The 100 most-cited publications in Italian plastic surgery: a bibliometric analysis of research trends and impact

Background Bibliometric analyses provide insight into scientific impact and research trends within plastic surgery. However, the contribution of Italian plastic surgery to the most influential literature has not been comprehensively evaluated. This study aimed to identify and characterize the 100 most-cited publications in Italian plastic surgery. Methods A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection. A journal-based search strategy including leading specialty plastic surgery journals was applied. Articles with at least one Italian institutional affiliation were identified, and the 100 most-cited publications were selected. Citation metrics, journal distribution, study design, research topics, and level of evidence were analyzed. Bibliometric mapping was performed using bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer. Results The top 100 publications showed a high citation burden, with a minimum of 71 citations and more than half exceeding 100 citations. Most articles were published between the early 2000s and mid-2010s, with recent studies demonstrating high annual citation rates. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was the leading journal. Major thematic domains included peripheral nerve surgery, burn care, aesthetic surgery safety, and breast reconstruction. Regenerative plastic surgery emerged as a highly influential field, with the study by Rigotti et al. approaching 900 citations. Most studies were classified as Level IV evidence. Conclusions Italian plastic surgery demonstrates a consistent presence in the most influential literature, with high-impact contributions across multiple domains, particularly in regenerative and reconstructive surgery. Level of evidence Not gradable