Horrific images depicting a disastrous butt-lift operation gone wrong were presented in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday, marking the commencement of the murder trial for Libby Adame, 53, and her daughter Alicia Galaz.
The duo is accused of causing the death of their client, Karissa Rajpaul, 26, during an illegal Brazilian butt-lift surgery in October 2019.
Prosecutors allege that the mother and daughter knowingly injected ‘toxic’ compounds into clients during amateurish operations in the Lynwood, California area.
Illegal Surgery Ring Unveiled: Reckless Procedures and Toxic Injections
The mother and daughter, along with two other women who have not been charged, are alleged to have operated an illegal surgery ring, offering cut-price buttocks augmentation procedures in hotel suites and homes.
The prosecution contends that safety procedures were recklessly ignored, and ‘toxic’ chemicals were injected despite knowledge of their toxicity.
The defendants allegedly lacked proper medical training and certification for practicing plastic surgery.
Defense Claims Training and Material Legitimacy
In their defense, attorney J. Michael Flanagan asserted that Adame was trained in Mexico and held a license there.
He argued that the materials deemed ‘toxic’ in the U.S. were typical in Mexico.
Flanagan contested the murder charges, emphasizing the absence of ‘intent to kill’ and asserted that there was no such intent on the part of the defendants.
Operational Details and Previous Incidents
The illegal surgery ring allegedly enticed women with lower prices compared to certified operations.
Adame and Galaz, who charged Rajpaul $3,500 to $4,000, allegedly conducted procedures in hotel suites and homes.
A previous incident in 2018, resulting in another death, was raised in court, though the defendants were not charged in that case. Investigators fear there may be additional victims.
Charges and Arrest: Flight from the Scene
The fatal procedure leading to their arrest occurred on October 15, 2019, when Rajpaul underwent her third surgery with the duo.
Images of the earlier procedure were shown, revealing lax safety measures. Rajpaul suffered a heart attack during the operation, and the mother and daughter allegedly fled the scene.
The defendants were ordered to stand trial in March 2023, facing charges for operating without a medical license.
Growing Popularity and Risks of Brazilian Butt Lifts
Brazilian butt lifts, among the riskiest plastic surgery procedures with high mortality rates, have seen a surge in popularity.
Adame and Galaz exploited this trend, offering lower prices to attract clients. The dangerous nature of these operations, which increased by 77 percent in America between 2015 and 2019, underscores the critical need for regulation and safety in the cosmetic surgery industry.