first degree tear

I had my lovely daughter a week ago today. I'm concerned though because the doctor said she didn't give me any stitches as my tear was a first degree and didn't necessarily need them. I'm confused because I looked in a mirror today (bad idea) and it looks like more than what I would assume is a first degree tear and I can't imagine it healing on its own. Will it always look like that or am I jumping the gun too soon?