior 

Palpebral Crease

Left Inferior Palpebral 

Crease

(Crease between the 

Lower Eyelid and the 

Bottom of the Bony 

Orbit)

L H M M L L

Right Infraorbital 

Creases

Left Infraorbital 

Creases

(Creases below the 

eyes)

L H M M L L

Upper Circumoral 

Striae (Lip Creases)

Lower Circumoral 

Striae (Lip Creases)

L H M M L L

Mentolabial sulcus 

(Horizontal Crease or L H M M L L
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Fold between Lower 

Lip and Chin)

Right Nasolabial 

Crease/Folds

Left Nasolabial 

Crease/Folds

(Creases or Folds 

extending from Nose 

to Corners of Mouth)

L H M M L M

Right Marionette 

Lines

Left Marionette Lines

L H M M L L

Cleft Chin H H H M M L

Right Buccal 

Creases/folds

Left Buccal 

Creases/folds

(cheek to chin)

L H M M L L

Wrinkles on Neck M H L M L L

Other Creases See below*

135

136 *The stability of other creases depends on their location and orientation as such the stability of a 

137 specific crease cannot be generalized in this document. 

138

Scars

Over time scars may change in relation to visibility but are unaltered by marked weight 

change or health changes. Expression may change a scar in relation to apparent position and 

shape. Intentional alterations to conceal scars include cosmetics, facial hair, and tattoos.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Scars M M* M H H L

139

140 *Scars are extremely unstable during the scar maturation phase which can last up to one year 

141 once the wound has healed. Following that they are relatively stable features in the short term, 

142 under normal conditions. 

143

Facial Marks

Facial marks are features that may be transient or permanent. Transient marks (e.g., acne or 

blemishes) are unstable, but other marks (e.g., moles or skin tags) may be stable both short 

and long term. Expression may change a facial mark in relation to apparent position and

shape, depending on its original position, and marks on the lower face (e.g., mouth and lower 

jaw) will be affected more than those on the upper face (e.g., forehead and nose) by 

expression. Marks on the ear are unaffected by expression. Health changes (e.g., 

dermatological conditions, high blood pressure, sun damage) will affect the distribution, 

number, definition and position of some skin marks, such as freckles, blemishes, or warts. 

Intentional alteration includes cosmetics, surgery, facial hair, and tattoos.

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

Timerelated 

Changes 

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

(Short 

Term)

(Long 

Term)

Skin Marks M L L M L L

144

Alterations

This section refers to the stability of each existing intentional alteration in isolation. 

Piercings may be unstable over time due to healing and stretching, but the location relative to 

the pierced feature remains stable even with expression. Weight change may affect the 

appearance of a piercing. Intentional alterations of piercings include surgery, cosmetics, 

stretching and additional piercings.

Tattoos are stable in the short term but may fade or become blurred over time. Expression 

may alter the tattoo shape due to skin movement and marked weight change may stretch or 

crease a tattoo. Health changes may affect tattoos in relation to skin changes (e.g., 

dermatological conditions). Intentional alterations or concealment of tattoos include laser 

removal, cosmetics, additional tattooing or facial hair.

Because makeup is a transient alteration that is unstable over time and is not particularly 

affected by expression, weight changes, or changes in health, its stability relative to those 

factors is not addressed in the table below.

Other alterations include but are not limited to surgery, implants, and fillers. 

Component 

Characteristic Expression

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Piercing H M L M M L

Tattoo M M M M M L

Other See below*

145

146 *The stability of other alterations depends on their location, type, and orientation as such the 

147 stability of a specific alteration cannot be generalized in this document. 

148

149 Conclusion

150 Individuals conducting one-to-one comparison examinations must consider the stability of the 

151 facial features. Failure to consider the stability of facial features may lead to incorrect 

152 conclusions. Future documents will discuss the significance of this information during the 

153 evaluation process for conclusion determination. 

154

155

156 References

157

158

159

i Chiarella Sforza *, Gaia Grandi, Francesca Catti, Davide G. Tommasi,
2020-S-0002 Physical Stability of Facial Features of 

Adults

Alessandro Ugolini, Virgilio F. Ferrario: Age- and sex-related changes in the soft tissues of the 

orbital region

ii Chiarella Sforza *, Gaia Grandi, Marcio De Menezes, Gianluca M. Tartaglia, Virgilio F. Ferrario: 

Age- and sex-related changes in the normal human external nose

iii Chiarella Sforza *, Gaia Grandi, Miriam Binelli, Davide G. Tommasi, Riccardo Rosati, Virgilio F. 

Ferrario: Age- and sex-related changes in the normal human ear

iv Chiarella Sforza *, Gaia Grandi, Miriam Binelli, Claudia Dolci, Marcio De Menezes, Virgilio F. 

Ferrario: Age- and sex-related changes in three-dimensional lip morphology