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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

2

OSAC Proposed Standard

2020-S-0002

Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

Prepared by 

Facial Identification Subcommittee

Version: 2.0

May 2021

Disclaimer:

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the Facial Identification Subcommittee 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.

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-forensicscience/scientific-technical-review-panels
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

3

Table of Contents 

Purpose.................................................................................................................................3

Scope ....................................................................................................................................3

Limitations............................................................................................................................3

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................4

Factors Affecting Physical Stability of Facial Components.....................................................4

Expression.....................................................................................................................................4

Time-related Changes ...................................................................................................................4

Marked Weight Change ................................................................................................................5

Changes in Health .........................................................................................................................5

Intentional Alteration....................................................................................................................5

Stability Tables..............................................................................................................................5

Conclusion..........................................................................................................................18

References...........................................................................................................................18

Purpose

This standard guide is intended to be used in interpreting observed differences and similarities of 

adult facial features listed in ASTM E3149-18 by providing information on the physical stability 

of facial features.

Scope

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

Morphological Analysis

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

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

document does not prescribe methods, techniques, or processes, it is limited to a presentation of 

the stability of the feature set to be considered in a comparison. Other documents

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

conditions on feature appearance.

Limitations

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

practitioners informed by discussion with medical and other experts, and the limited scientific
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

4

literature available (as noted in the specific feature tables). As more research is published, the 

stability assessments may be updated. 

Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Factors Affecting Physical Stability of Facial Components

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

each of these factors is presented below.

Expression

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

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

mouth. A neutral expression ((non-smiling) with both eyes open normally (i.e., not wide-open), 

and mouth closed (unless medical condition precludes it (Mangold, 2016)) is generally the 

standard by which controlled captured images (passport, ID etc.) are collected. If an individual is 

depicted in two images under similar imaging conditions with no change in expression or any 

other factor, then all features should appear consistent.

Time-related Changes

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

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

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

categories: 

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

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

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

adjusted when considering the differing rates of change applicable to the person's demographic 
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

5

and environmental variables. If an individual is depicted in two contemporaneous images under 

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

appear consistent.

Marked Weight Change

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

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

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

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

Changes in Health

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

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

this document. If an individual is depicted in two images under similar imaging conditions with 

no substantial change in health or other factors, then all features would be expected to appear 

consistent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

substance use will not be delineated in the tables below.

Intentional Alteration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

considered.

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

component characteristics. 

Stability Tables

Each component characteristic listed in the tables below is defined as having either "High", 

"Medium", or "Low" stability in the same individual. This determination is based on the 

potential for change in the respective characteristic descriptors under the factor in question. A 

practitioner must consider the stability of component characteristics during the comparison and 

evaluation phases of ACE-V. The stability of the observed component characteristics, under 

given factors, will affect the strength of a practitioner's opinion.
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

6

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

Medium stability (M) features may exhibit moderate changes.

Low stability (L) features may exhibit substantial changes.

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

affects the stability of the corresponding component characteristic.

Skin

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

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

but not limited to, make-up, tanning, tattoos, and skin bleaching may increase variation in how skin 

appears in images produced before and after these changes.

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

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 or intentional alterations including, but not limited to, 

maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic procedures, and cosmetic procedures may increase variation in 

the overall shape of the face as seen in images from before and after these changes.

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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

7

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 or 

intentional alterations including, but not limited to, maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic procedures, 

and cosmetic procedures may increase variation in the proportions or positions of features on the 

face as seen in images from before and after these changes.

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

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

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.

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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

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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

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 may create asymmetry in the appearance of the eyes. Intentional alterations to the eye 

include, but not limited to, contact lenses, cosmetics, cosmetic procedures, tattoos, piercings, 

prostheses (Sforza et al., 2009).

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

Right Lower Eyelid 

(including lashes) L H L M L L
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

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Left Lower Eyelid 

(including lashes)

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

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 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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

10

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 disease (e.g., syphilis, gout), viral 

conditions (e.g., colds, sinusitis), and growths (e.g., polyps). The attachment of the alae to the upper 

lip does not change unless there has been surgery, trauma, or tumor (Sforza et al., 2011).

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

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 continues to grow. The component 

characteristics of the ear with underlying cartilaginous structure (e.g., concha, helix, antihelix) 

generally show less perceivable change over time than the lobule, which lacks an underlying 

structure. 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) (Sforza et al., 2009).

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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

11

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

Left Ear Antihelix H H H H H L

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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

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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

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., 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

(Sforza et al., 2010).

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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

13

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

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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

14

Neck

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

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
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

15

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 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

Periorbital Lines 

Right Eye (Crow's 

Feet/wrinkles)

Periorbital 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 L H M M L L
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

16

Left Inferior 

Palpebral Crease

(Crease between the 

Lower Eyelid and 

the Bottom of the 

Bony Orbit)

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 Fold between 

Lower Lip and 

Chin)

L H M M L L

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*

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

specific crease cannot be generalized in this document. 
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

17

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

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

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

under normal conditions. 

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 

(Short 

Term)

Timerelated 

Changes 

(Long 

Term)

Marked 

Weight 

Change

Changes 

in 

Health

Intentional 

Alterations

Skin Marks M L L M L L

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.
Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults

18

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*

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

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

Conclusion

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

features, which may vary relative to given factors. The strength of a practitioner’s opinion will 

be affected by the stability of the features compared. 

References

Mangold, K. Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial & Other Biometric 

Information ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2011 NIST Special Publication 500-290 Edition 3, Special 

Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 

[online], 2016. https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.500-290e3 (Accessed April 26, 2021)

Sforza C, Grandi G, Binelli M, Dolci C, De Menezes M, and Ferrario VF. Age- and sex-related 

changes in three-dimensional lip morphology. Forensic Science International 200(1-3): 182.e1-

182.e7, 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.04.050

Sforza C, Grandi G, Binelli M, Tommasi DG, Rosati R, and Ferrario VF. Age- and sex-related 

changes in the normal human ear. Forensic Science International 187(1-3): 110.e1-110.e7, 2009. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.02.019

Sforza C, Grandi G, Catti F, Tommasi DG, Ugolini A and Ferrario VF. Age- and sex-related 

changes in the soft tissues of the orbital region. Forensic Science International 185(1-3): 115.e1-

115.e8, 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.12.010

Sforza C, Grandi G, De Menezes M, Tartaglia GM and Ferrario VF. Age- and sex-related 

changes in the normal human external nose. Forensic Science International 204(1-3): 205.e1-

205.e9, 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.07.027