

Donna Kates is the Owner, Operator, and sole provider at WNY Tattoo Removal, located at 484 Center Street in Lewiston, New York.
Before opening WNY Tattoo Removal, Donna built a career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse and served her country in the United States Air Force. That background in medicine and military service shapes everything about the way she runs her practice, with precision, professionalism, and genuine care for every client who walks through the door.
What sets WNY Tattoo Removal apart is simple: Donna is the only provider. Every consultation, every treatment, every follow-up is handled personally by her. You'll never be passed off to a different technician or treated by someone who doesn't know your history. That consistency matters, in both safety and results.
Using the PicoWay® picosecond laser, Donna delivers treatments for complete removal, fading for cover-up tattoos, and permanent makeup removal in a calm, comfortable, professional setting.
She serves clients from Lewiston, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Youngstown, North Tonawanda, and the greater Buffalo area. As a proud small business owner, Donna is deeply invested in the Western New York community. She's grateful for every client who chooses local, and committed to making sure each one feels that care in every visit.
What made you specialize in laser tattoo removal and why did you chose PicoWay over other lasers?
As a registered nurse, patient safety has always been my highest priority. When I decided to open WNY Tattoo Removal, I spent months researching every major laser system on the market. I chose Candela’s PicoWay because of its outstanding reputation for safety, effectiveness, and patient comfort.
PicoWay’s ultra-short picosecond pulses use a primarily photoacoustic effect to shatter tattoo ink into tiny particles while minimizing unnecessary heat to the surrounding skin. That means excellent results with less discomfort and a lower risk of unwanted skin damage when treatments are performed appropriately. I wanted to invest in the very best technology available because my patients deserve the very best care.
Was there a specific moment or experience that pushed you to open your own clinic?
There wasn’t one single moment, it was years of listening.
As a nurse, I’ve cared for people from every walk of life. I’ve learned that everyone has a story, and sometimes a tattoo becomes part of a chapter they’d rather leave behind. It might remind someone of a relationship, a difficult time in life, or simply no longer represent who they are today.
I realized there wasn’t a dedicated tattoo removal clinic in our area where people could receive expert care in a welcoming medical environment. I wanted to create a place where people could make that change safely, comfortably, and without feeling judged.
Opening WNY Tattoo Removal became a way to combine my nursing background with my passion for helping people move forward.
Why Lewiston?
I was born and raised in Lewiston. It’s a beautiful community filled with small businesses that genuinely support one another. Center Street has such a welcoming atmosphere, and I wanted to be part of that.
I’m proud to be opening a locally owned business here and serving not only Lewiston, but all of Western New York.
What does "judgement-free" actually look like?
It starts the moment someone walks through the door. You’ll never hear me ask, “Why did you get that tattoo?” Instead, I’ll ask, “What would you like to accomplish?”
Some people want complete removal. Others simply want to lighten a tattoo for a cover-up. Whatever their reason, it’s their decision, and it’s my job to help them reach their goal safely. Everyone deserves kindness, respect, and confidentiality.
What do you want someone to feel after their consultation?
I want them to leave feeling informed, confident, and hopeful.
Laser tattoo removal can feel overwhelming because there is so much misinformation online. During every consultation, I explain how PicoWay works, what they can realistically expect, approximately how many treatments they may need, and I answer every question they have.
By the time they leave, I want them to know they’re no longer figuring it out alone, they have someone they can trust to guide them through every step of the process.
Consultations are free, and there's no pressure or commitment. Reach out to schedule yours today. Donna will personally walk you through what to expect and create a plan that fits your goals.

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