And while the operation ruled him out of the final stages of Leinster's GUINNESS PRO12 campaign, the 27-year-old worked patiently over the summer to get himself back into contention.
He was only passed fit to play last Monday but stepped off the bench for the last 20 minutes of Ireland's 50-7 defeat of Canada.
The prop nearly grabbed a try too, but it was chalked off for a knock on in the build up, although that did little to dampen Healy's spirits who was delighted to get back on the pitch.
"I was worried in the build-up," Healy said. "But that's where the lads, medics and coaches stepped in to say 'take your time and get it right'.
"That made sitting there rehabbing a heck of a lot easier. I didn't feel like I had to rush back for anything.
"It was a long old road back, but the staff showed a lot of faith in me and gave me that time.
"They gave me the chance to build up all the strength I needed. I wasn't rushed or sent out unprepared.
"You're on your own in the gym an awful lot, but I'm alright with that.
"I don't really have much of a mental downer on that side. I'm able to separate it pretty well and not feel hard done by.
"If you can do that I think it makes everything else an awful lot easier, if you don't feel like you've had anything unjust done against you then it's easy to tip away rehab and get yourself better.
"It was important to get out and show them that their trust in me would pay off."
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Guinness PRO12 Leinster News
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