Analyzing the Landscape of Botulinum Toxin Research: A Bibliometric Study of Publication Performance and Emerging Trends

Background: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the global scientific literature on botulinum toxin from 1991 to 2024, evaluating publication performance, citation impact, and emerging research foci. Methods: Data were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) of the Web of Science Core Collection. The data extraction procedure included titles, abstracts, author keywords, and Keywords Plus. Publication and citation metrics (TP, IP, CP, FP, RP, SP, CPP₂₀₂₄) were analyzed across countries, institutions, authors, and journals. Trends in document types, language, categories, and keywords were also examined. Results: A total of 25,522 relevant documents were identified, with a marked increase in publications over time. The United States led in publication output and citation impact, followed by Germany, the United Kingdom, and China. Notably, countries such as South Korea, Italy, France, and Turkey showed a recent surge in output. Allergan Pharmaceutical Inc. demonstrated the highest citation performance among all institutions. Three primary research themes were identified: clinical indications, administration and formulations, and evaluation of efficacy and safety. The findings also highlighted increased international and interdisciplinary collaborations over time, as well as growing interest in surgical and aesthetic applications. Conclusion: Botulinum toxin research has grown significantly in both scope and volume over the past three decades, with notable contributions from both academic and industrial institutions. Understanding global research performance and thematic trends provides a foundation for future clinical, academic, and commercial development in the field.