11-24-2020, 01:17 PM 
	
	
	
		The difference in shades is actually not that great although there is a lot more noise in the lighter area.  Just my two euros worth but I would despeckle first. Then it is into pixel levels with clone and healing tools and a small fuzzy brush, more artistic than technical.
 
   
...and without spending too much time on it, more of an overview. The background is as much a problem as the subject. Since it is for a recolour, consider going in to grayscale mode for the repair, then back to RGB.
 
   
	
	
	
	
...and without spending too much time on it, more of an overview. The background is as much a problem as the subject. Since it is for a recolour, consider going in to grayscale mode for the repair, then back to RGB.

 

 
