Summary
A larger ratio of Nose-Length to Philtrum-Length is considered as feminine feature, while a smaller ratio of Nose-Length to Philtrum-Length a masculine one. Research by Sforza et al. (2011) found that as infants grow, their nasal dimensions change, with the philtrum length increasing more rapidly than the nasal bridge length in the initial months. This results in a larger Nose-Length to Philtrum-Length ratio, a characteristic observed more frequently in girls and women, indicating it as a feminine trait. This implies gender-related differences in early postnatal facial development and proportions.
Research
According to Sforza et al. (2011), noticeable changes are observed in nasal dimensions as infants grow. The length of the philtrum increases more rapidly in the first few months of life compared to the nasal bridge length. This means that the philtrum becomes relatively longer in relation to the nose during this time.
Similarly, a larger ratio of Nose-Length to Philtrum-Length is considered a feminine feature because it indicates that the philtrum grows relatively longer in relation to the size of the nose during early postnatal life. This pattern is more commonly observed in girls and women, suggesting a gender-related difference in nasal development and facial proportions.
Reference
Sforza, C., Grandi, G., De Menezes, M., Tartaglia, G. M., & Ferrario, V. F. (2011). Age-and sex-related changes in the normal human external nose. Forensic science international, 204(1-3), 205-e1.