Abstract

Background: Cheiloscopy, a forensic investigation approach, is focused on analysing ridges and grooves that create a distinguishing arrangement on the outer side of the lips. The present research aims to identify the most prevalent lip pattern in the Gujarat population, assess whether sex can be deduced from lip prints, and investigate potential relationships between lip patterns and advancing age using several classifications of lip prints employed in cheiloscopy analysis. Material and Methods: A total of 210 subjects, including males and females, were randomly selected and distributed into two age groups (Group I: 18-34 years and Group II: 35-50 years). A considerable difference (p < 0.0001) in the lip patterns of males and females was found using statistical analysis. Results: Type II was found to be the most common pattern (30.15%) among all the participants and Type V was the least common pattern (4.12%). It was also shown that age-related changes can substantially impact lip patterns, such as less mature lip characteristics in younger individuals and diminishing anatomical features and tonicity in older individuals. As a result, determining sex may be particularly challenging in specific age groups. Cheiloscopy is a valuable tool for personal identification, with lip prints being unique and stable throughout life. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive global database to enhance the method’s potential for accurate forensic identification and sex determination.