38DD look great in bra/clothing. Would I look the same in bra/clothing with breast lift?

A mastopexy or breast lift operation is designed to improve the shape and position of the breast without reducing their size. It is used for breasts which sag or droop (ptosis). Sagging of the breasts may occur with normal development for some women, or as part of the aging process. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and weight loss are other conditions which increase breast ptosis. Some patients will have a better shape to their breast such as increased superior fullness if an implant is used at the time of mastopexy. The procedure can also be combined with a minor breast reduction to reduce the breast width if desired. The surgery will create an elevated, more youthful breast contour. Also, the procedure will create nipple and areolae of the desired size and at the correct height. 

Agreed, a breast lift (mastopexy) involves moving the nipple to a higher location and shaping of the breast; though to some degree some  a small amount of skin and tissue may be removed during the process, it is not considered a breast weight reducing procedure...

Excellent question.  It all depends on the degree of sag, the quality of your breast tissue, and how padded your bra is.  If you are happy with the size of your breast without a bra on, have reasonable firmness of your breast tissue, and  just want perkier breasts - you will love the look in a bra afterwards - and you could wear flimsier bras without support.You will look better without clothes on after the scars have faded.  You will have the appearance of being smaller because your breasts will not look as long - thus as big.  The volume will not change..Discuss with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for an in office evaluation.