Deflated saline implant under muscle - 14 years old? (photo)

I agree that there is no immediate danger in leaving the leaking implant in place until you can afford to have both replaced. It is NOT illegal to deflate the other implant. Either you misunderstood the surgeon or he/she is entirely misinformed and should probably be crossed off your list of potential surgeons. In fact, deflating the intact implant is an excellent idea - it will make you look more symmetric and will actually help with your eventual replacement - hopefully to current silicone implants which are excellent.

Your deflated implant does not put you at a health risk. You could leave it as is until you financial situation changes and you can afford a replacement. Alternatively, you can remove both implants but you will have ptotic (sagging) skin and your breast volume will be smaller than they were originally. If I could improve the aesthetic appearance of your breasts, I would exchange your implants for new silicone gels and perform a breast lift. Best of Luck,
Dr Shifrin

Your implant would likely be replaced by the company as they have a life time warranty and removal and replacement surgery should not be too expensive. Alternatively seek a local teaching program who could do this for very cheap