Who are the Pioneers? A Critical Analysis of Innovation and Expertise in Cutaneous Noninvasive and Minimally Invasive Cosmetic and Surgical Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Few studies illustrate the contributions made by various specialties in pioneering commonly performed noninvasive and minimally invasive cosmetic and surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contributions made by various specialties in pioneering noninvasive and minimally invasive cosmetic and surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Key words using the Medical Search Headings Database were used to query in the Thomson Reuters Web of Science Database. The 25 most highly cited studies were sorted according to the citation number. The author specialty was identified and assigned scores based on the number of citations. RESULTS: Dermatology was identified as the specialty with the greatest contribution to botulinum toxin treatments for rhytides, injectable fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, and noninvasive body contouring. Neurology was identified as the leading specialty in botulinum toxin treatments for hyperhidrosis, and vascular surgery was identified as leading specialty in sclerotherapy. Plastic surgery was identified as having made the greatest contribution to hair transplantation, and liposuction. CONCLUSION: Dermatology was identified as the leading specialty for the majority of noninvasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Other specialties have also contributed important literature to this area.