Foam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins — Israel Vein Center Tel Aviv

Foam sclerotherapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins — a highly effective variant of traditional liquid sclerotherapy that is particularly well-suited for larger, more prominent veins. At Israel Vein Center, Dr. Shimon Aronhime performs foam sclerotherapy at his private clinic in central Tel Aviv.

What Is Foam Sclerotherapy?

In standard sclerotherapy, a liquid sclerosant agent is injected directly into the affected vein, causing it to close and be absorbed by the body. In foam sclerotherapy, the same agent is mixed with a small amount of air or gas to create a thick foam. This foam has distinct advantages over the liquid form:

  • It displaces blood from the vein, ensuring full contact with the vessel wall
  • It fills the vein more effectively, even in larger or tortuous vessels
  • It can be visualized in real time under ultrasound guidance
  • It allows treatment of veins too large for liquid sclerotherapy but not requiring thermal ablation

Who Is It Right For?

Foam sclerotherapy is particularly indicated for:

  • Medium-sized varicose veins not suitable for liquid sclerotherapy alone
  • Branch varicosities remaining after EVLA or RFA of the main saphenous vein
  • Recurrent varicose veins following previous treatment
  • Patients who prefer to avoid thermal (heat-based) procedures
  • Winding or irregularly shaped veins difficult to access with thermal catheters

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Dr. Aronhime performs foam sclerotherapy under real-time duplex ultrasound guidance, ensuring precise injection and monitoring of the foam’s distribution throughout the vein. The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes per session, requires no anesthesia, and patients can return to normal daily activity immediately afterward.

What to Expect After Treatment

  • Compression stockings should be worn for several days following each session
  • Mild tenderness or temporary skin discoloration at the treated site is normal and resolves within weeks
  • Multiple sessions may be required depending on the extent of the veins
  • Final results become visible within 4–8 weeks

Foam Sclerotherapy vs. Thermal Ablation (EVLA/RFA)

Thermal ablation techniques such as EVLA (laser) and RFA (radiofrequency) remain the gold standard for closing the great saphenous vein. Foam sclerotherapy is most commonly used as a complementary treatment — addressing tributary or branch veins after the primary trunk has been treated. In some cases, it serves as a stand-alone treatment depending on the clinical picture. Dr. Aronhime will recommend the most appropriate approach following a thorough duplex ultrasound assessment.

About Dr. Aronhime

Dr. Shimon Aronhime is an Interventional Radiologist and Endovascular Surgeon trained at Mount Sinai and Columbia University in New York. He is fluent in English and welcomes both local and international patients at his Tel Aviv clinic. All consultations and procedures are available in English.

Book a Consultation

Consultations include a comprehensive duplex ultrasound evaluation and a full treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and goals. To schedule your appointment:

  • Phone: 073-3744040
  • Address: MyClinic, 17 Lilienblum St, Tel Aviv