Laser cartilage reshaping(LCR) is a promising method for reshaping cartilage by using laser irradiation to maintain permanently modifies its shape. However this method has not been fully understood due to the limited scientific researches. The purpose of this study is to analyze optical and thermal characteristics of cartilage during laser irradiation. After analyzing Monte Carlo simulation for the comparison of laser fluence distributions with different laser wavelengths the characterization of the spectral changes during Nd:YAG laser(${lambda}$ = 1444 nm) irradiation was investigated in the ranges of 900-1700 nm with double integrating spheres. The surface temperature distribution changes during laser irradiation were investigated with an infrared camera. The quantitative measurements of optical and thermal characteristics in cartilage after laser irradiation were correlated with the transition of water flux(from bound to free water) and this study may be useful for better understanding of biophysical transformation phenomena in cartilage after laser heating.