You may experience some discomfort over your incision following surgery. Most incisional pain resolves by 2 weeks following surgery. The incision is typically closed by 2 weeks and healed by 4 weeks. The disc herniation (and microdiscectomy surgery) leaves a small opening in the annulus fibrosus (outer layer of the disc) through which a portion of the nucleus pulposus (inner layer) was removed. This opening will heal with scar tissue within a few months following surgery. You should avoid repetitive twisting and lifting more than 15 lbs for 6 weeks after surgery. Avoid running and other impact sports for 3 months following surgery.