Varicose Vein Treatment in Israel — Minimally Invasive, No Surgery
✓ Key Facts — Varicose Veins
- Genetics (Framingham Heart Study; Cornu-Thenard et al.)roximately 90%
- Prolonged standing — teachers, surgeons, chefs, construction workers
- Pregnancy — affects approximately 40% of pregnant women
- Age — valve function deteriorates over time
- Obesity — increases venous pressure
- Prior blood clots or trauma
Written & Reviewed By
Dr. Shimon Aronhime — Interventional Radiologist and Endovascular Surgeon
Trained at Mount Sinai and Columbia University / NYP Hospital, New York
Shamir Medical Center | Israel Vein Center, Lilienblum 17, Tel Aviv
Last reviewed: May 2026
Symptoms
Varicose veins may cause the following symptoms, which typically worsen throughout the day and after prolonged standing:
- Leg heaviness and fatigue
- Aching or cramping
- Swelling (edema), especially in the ankles
- Itching or burning along the vein
- Restless legs at night
- Skin discoloration around the ankles
- In advanced cases: skin ulcers (C5–C6 CEAP)
Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
Without treatment, varicose veins can progress from a cosmetic nuisance to a serious medical condition. Chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive disease — untreated veins do not improve on their own.
Serious complications include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), skin ulcers that are slow to heal, and superficial thrombophlebitis. Early treatment with minimally invasive techniques produces the best outcomes and prevents progression.
Diagnosis — Duplex Ultrasound at Your First Visit
At Israel Vein Center, every patient receives a duplex ultrasound at their first consultation — no separate appointment needed. The ultrasound maps your vein anatomy, identifies refluxing segments, measures vein diameter, and determines the most appropriate treatment. Results are explained to you at the same visit and a treatment plan is proposed immediately.
Treatment Options
Dr. Aronhime offers the full spectrum of minimally invasive vein treatments and recommends based on your specific anatomy and clinical picture:
| Treatment | Best For | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| VenaSeal | Large varicosities, needle-anxious patients | ₪15,000 | Tel Aviv clinic |
| EVLA (Laser) | Venous insufficiency, insurance-eligible | Via tofes 17 | Shamir Medical Center |
| Sclerotherapy | Small varicosities and spider veins | From ₪5,300 (CVI) / ₪1,500 (cosmetic) | Tel Aviv + Shamir |
| RFA | Venous insufficiency, private insurance | Price at consultation | Private hospital |
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes varicose veins?
The direct cause is venous insufficiency — faulty vein valves that allow blood to flow backward and pool in the vein. Risk factors include genetics, prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, age, and hormonal changes. Genetic predisposition plays the largest role — if both parents had varicose veins your risk is approximately 90%.
Will my varicose veins get worse without treatment?
Yes. Varicose veins are a progressive condition caused by valve failure. Without treatment the underlying venous insufficiency worsens over time, leading to more varicosities, worsening symptoms, and eventually skin changes or ulcers. Early treatment produces better outcomes and simpler procedures.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made with duplex ultrasound — a painless scan that maps vein anatomy and identifies refluxing segments. At Israel Vein Center, duplex ultrasound is performed at the same first visit as your consultation. No separate appointment needed. Consultation including Doppler ultrasound: ₪1,300.
Is varicose vein treatment covered by insurance?
EVLA at Shamir Medical Center may be performed via tofes 17 kupat holim referral — check with your health fund. VenaSeal and sclerotherapy for venous insufficiency at the clinic may be covered by supplemental private insurance — check your policy. Cosmetic sclerotherapy for spider veins is not covered.
How long does varicose vein treatment take?
VenaSeal and sclerotherapy take 30–45 minutes. EVLA takes 60–90 minutes including preparation. All procedures are outpatient — you walk in and walk out the same day. Most patients return to normal activity immediately or the next day.
Do varicose veins come back after treatment?
Modern minimally invasive treatments have excellent long-term results — 94–98% closure rates at one year for thermal ablation procedures. Recurrence rates of 5–10% at five years are reported in clinical literature. New varicosities can develop in adjacent veins over time, especially with ongoing risk factors like prolonged standing or subsequent pregnancies.
Lilienblum 17, Tel Aviv | Shamir Medical Center, Beer Yaakov
Phone: 073-3744040
Ready to Book a Consultation?
Duplex ultrasound included at your first visit — ₪1,300
073-3744040