Module
Lip analysis: how Facet scores your lips
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Facet's lip module currently scores vermilion border definition: the clarity and sharpness of the boundary between the lip color and surrounding skin. A well-defined vermilion border reads as youthful and well-proportioned. Profile parameters (Ricketts E-line, Burstone soft-tissue analysis) and upper-to-lower vermilion ratio require additional CV passes and are deferred to V3.
Why this matters
Lips are the second most visually prominent facial feature after eyes and are a primary target of cosmetic intervention. Lip filler is among the most-performed minor aesthetic procedures globally. Vermilion border definition naturally decreases with age (loss of collagen and orbicularis oris tone), which is why older faces benefit from procedures that restore the border line rather than just adding volume.
Parameters measured
| Parameter | Units | Citation | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermilion border score | 0 to 100 (frontal CV) | Standard aesthetic dermatology | Higher score = clearer boundary |
| Upper:lower vermilion ratio (deferred) | Ratio | V3 roadmap | Requires frontal CV pipeline |
| Ricketts E-line (deferred) | Millimeters | V3 roadmap | Requires profile photo |
| Burstone soft-tissue (deferred) | Degrees | V3 roadmap | Requires profile photo |
What your lips score means
| Score band | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 8.0 to 10 | Excellent. Sharp, well-defined vermilion border with appropriate fullness. |
| 6.5 to 7.9 | Good. Mostly clear border, minor softening in places. |
| 5.0 to 6.4 | Average. Border softening visible in good light. |
| 3.5 to 4.9 | Below average. Vermilion border loss across the lip line. |
| 0 to 3.4 | Significant vermilion border loss. Consultation for restoration relevant if desired. |
How to improve your lips score
- Hydration matters more than people think. Daily lip balm with SPF in the morning prevents UV-driven collagen loss at the lip line.
- Retinol around the lip border (not on the lips) helps maintain collagen and slow border softening.
- Lip exfoliation once weekly maintains the texture differential that makes the border read clearly.
- For age-related vermilion loss, vermilion border definition with low-volume filler is the targeted clinical intervention.
- Avoid persistent lip-licking and aggressive lip-balm reapplication. Both can damage the perioral skin and degrade border definition over time.
Frequently asked
What is the vermilion border?+
The vermilion border is the boundary line between the colored part of the lip (vermilion) and the surrounding skin. Sharp, well-defined borders are a marker of facial youth and proportional balance. Loss of border definition is one of the earliest visible signs of perioral aging.
Does Facet score lip size or shape?+
Not currently. The module scores vermilion border definition only. Upper:lower lip ratio scoring and profile-based lip projection (E-line, Burstone) require additional CV work and are deferred to V3.
Is lip filler always the answer?+
No. Filler addresses volume; if your border definition is the issue, volume alone makes lips look puffy without addressing the root concern. The correct intervention for vermilion border loss is targeted border-definition filler placement, which is a different injection technique than volume filler.
Are male and female lips scored the same?+
Currently yes. Vermilion border definition is the same metric regardless of gender. When upper:lower ratio scoring ships in V3, the ideal ratio will differ slightly for male vs female faces.