Is it normal to feel permanent sutures through the skin, post mini lift?

I had a "mini lift" one year ago. You can't see the permanent sutures through my skin, but on one side - when I massage at the top of my ear at the front, and also behind my ear lobe - I can feel them. Like small, hard bumps. Those areas are quite sensitive and tender to the touch. I just want to know if this is generally considered a 'normal' outcome, if it should be dealt with, and if it means any incompetence on the part of my surgeon (who has been unwilling to discuss it).