Global research trends in robotic applications in cosmetic dermatology: a bibliometric analysis

Robotic technologies are increasingly being integrated into cosmetic dermatology; however, the scientific development of this field has not been comprehensively evaluated. This study aimed to characterize the global research landscape of robotic applications in cosmetic dermatology through a bibliometric analysis. Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, and 48 publications, including 43 articles and 5 reviews, were included after screening. Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used to analyze publication trends, journals, countries, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, thematic structure, reference publication year spectroscopy (RPYS), and cited reference co-citation analysis. Scientific production remained limited but gradually increased over time. Dermatologic Clinics and Dermatologic Surgery were the most productive journals. The United States demonstrated the greatest international collaboration, corresponding authorship, and citation impact. Keyword and thematic analyses identified hair restoration, particularly robotic follicular unit extraction, as the dominant research focus, while laser-assisted procedures, skin rejuvenation, and facial aesthetic interventions represented smaller but evolving areas of investigation. RPYS and reference co-citation analyses further demonstrated that robotic hair restoration has formed the principal intellectual foundation of the field. Overall, robotic technologies in cosmetic dermatology represent an emerging field with steadily increasing scientific interest. Although hair restoration currently dominates the literature, continued technological advances are expected to broaden their use and stimulate further investigation of laser-assisted procedures, skin rejuvenation, and artificial intelligence-assisted technologies.