Bibliometric and Visualization‐Based Analysis of Global Research Trends on Platelet‐Rich Plasma in Skin Aging
Yujun Jiang, Yan Teng, Yang Ding, Jing Luo, Qiong Gao, Xiaohua Tao, Jie ChenABSTRACT
Background
Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), as an autologous concentrate enriched with platelets and growth factors, plays a critical role in regulating skin cell function, stimulating collagen synthesis, and mediating tissue repair processes related to skin aging, including extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammatory modulation, and angiogenesis. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive bibliometric overview of the current research landscape, key trends, and emerging hotspots in PRP research on skin aging.
Methods
Bibliometric analysis was performed using CiteSpace (Version 6.4.R1), VOSviewer (Version 1.6.20), Tableau (2025.2), and Excel (2021). Data were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection, covering publications from 2014 to 2026. The analysis encompassed publication trends, country/region distribution, institutional contributions, core journals, influential authors, citation patterns, and research hotspots.
Results
A total of 310 relevant publications (original articles and reviews) were identified, with a marked upward trend in publications since 2018 and a peak of 47 papers in 2025. The USA contributed the largest number of publications (79), followed by China (54) and Italy (40). Iran University of Medical Sciences (Iran) was the most productive institution, while Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published the highest number of articles in this field. Behrangi E and Zare S were the most productive authors, and Hu L's 2018 article in Theranostics received the highest local citation score (476). Key research hotspots included “platelet‐rich plasma,” “skin rejuvenation,” “wound healing,” and “growth factors,” while emerging themes such as “efficacy,” “safety,” “clinical trial,” and “double‐blind” reflected a growing emphasis on clinical validation.
Conclusion
Research on PRP in skin aging has grown rapidly, with the USA, China, and Italy leading in output and influence. The field is transitioning from exploratory investigations to evidence‐based clinical validation, with increasing focus on randomized controlled trials, combination therapies (hyaluronic acid, laser, fillers), and mechanistic studies (oxidative stress, apoptosis). Future efforts should emphasize strengthening international collaboration—particularly bridging regionally clustered networks, enhancing research quality and translational impact, and expanding multi‐database analyses to advance safe, effective PRP‐based interventions for skin aging globally.