High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Facial Rejuvenation and Body Contouring: A Bibliometric Analysis of Efficacy
Abstract:
Bibliometric analysis of published literature helps to characterize scientific productivity, collaboration networks, key research themes, and the life cycle of scientific production and helps in defining the future research agenda. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus for English-language studies involving high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for facial rejuvenation and body contouring with particular attention to efficacy, safety, and patient-centered outcomes. Bibliometric data were exported to RStudio and analyzed using the bibliometrix package and Biblioshiny. The 27 manuscripts (2007-2025) originated from 11 journals and 144 authors, with a mean of 6.07 coauthors per article and an international collaboration rate of 18.52%, were included in the analysis. The average annual growth rate in publications was 9.35%, and the mean citation count was 21.44 per document. The United States and South Korea dominated both productivity and citations, whereas Brazil, Thailand, Canada, Australia, Turkey, and China contributed smaller but growing outputs. Major themes centered on "subcutaneous fat," "body contouring," and "waist circumference," indicating a strong focus on abdominal and body shaping along with facial rejuvenation. Research on HIFU-based noninvasive body contouring and rejuvenation is still in an early but rapidly expanding stage, driven by a small number of highly collaborative expert centers and concentrated in a few dermatology and aesthetic surgery journals. Although short-term efficacy and safety appear favorable, gaps remain regarding long-term outcomes, standardized treatment parameters, and patient-reported measures. Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic).
