Visualization Analysis of Trends and Hotspots in Lip Scar Research Based on Bibliometrics.

INTRODUCTION

This study employs bibliometric methods to identify research hotspots and developmental trends in lip scar research, offering insights for future studies.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A dataset of lip scar publications (2005-2024) was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (SCI-EXPANDED). Using VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.3.3, we conducted analyses of annual output, collaborative networks (countries/institutions/authors), co-citation, keyword clustering, and burst detection, supported by visual knowledge maps.

RESULTS

The 784 retrieved articles (2005-2024) reflected a steady upward trend in annual publications. Contributions spanned 69 countries, led by the USA (28.70%), China (21.81%), and Japan (6.50%). Top institutions included Shanghai Jiao Tong University (31 publications, 3.95%), Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (25 publications, 3.19%), and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (21 publications, 2.68%). Professor Qingfeng Li (Shanghai Jiao Tong University) and the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery ranked highest in author and journal outputs, respectively. Keyword analysis identified cleft lip/palate, lip reconstruction, wound healing, squamous cell carcinoma, parental perception, eye-tracking, contracture, CO 2 laser, and color matching as critical research themes.

CONCLUSIONS

This bibliometric analysis maps global research productivity, collaborative frameworks, and emerging hotspots in lip scar studies. It highlights dominant journals and key contributors while forecasting future research directions encompassing etiology, treatment innovations, and prognostic evaluation. These findings offer a strategic foundation for advancing lip scar research.