Rhinoplasty (RP), as a dynamic field within facial plastic surgery, has seen significant developments over the past decade. With increasing demand for both aesthetic and functional procedures, there is a growing body of literature examining the latest techniques, outcomes, and innovations in RP. The goal of this study is to quantitatively and qualitatively explore the trends in rhinoplasty research, identify emerging research hotspots, and provide insights into the future direction of RP.
This bibliometric analysis focuses on literature published from 2012 to 2021, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. The study applies several advanced bibliometric tools such as CiteSpace, bibliometric online platforms, bibliometrix R language kit, BICOMB, and gCLUTO for data visualization and clustering analysis. These tools allow the study to capture trends, analyze publication networks, and identify key research themes.
Publication Analysis: Key Trends in Rhinoplasty Research (2012–2021)
From 2012 to 2021, a total of 2,590 publications related to rhinoplasty were included in this study, following the exclusion of 538 records. Among the total, 2,374 were research articles, while 216 were reviews. The findings show an increasing number of publications over the past decade, highlighting the growing importance of rhinoplasty in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Country-wise Contributions
The United States, Turkey, and South Korea were the top three contributors in RP research. These countries have long been recognized for their advancements in aesthetic surgery and continue to lead in rhinoplasty-related publications. The United States, in particular, stood out with a significant number of both pioneering studies and clinical outcomes.
Institutional Analysis
The institutions that led in RP research publications include the University of California, Irvine, Stanford University, and the University of Ulsan. These institutions consistently ranked among the top for RP-related research, reflecting their significant contributions to the field through both clinical work and academic research.
Authors and Citations
Prominent authors in the field included Professor Rhorich RJ, Most SP, and Jang YJ, who were not only prolific in terms of the number of publications but also highly cited within the literature. Their research has shaped the direction of RP, providing insights into surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and innovations.
Top Journals
The most influential journals in the RP domain were Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, and Aesthetic Surgery Journal. These journals frequently published high-impact research, from advanced techniques to patient care and surgical outcomes.
Most-Cited Literature
The ten most-cited articles were carefully analyzed, revealing key studies that have significantly shaped the field of rhinoplasty. These studies provided a foundation for modern techniques, outcome measures, and post-operative care strategies.
Identification of Hotspots through Keyword Analysis
A key component of this study was the use of biclustering analysis to explore frequently occurring keywords and identify research hotspots in rhinoplasty. Through tools such as BICOMB and gCLUTO, we were able to conduct keyword clustering and produce visual representations that reflect the emerging trends and thematic areas within RP research.
Thematic Map Analysis
The analysis identified four distinct quadrants based on the thematic map, which were classified as follows:
Motor Themes (Upper Right Quadrant): These themes represent well-developed and high-impact areas in rhinoplasty. Topics such as “advanced surgical techniques,” “3D imaging in rhinoplasty,” and “nasal grafting techniques” were identified as being central to current research.
Highly Developed but Isolated Themes (Upper Left Quadrant): These themes are well-developed but not currently central to the broader field. Examples include “nostril aesthetics” and “ethnic rhinoplasty.” While these topics are important, they are not as prominent in the ongoing discourse.
Degrading and Marginal Themes (Lower Left Quadrant): This quadrant represents emerging or less-developed themes that are less influential in the field. “Old surgical methods” and “non-invasive nose reshaping” were identified here as themes that are fading or becoming less relevant.
Basic and Transitional Themes (Lower Right Quadrant): These themes are foundational but are still evolving. “Nasal anatomy” and “wound healing in rhinoplasty” were identified as key areas that continue to drive the development of the field.
Hotspot Clusters in Rhinoplasty Research
Through biclustering analysis, seven major research clusters were identified within rhinoplasty studies:
Surgical Techniques and Innovations: Research focused on refining existing methods and exploring new techniques, such as minimally invasive rhinoplasty and 3D-printed grafts.
Functional Rhinoplasty: This cluster focuses on addressing nasal obstruction and improving breathing, combining both aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Aesthetic Rhinoplasty: The aesthetics-focused cluster explores the social and psychological factors influencing rhinoplasty decisions, including gender-specific techniques and ethnic considerations.
Outcomes and Complications: This cluster examines post-operative complications, patient satisfaction, and long-term outcomes, including the development of predictive models for complications.
Ethnic and Gender-Specific Rhinoplasty: Research within this cluster focuses on ethnic differences in nasal anatomy and how rhinoplasty techniques can be tailored to achieve natural, culturally appropriate results.
Technological Advancements: A growing body of work is exploring how technologies like artificial intelligence, 3D imaging, and virtual simulations are transforming the field of rhinoplasty.
Non-Surgical Approaches: The use of fillers and other non-surgical interventions for nasal reshaping has gained traction in the field, making it a prominent area of ongoing research.
This bibliometric study provides a comprehensive overview of rhinoplasty research over the past decade. By identifying key trends, research hotspots, and influential studies, this analysis highlights the dynamic nature of the field and provides guidance for future research. Key trends such as technological innovations, ethnic considerations, and the focus on functional outcomes are expected to drive the future of rhinoplasty.
Given the increasing complexity of rhinoplasty procedures and patient expectations, future research should continue to explore the integration of advanced technologies, the optimization of surgical techniques, and the exploration of non-surgical alternatives. Researchers and clinicians should focus on improving patient outcomes through personalized approaches that consider individual anatomy, cultural preferences, and long-term satisfaction.
You Might Be Interested In:
- Silicone Breast Implant Rupture Triggered by Infection Leading to Skin…
- The Growing Trend of Explant Surgery: Addressing Breast Implant Illness
- Exploring Motiva: The Next Generation of Breast Implant Technology
