What The Hose Knows: Cellulite Spa Treatment

IT'S THE REASON the skort bathing suit was invented. Yes, it's the season when we say hello to cellulite, the dimples as stuck to your thighs as an unemployed friend to your couch.

But before you throw in the towel (or wrap it around your waist), the Medical Spa at Nova in Ashburn, Va., claims to have a cure. Surely, this must involve a high-tech device of some kind. No. It involves a bathtub and a hose.

Cellulite Water Reduction Therapy is "a superficial, painless massage that breaks up the fat capsules," the specialist says as she set up the equipment. "It makes the dimples much less obvious."

Clients in their bathing suits lay in a relaxing tub while their most cellulite-ridden areas (upper thighs, butt, hips and stomach) are analyzed. Then, using an underwater hose, the specialist runs a pressurized stream of water up the legs and other problem areas, to ostensibly dissipate the fat cells. Very slowly, the jet stream is meticulously run up every area. No spot goes un-hosed. It feels like someone is squirting a smaller version of a Super Soaker at your thighs.

It's a pretty slow process, and one might get bored watching the little hose do its work. Front of thighs first, then onto your side for hips and butt. The roughly hour-long process is topped off with a chamomile-infused Jacuzzi soak. Cellulite, prepare for your aquatic archrival.

The hose may turn into a truth stick when pointing out real problem areas. Think that tummy is toned? Not when blasting water is creating a meteor- size fat crater. Regardless, the treatment is entirely painless. The hose seems to merely tickle the fat away, and if you put your ear to the tub water, you may actually hear the cellulite mischievously giggle as it's nudged aside.

The verdict: After one treatment, we felt relaxed and smelled nice. So did the unchanged cellulite. However, multiple treatments are recommended for the full effect. The Medical Spa at Nova may have developed a cure, but more than an hour of being sprayed with a hose for $120? The poorer among us might rather try it at home with that Super Soaker.

» The Medical Spa at Nova, 21785 Filigree Court, Suite 100, Ashburn, Va.; 703-554-1130.

Written by Express contributor Robyn Mincher
Image courtesy iStock