Abstract <p>Surface plastic deformation (burnishing) is one of the most effective finishing methods: it achieves a reduction in roughness, formation of residual compression stresses, and an increase in the microhardness of the surface layer of parts. These effects are achieved by plastic redistribution of the material in the zone of contact between the tool and the machined surface. The article provides an overview and analysis of the evolution of models describing contact interaction and the zone of plastic deformation during surface plastic deformation. Classic Hertz elastic models, elastic–plastic approximations, empirical graphical charts, and modern numerical methods are considered. Special attention is given to the mechanism of flow and redistribution of material, the influence of frontal buildup on the formation of surface topology. It is shown that the complex spatiotemporal dynamics of plastic deformation complicates the prediction of the treated surface parameters and requires further development of hybrid and digital models to improve calculations accuracy and process control.</p>