The term “butt lady convicted” has dominated headlines this week after a California woman was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for her role in a deadly illegal cosmetic procedure. Libby Adame, 55, widely known as the “Butt Lady,” was convicted of second-degree murder for performing unauthorized silicone buttock injections that led to the death of actress Cindyana Santangelo.
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The sentencing took place on November 5, 2025, in a Los Angeles courtroom. Adame was found guilty last month after a two-week trial, where prosecutors presented evidence that she knowingly continued performing high-risk, unlicensed procedures even after a previous fatal case.
The jury’s verdict followed days of emotional testimony from family members and medical experts who described how Santangelo, a 59-year-old actress known for appearances in Married… With Children, ER, and CSI: Miami, died in her Malibu home shortly after the injection. The cause of death was determined to be a silicone embolism — a blockage caused by silicone entering the bloodstream and reaching vital organs.
Adame’s conviction also included an enhancement for “great bodily injury,” which could add years to her total time served. Prosecutors argued that her actions were deliberate and reckless, especially given that she was already on probation for a similar offense.
Repeat Offender and Pattern of Illegal Activity
Libby Adame’s case was particularly alarming because it was not her first. In 2024, she and her daughter, Alicia Galaz, were convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with another death from illegal buttock injections in 2019.
Despite serving time for that conviction, investigators found that Adame continued advertising cosmetic “enhancement” services through underground social networks and private referrals. She allegedly presented herself as an experienced beautician offering a “cheaper alternative” to professional surgery.
Authorities said Adame performed the fatal injection on Santangelo in March 2024, using industrial-grade silicone oil purchased through unregulated online markets. The procedure was done in a private home with no medical supervision or sterilization protocols.
Courtroom Details
During her sentencing, Adame appeared visibly emotional but maintained that she “never meant to hurt anyone.” The judge, however, emphasized the pattern of repeated offenses, stating that Adame “knew the risks, had seen the consequences firsthand, and chose to continue.”
Family members of Cindyana Santangelo gave emotional statements, calling for accountability and warning others not to trust unlicensed cosmetic practitioners. Her husband described her as “vibrant, kind, and trusting,” saying that her death was “completely preventable.”
The court rejected Adame’s defense argument that the victim consented to the procedure, noting that consent does not excuse unlicensed medical practice or negligence leading to death.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2019 | A 26-year-old woman, Karissa Rajpaul, dies after illegal silicone injections performed by Adame and her daughter. |
| March 2024 | Cindyana Santangelo dies at her Malibu home following another unlicensed injection by Adame. |
| October 2025 | Jury convicts Adame of second-degree murder and practicing medicine without a license. |
| November 2025 | Adame sentenced to 15 years to life in California state prison. |
Public and Legal Repercussions
The “butt lady convicted” case has reignited public debate about underground cosmetic procedures and the ease with which unlicensed individuals offer them. In California and across the U.S., illegal silicone injections have been linked to dozens of serious injuries and multiple deaths over the past decade.
Medical experts warn that the use of liquid silicone oil for body contouring is both dangerous and illegal when performed outside a certified medical facility. Unlike approved dermal fillers, silicone oil can migrate through the body, leading to embolisms, infections, or organ failure.
Law enforcement agencies are now working with state medical boards to identify and shut down similar unlicensed operations. Officials urge the public to verify medical licenses through state registries before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Ongoing Civil Lawsuit
In addition to the criminal sentence, Adame faces a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Santangelo’s family. The lawsuit seeks damages for negligence and misrepresentation, claiming Adame falsely presented herself as a medical professional.
The suit also names unnamed associates believed to have assisted in arranging the illegal procedure. It alleges that the victim was persuaded through misleading claims that the injections were “safe and reversible,” when in reality, they used non-medical substances not approved for use in the human body.
Legal experts predict the civil case could result in a multimillion-dollar judgment if the family proves financial loss and emotional suffering.
Broader Impact on the Beauty Industry
The conviction of the “Butt Lady” marks a turning point in how authorities handle unlicensed cosmetic procedures. Traditionally, such cases have led only to fines or short jail terms. This time, however, a full murder conviction underscores the severity of the crime and the risk posed to public health.
Medical boards across the U.S. have issued renewed warnings about “backroom” or “home-based” enhancement services, which often use industrial materials such as silicone sealant or motor oil substitutes. These substances can lead to catastrophic medical outcomes even months after injection.
In response, licensed plastic surgeons are advocating for tougher enforcement and educational campaigns to prevent people from turning to underground options driven by cost or social media trends.
The Message from the Court
The Los Angeles County Superior Court made clear that the sentence aims to serve as both punishment and deterrent. In her closing remarks, the judge stated, “This case is not only about one life lost, but about protecting others from similar fates. The pursuit of beauty should never come at the cost of a human life.”
For many observers, the case represents justice for victims and a warning to those who continue to perform medical procedures without a license.
Final Thoughts
The story of the butt lady convicted stands as a tragic reminder of how the desire for quick, inexpensive cosmetic results can lead to irreversible harm. The case reinforces the importance of safety, accountability, and proper medical oversight in the beauty industry.
Stay informed and share your thoughts below — your voice matters in shaping awareness about unlicensed cosmetic practices.