Possible to Reduce Breasts from 38D to a C-cup?

It sounds like you would be a potentially good candidate for breast reduction, but I think it's important to not just consider the bra size, but the overall shape, symmetry, and long term results that you could get from a breast reduction surgery. Fitting well into a C-cup bra should likely be achievable, but I would recommend a formal consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area to have a formal exam-- he can give you a sense of what size you would be, where the incisions would be, and what shape to expect after the procedure is complete.
Good luck!

Dr. Salemy

Yes, it is possible to reduce your cup size from a D to a C cup.I usually have my patients  bring in a photograph to give me an idea exactly what you mean by the size you wish as well as how "perky" you wish to be. When going down just 1 or 2 cup sizes I think the  minimal incision Breast Reduction/Breast Lift surgery using a “vertical” or “lollipop” scar technique is a good choice.  This method has been used in Brazil and France for many years but is performed by a minority of Plastic Surgeons in this country.  The benefits include: approximately fifty percent less scarring, a narrower breast, better forward projection and shape, longer lasting improvement, shorter surgery time and less complications. In general, I have stopped using the older traditional “anchor” or inverted “T” incisions as these provide inferior results.  The procedure is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis or in the hospital it there are additional medical conditions

Thank you for the question.

Yes, it is likely that you will be able to achieve your size goals after breast reduction surgery.

Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.  Most patients, like you, wish to achieve a enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. 

With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small)  very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C cup” or "fake looking" means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.

Best wishes.