Laser treatment of acne scars: a bibliometric analysis and descriptive summary of clinical evidence directions over the past 20 years.

OBJECTIVE

Laser therapy is widely used in the management of acne scars; however, a clear characterization of research hotspots and clinical evidence directions is lacking. The aim of the study was to examine the research status and emerging trends in laser therapy for acne scars and to descriptively summarize the clinical evidence directions over the period 2006-2026, providing a reference for future investigations.

METHODS

The Web of Science Core Collection was searched for relevant records published from January 1, 2006, to March 10, 2026. WoSCC records were analyzed using R software, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Origin. Additionally, PubMed was searched separately for meta-analyses during the same period to provide a supplementary descriptive summary of reported clinical evidence directions.

RESULTS

In total, 898 WoSCC records were included. Publications showed a sustained upward trend, particularly from 2010 to 2025. Records for 2026 were collected only up to March 10 and were therefore not included in the full-year trend interpretation. The United States led in output, with China, South Korea, Egypt, and Thailand following. Among the top ten countries by publication output, Germany showed a relatively high proportion of multi-country publications based on the combined interpretation of MCP% and total publication output. Mahidol University and Cairo University were representative cooperation centers. Dermatologic Surgery had the highest number of publications and citations. Ablative fractional lasers are commonly used based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, with published controlled trials reporting favorable efficacy outcomes. Combination therapies, including platelet-rich plasma, fillers, or isotretinoin, have emerged as prominent research focuses. Adverse events, including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, have drawn increasing research attention to safety and individualized treatment strategies. Radiofrequency-based treatments have also attracted research interest because of their potential applicability across different skin types.

CONCLUSION

Current studies increasingly focus on more refined laser approaches and their combination with other treatments, while research on personalized treatment strategies may represent an important direction for future research.