Healing from tearing is a breeze compared to healing from an epi. I tore along my epi scar, second degree but I didn't need salt baths or anything at all. It just healed so much better. I could actually walk the day after the birth. With my epi I couldn't stand up straight, had to spray down there with salt water and have salt baths. Anti inflammatories were my best friend! Tearing, I barely even needed panadol. Hopefully you won't tear but rest assured it's NOTHING like an epi