The curves for philtrum length have a very characteristic shape with a first peak in adolescence,
followed by an actual decline of philtrum length in early hood, and a regain of philtrum length
after the age of 30. As this unusual growth pattern occurs roughly around puberty (first peak of philtrum length at approximately 18 years in males and 12 years in females), the S-shaped curve might reflect the major facial remodeling that takes place during that period.